“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
–Proverbs 16:6
END TIMES WISDOM
There is a definite connection between fear of the LORD and mercy.
There can be no mercy without there first being a fear of the LORD.
This may seem counter-intuitive to the workers of iniquity, but it makes sense. Without a fear of the LORD, man will be deceived by the lies of the enemy. Without fear of the LORD, man cannot believe he needs a Savior. Without the fear of the LORD, man will choose to disregard the gospel and be condemned.
The fear of the LORD is said to be the beginning of both wisdom and knowledge. Without either, it’s hard to see how the lost even know they have a problem.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:”
–Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”
–Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
–Proverbs 1:7
How is fear of the LORD connected with mercy?
To those who fear Him, God extends many, many promises. These include promises of protection and provision.
“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”
–Proverbs 19:23
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”
–Psalm 34:7
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
–Proverbs 22:4
These promises of protection and provision include all those who previously were enemies of God Almighty but change directions and turn to Him in repentance.
These former enemies then share in those promises of protection and provision.
“The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
–Proverbs 10:27
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
–Proverbs 14:26
Because “fear of the LORD” is such an important concept, it appears in the Bible more than two dozen times. A correct appreciation of who God is and a right relationship begin with the fear of the LORD.
IF one has the fear of the LORD, one needs fear no man.
For this reason, the modern pagan temples called churches teach that “fear of the LORD” does not really mean fear. The apostates claim it means “reverence” or “awe.”
ANYTHING but fear.
Fear of the LORD: Fear is Fear
Believers are to pray for the workers of iniquity (indeed, for ALL of the lost) including those snared in the works-driven, gospel-less churches. In addition, Christians are to try and save as many as possible; pulling them from the fire.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire”
–Jude 1:22-23
Often, one is attempting to help those who fight against all efforts at saving them from destruction.
Still, believers are commanded to try.
This occurs not only by prayer, but also by offering the gospel and serving as an example of the transformed, spirit-filled life.
PEACE THROUGH FEAR
Counter-intuitively, the fear of the LORD produces peace.
Again, IF one has a fear of the LORD, one needs fear no man.
“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.”
–Isaiah 35:4
Being at peace with a God who controls all produces a serenity which surpasses all understanding.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
–Philippians 4:7
The fear of the LORD means a loss of the fear of death.
God’s Promise to Believers: O Death, Where is Thy Sting?
The realization of the limits of man’s power enables believers to be overcomers in the end times–which leads to eternal glory.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Almighty God still offers mercy to all for yet a while.
That mercy begins with the fear of the LORD.
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”
–Proverbs 14:27
Tender Mercies of the Lord: Will Not Always Be Available
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:”
–2Corinthians 4:3
THE GOSPEL
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
-—1 Corinthians 1:18-19
The Gospel is Hidden to Those who are Lost
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: March 8, 2016.]
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: Dore/pd
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-16. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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