Enemies, Made Friends 

     One bad decision (Adam and Eve) and the human race became enemies of God. One substitutionary death (and resurrection), and sinners have hope (Romans chapter 5).

     The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy; he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread (Isaiah 8:13).

     There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1). 

     Therefore...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:12).

     Since you call on a Father who judges ... impartially, live your lives as strangers here (on earth) in reverent fear (1 Peter 1:17).

Why fear God, who loves us? 

     If parents and elementary school teachers and law enforcement and military officers need a measure of fear to win respect, why wouldn't God couple fear with love to encourage our obedience? We - no matter how successful - must learn humility, because...

     All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:6-8; quoted in 1 Peter 1:24-25). 

Tomorrow: Are you sure?