by Richard Alleine
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf format
The nature and necessity of fear, and its usefulness
This text has been initially updated from EEBO-TCP by Project Puritas (Logan West, with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf.) www.puritansearch.org. Further revision and editing done by Monergism. Copyright Monergism via universal text usage permission from the above.
"Godly Fear" by Richard Alleine explores the nature, necessity, and usefulness of fear, examining its role in driving sinners towards Christ and motivating Christians to lead a godly life. Drawing inspiration from Hebrews 12:28 & Provebs 28:14, the book explores the type of fear that is linked with blessedness and what that blessedness entails.
At the outset, Alleine distinguishes between various kinds of fear. There is a fear born out of human weakness, such as the anxiety experienced by those who are easily alarmed by minor dangers, or the fear of those who are overly scrupulous in their moral judgments, second-guessing every action out of worry that they might inadvertently commit a sin. Such fears are grounded in ignorance and misunderstanding, leading to unnecessary distress and anxiety.
Yet, not all fears are unfounded. Some, based on a genuine understanding of sin and its repercussions, serve as crucial motivators for leading a righteous life. There is also a fear that stems from wickedness, where individuals fear the demands and consequences of leading a religious life. Such individuals might dread the rigors of religious discipline or fear the repercussions of embracing Christ, given the sacrifices and potential persecution involved.
Furthermore, the guilty often live in fear, tormented by their conscience and the weight of their wrongdoings. This self-inflicted torment is a reflection of their actions and a precursor to the divine judgment that awaits.
At its core, "Godly Fear" focuses on the blessed fear, a proactive aversion to potential future evils, whether they are sins or miseries. This fear is rooted in a deep understanding and awareness of the repercussions of sin. It is not a mere emotional reaction but is underpinned by discernment and wisdom. To truly fear sin, one must first recognize its inherent evil, understanding its nature and the profound harm it can inflict on the soul.
Faith plays an integral role in this understanding. It helps believers view sin as God sees it, recognizing its snares and the myriad miseries it can spawn. Faith provides a present awareness of the evils of sin and offers foresight into the devastation it can unleash in the future.
In summary, "Godly Fear" is a profound exploration of the multifaceted nature of fear, emphasizing the importance of a deep-seated, discerning fear rooted in understanding and faith. This fear serves as a deterrent against sin and a catalyst for leading a life in alignment with divine principles.
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Table of Contents
To the Reader
The Text Opened - Provebs 28:14
-- Doct. A Life of Holy Fear is a Blessed Life.
I. The Opposites of this Fear
II. The Grounds or Reasons of Men's Fearlessness
III. The Grounds and Reasons why we should Fear.
IV. What you should Fear.
V. Lastly; How should we improve this Holy Fear.