The utterly casual way in which sin is treated in modern society shows that the indictment of God concerning humanity is just as relevant today as it was in New Testament times. The apostle Paul in Romans 3:10-18 sets out the evidence of Scripture showing that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” His list of indictments against humanity is horrendous. It leaves us in no doubt of our absolute guilt in the sight of God and shows us our total need of God’s mercy revealed in Christ. And at the end of this list, we find the conclusive proof, the summary statement of our sinful nature. The quotation is from Psalm 36: “There is no fear of God before there eyes.” But this also gives us an insight into the nature of the righteous redeemed – those who have come to Christ. It means that the Holy Spirit has restored a fundamental fear of God in us. While some Christians tend to downplay the fear of God as an outmoded concept of the Old Testament, the teaching of the New Testament is very much in favour of the fear of the Lord. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 One of the characteristics of the early church that God restores in times of revival is this kind of fear of God.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:54:42 +0000
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