fear of God and faith

For I was in terror of calamity from God,

and I could not have faced his majesty.

Job 31:23

This is the statement of a man who truly fears God. Job is making his final defense as friends accuse him of sinning and “earning” his difficult circumstances as punishment from God. In defense, Job asserts he has been a righteous, holy, and just man. He has taken deliberate measures to turn from sins both internally (greed and lust), and externally. He has obeyed the Lord, helped the needy and helpless and defended the vulnerable. He has a solid reputation as a just, caring, and loving man. And he did so because he feared the consequences of sin and worshiped the majesty of God.

In Job’s quick summary, we find motivation for holy living. I too, out of love for the righteousness of Christ now applied to me - a forgiven sinner, should shudder at the thought of God’s judgment on sin. I should worship in respect and awe of my majestic, holy God. Respect and worship — fear of God and faith — all combine in serious trust and obedience to God in Christ.