Fear of the lord verses new testament
The concept of "fear of the Lord" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, but it is also mentioned in the New Testament. Here are some key verses:
Old Testament:
- Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today?"
- Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."
- Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
New Testament:
- Luke 12:4-5 - "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!"
- Hebrews 12:28-29 - "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that is imperishable, that is, one that will last forever, let us worship the God who is the source of this kingdom. Let us come before him with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 - "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience."
In the New Testament, the concept of "fear of the Lord" is not as prominent as it is in the Old Testament. However, there are still several passages that mention the importance of fearing God. Here are a few key differences:
- In the Old Testament, the fear of the Lord is often associated with obedience to God's commands and a desire to avoid His wrath. In the New Testament, the focus shifts to a deeper reverence and awe for God's character and power.
- The New Testament emphasizes the importance of fearing God as a motivation for living a holy and righteous life. For example, in Luke 12:4-5, Jesus warns against fearing those who can kill the body, but instead encourages his followers to fear God, who has the power to cast into hell.
- The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of fearing God as a means of spiritual growth and maturity. For example, in Hebrews 12:28-29, the author encourages believers to worship God with reverence and awe, recognizing that He is a consuming fire.
Overall, while the concept of "fear of the Lord" is not as central to the New Testament as it is to the Old Testament, it is still an important theme that is woven throughout the New Testament narrative.