Does God want us to fear him?

Question

The bible contradicts itself a lot on this point...Examples below

Psalm 96:4
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

AND

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Answer 1

Brilliant question.

And I agree with the scripture in John.

You cannot love out of fear. That is like someone holding a gun to your head and saying, 'Love me or ELSE!'

That can never be true and unconditional love. Indeed a lot of people are religious with some kind of expectation of reward or fear of punishment.

Answer 2

Dear

The Best Course is the Middle Course, Between Fear and Hope / Love on God Almighty.

Answer 3

There are no contradictions here, didn't Jesus say that you must become as a little child to enter into the kingdom of Heaven, isn't this how we get saved, confessing ours sins and putting our trust in Jesus daily. Isn't that a Father and Son relationship. The word fear is used like a child fearful of his dad because he knows that if he disobeys dad he will be punished but it willnot be a punishment out of hate but out of love. As parents you know whats best for your child and you try to steer them in the right direction. As a kid I feared my dad but I loved him and he loved me, thats what the Bible means when it talks about fearing the Lord.

Answer 4

The fear spoken of here refers to respect, reverence, and even obedience to God. It doesn't mean to be afraid of God. There is no fear in Love. Perfect love cast out all fear.

Answer 5

Yes, we are to fear the Lord. The fear spoke of in John is speaking of the fear of satan.