Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "The Fear of God and Eternity"

Episode Overview In the February 14, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Ligonier Ministries, theologian Michael Reeves delves into the profound topic of “The Fear of God and Eternity.” This comprehensive exploration examines the nature of divine fear, its manifestation in both the present life and the eternal realm, and its implications for believers and unbelievers alike. Reeves draws upon Scripture, historical theology, and vivid imagery to articulate how the fear of God transitions from a guiding principle in earthly life to a cornerstone of eternal existence.

1. The Nature of Divine Fear

Michael Reeves begins by distinguishing between two types of fear: the "filial fear" experienced by believers and the "sinful fear" of unbelievers.

“Jonathan Edwards said saints there in heaven will be like a flame of fire with love... heaven is the paradise of unconfined, maximal, delighted, filial fear.” (01:31)

Reeves emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is not about terror but a profound reverence and awe that leads to wisdom. He references Proverbs 9:10, stating:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (00:59)

2. Scriptural Foundations for Heavenly Fear

Reeves explores biblical passages that illustrate the fundamental role of fear in the presence of God. He cites various biblical figures who demonstrated their awe through physical reactions:

“Abraham, Joshua, David, Ezekiel, Daniel, Paul, John, all fell on their face, overcome by the tremendousness of his glory.” (02:20)

He further references Isaiah’s vision, where the foundations of the temple tremble at God’s call, and Nahum 1, depicting mountains quaking before Him:

“In Isaiah's vision of the Lord enthroned in the temple, the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called... the mountains quake before him.” (02:20)

3. Fear in Heaven vs. Fear in Hell

Reeves contrasts the eternal experiences of believers and unbelievers concerning fear. For believers, the fear of God in heaven is one of joyful awe and worship, while unbelievers face a "horrified dread."

“At the second coming of Christ... the sinful fear of unbelievers and the right fears of believers will crescendo... an ecstasy of terror on the one hand, and of delight on the other.” (05:45)

He explains that in heaven, the earth itself participates in the joy of believers:

“For Romans 8:19, the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God... on that last day the glory of the Lord will fill all the earth, and his people will fall down in fearsome wonder, delight, and praise.” (04:10)

Conversely, unbelievers will experience an intensified terror as they confront their eternal destiny:

“Hell... will be a dreadful place... its occupants... will hate God and the exposing light of his glory.” (09:50)

4. The Role of Angels in Heavenly Fear

Reeves highlights the constant worship and reverence angels have towards God, illustrating the perpetual fear and adoration in heaven.

“In Isaiah 6, the seraphim fly above the throne of the Lord, crying, holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts... with two wings they cover their faces.” (13:30)

He explains that angels, often referred to as sons of God, engage in fervent worship, shielding themselves from the overwhelming glory of God:

“The word seraph from the Hebrew saraph means to burn, suggesting they burn with a holy love, the flame of the Lord.” (15:20)

5. Transformation of Believers

Reeves discusses the transformation believers will undergo in eternity, emphasizing that their resurrected bodies will be “spiritual bodies” capable of fully embodying the fear of the Lord.

“When we are resurrected, our resurrected bodies will be spiritual bodies... filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord.” (20:10)

He references 1 Corinthians 15 to support this transformation, indicating that believers will share in Christ's own delight in the fear of the Lord:

“Our eternal joy will consist precisely in this fear of God, in rejoicing and marveling so entirely...” (21:05)

6. Application for Believers Today

Reeves connects the eternal fear of God with the current Christian experience, suggesting that our present fears are a foretaste of eternal worship.

“All our fears are a foretaste. The sinful fears and dreads of unbelievers are the first fruits of hell. The filial fears of Christians are the first fruits of heaven.” (22:30)

He encourages believers to cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord as it leads to spiritual vivacity and a more profound worship experience:

“To fear the Lord is to become more alive. It is for our love, joy, wonder and worship of God to be more acute, more affecting.” (22:45)

7. Conclusion: Eternal Perspective on Fear

Reeves concludes by affirming that the fear of God is not a diminished aspect of eternal bliss but a central element of heavenly worship and joy.

“The fear of the Lord is the ultimate affection. It is the very aroma of heaven.” (23:00)

He references Thomas Chalmers’ sermon on the "Expulsive Power of a New Affection," explaining that a superior love for God replaces sinful affections, aligning with the eternal fear of the Lord.

“The fear of God is the affection that expels our sinful fears. The fear of the Lord is the affection that expels our anxieties.” (23:05)

Ultimately, Reeves portrays the fear of God as an ecstatic, joyful reverence that will fully blossom in the presence of God, transforming believers into beings of "fearful happiness."

Key Takeaways

• Differentiated Fear: Believers experience a filial, joyful fear of God that contrasts with the sinful dread experienced by unbelievers.

• Biblical Basis: Numerous scriptures underpin the concept of divine fear, highlighting its significance in both earthly life and eternity.

• Heavenly Worship: Angels exemplify the perfect fear and worship of God, setting a model for believers’ eternal experiences.

• Transformation: Believers will undergo a transformation that enhances their ability to fully fear and adore God in eternity.

• Present Application: Cultivating a deeper fear of God now aligns believers with their future eternal worship and joy.

Notable Quotes

• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Michael Reeves (00:59)

• “At the second coming of Christ... the sinful fear of unbelievers and the right fears of believers will crescendo...” – Michael Reeves (05:45)

• “To fear the Lord is to become more alive.” – Michael Reeves (22:45)

Final Thoughts

Michael Reeves’ insightful exposition on “The Fear of God and Eternity” provides believers with a transformative understanding of divine fear. By framing fear not as a debilitating emotion but as a profound reverence that leads to wisdom and joyful worship, Reeves invites listeners to embrace a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God both now and in eternity. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that the fear of the Lord is integral to our spiritual growth and eternal destiny.