In the Old Testament of the Bible we read the command to “fear God.” In the New Testament we read “God is Love.”
How can we fear someone who is loving? Is it even possible to do?
Is there a difference between fearing God in the Old Testament and a God of love in the New Testament?
Although it’s the same God in both, one who doesn’t change, the difference is Jesus. Jesus alters the way we understand and perceive God.
True, God is to be feared and God is love. This is a spiritual paradox we need to accept.
In the Old Testament, the focus is on the law (rules) and the result is fear because we fall short. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the law (overcomes or replaces rules) with love. The result is that love trumps fear.
This doesn’t mean we should completely disregard a healthy fear of God, but instead to temper our fear with his love.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 John 1-4 and today’s post is on 1 John 4:8 and 16.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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