Christian Deterrence from Sin

Pastor Martin begins defining the fear of God by examining how the Hebrew and Greek words for fear are used in ordinary Scripture language. He identifies two aspects: the fear of dread and terror (illustrated by Adam hiding from God, and Jesus commanding fear of Him who can cast into hell), and the fear of reverence and awe (illustrated by the command to fear parents). He then expounds the first aspect at length, showing from both Testaments that a legitimate dread of God is commanded and commended, even for Christians, as a deterrent from sin.