From Fear to Faith

Why does the Bible sometimes seem to encourage fear in our relationship to God, such as in Proverbs 1:7 (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge), and at other times appear to view fear as something negative as in 1 John 4:18, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear?

The Bible distinguishes two kinds of fears in our relationship to Cod one profitable and to be coveted; the other, non-saving and usually unprofitable. The profitable kind of fear has been called, childlike fear; the unprofitable, slavish fear. Love to Cod casts out slavish fear, but not childlike fear. In spiritual life, childlike reverence and love for Cod walk hand-in-hand. Thus, childlike fear is the beginning of knowledge.

Much ink has been spilled in attempting to define the spiritual nature of childlike fear so as to distinguish it from slavish fear. Perhaps John Brown has caught the scriptural nuances best when he furnished this simple, summary definition: True fear esteems the smiles and frowns of God above the smiles and frowns of man.

Actually, the two fears are radically different in nature. This may be highlighted by listing several characteristics of each:

Slavish Fear Childlike Fear

Rooted in: covenant of works flowing from natural, fallen heart covenant of grace flowing from eternal, sovereign mercy

Resting in: a quiet conscience God Triune alone

Provoked by: consequences of sin; hence, never humbled as unworthy sinner God-dishonoring nature of sin; hence, humbled as chief sinner

Motivated by: legalistic servitude seeking reward voluntary obedience seeking grace

Hatred for: punishment sin

Seeking for: self-preservation; self-honor preservation of God's attributes; God's honor

Noted for: convincing of sin; returning to the world; an eye closed to Christ converting from sin; parting from world; an eye fixed on Christ

Endurance of: temporary; activated by "fits and starts" more steady; abides despite some variation

Results of: unbroken enmity; hard thoughts of God; damnation broken enmity; loving thoughts of God; salvation

Why were the Jews so afraid of pronouncing the particular covenant name of God in Bible times?

They interpreted the third commandment as requiring such reverence and respect for Cods name that human lips ought not be allowed to express the sacred letters, Yhvh (with Hebrew vowel points, Yahweh; or, as translated into English, Jehovah or LORD). Hence, they usually substituted the name, Adonai, meaning, Lord.

Though their reverence has a commendable aspect to it, at bottom this is a classic example which underscores the detrimental effect of slavish fear dominating childlike fear. Through the Incarnation, God encourages sinners to call Him by name. In Christ, His name is no ground for terror, but only ground for precious comfort, childlike boldness, and yes, everlasting salvation. For Jehovah is His name.

According to Scripture, Jesus Christ is a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Could you please explain who Melchizedek is and why Christ is a priest after his order?

Melchizedek was Salems priest-king of the most high Cod, who came to meet Abraham when he triumphantly returned from fighting with Chedorlaomer, to bring bread and wine for the refreshment of Abrahams weary army (cf. Gen. 14; Heb. 7).

Christs priesthood is frequently said to be after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:17, 21) for several reasons:

First, Melchizedek was a unique priest, gaining his priesthood without predecessors or successors, thereby typifying Christ whose priesthood is not by human succession but by divine authority and appointment.

Second, Melchizedeks priesthood was marked by grace as it was not merited or channeled; Christs priesthood is permeated with the sovereign grace of God Triune at every juncture in sacrifice, intercession, and blessing.

Third, no beginning or ending of Melchizedeks priesthood is recorded as symbolic of the eternalness of Christs priesthood. Christs priesthood is from eternity to eternity.

Fourth, Melchizedeks priesthood was one of royalty; Christ is His Fathers appointed priestly King. This is highlighted in Melchizedeks name: Melchiz means righteousness; zedek, king; Salem, peace.

Jesus Christ is the King of righteousness who comes to sinners in Bethlehems manger from the eternal council of peace. In Him, righteousness and peace meet each other (Ps. 85:10); He is Melchizedek par excellence.

The perfect love of the Father in the giving of His Son to be priest after the order of Melchizedek casts out slavish fear and fills His grateful children with filial reverance and trust.

Lord, make us childlike God-fearers, not slavish man-fearers. Carry us from fear to faith.

Forward questions intended for this department to: Rev. J.R. Beeke, 55 Robin Hood Way, Wayne, NJ 07470. Questions will be published anonymously.

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