Michael Reeves, president and theology professor at Union School of Theology, explores the transformative concept of God as both Creator and loving Father. He discusses how Jesus’ redemption reshapes our understanding from a distant deity to an intimate relationship, highlighting the shift from fear to love. Reeves differentiates between healthy filial fear—rooted in reverence—and debilitating dread, encouraging listeners to embrace awe and appreciation for God's character. This enlightening dialogue reinforces the gospel's power in nurturing a profound faith experience.
Understanding God as a loving Father transforms fear from mere dread into a loving reverence focused on avoiding sin.
A comprehensive view of the Gospel, emphasizing Christ's redemptive work, is essential for cultivating a healthy filial fear among believers.
Deep dives
The Nature of Filial Fear
Filial fear is characterized as a deep adoration of God that focuses on dreading sin rather than punishment. This perspective emphasizes the relationship between believers and God, acknowledging Him as a loving Father, which transforms the nature of fear from mere dread into a loving reverence. Understanding God as Father, particularly in the context of redemption through Christ, enriches the believer's experience, leading to a more profound and joyful sense of fear. This type of fear is not about being terrified of God’s judgment but rather about having a sincere desire to avoid sin due to the love for God.
The Role of Christ in Understanding Fear
The podcast discusses how the knowledge of Christ as Redeemer fundamentally changes a believer's understanding of fear. Martin Luther's transformation is highlighted as he moved from a loveless dread of God, seeing Him solely as a righteous judge, to recognizing God as a compassionate Father through Christ. This shift allows believers to enjoy a fear rooted in love and gratitude, rather than terror, and affirms the importance of seeing Christ as the key to understanding God's true character. Without this perspective, fear remains incomplete and could lead to a flawed view of God’s nature, where He is seen only as a distant Creator.
The Importance of a Complete Gospel
A well-rounded understanding of the Gospel is essential for cultivating filial fear among believers. The presentation of God as both Creator and a loving Father, accompanied by the narrative of Christ's redemptive work, is crucial for forming a complete understanding of God's nature. Without acknowledging God’s fatherhood, believers may only experience fear as dread for their sin without the accompanying assurance of God’s grace and love. This highlights the need for a Christ-centered gospel that reveals the holistic nature of God, providing both a fear that respects His grandeur and a love that embraces His compassion.
Jesus’ work of redemption reveals the boundless love of God for His adopted children. Today, Michael Reeves explains how the gospel guides us to look to our heavenly Father with dependent wonder and adoration.
Request Michael Reeves’ teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate
Meet Today’s Teacher: Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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