Does God really punish people? Or does He let the consequences of our actions be our punishment?

Question

Can we really love a God we fear? Wasn't one of the points of Jesus' ministry was to remove our fear of God so we could love him with all our hearts, all our soul, and all our strength?

I don't understand some of the attitudes I'm getting here. Like Juliejulie saying I should be out there with real people instead of trying to stay in a comfort zone. Or rmoulton saying he doubts I believe in God. I have been a practicing Christian for thirty years. I just like disscussions like this. I have a wonderful church, a strong faith, and I study the Bible faithfully. I love God, and Jesus is my savior thank you very much.

Answer 1

Sin is self-punishing. That is the law that nobody escapes from. If we fear God, then we don't understand Him or know Him. We were taught (told) to fear sin.

Answer 2

I'm not sure there's a difference in the end. If there is a supreme God (which I suspect you doubt), and that God is holy and righteous, then His creation reflects His nature in many ways. It has a moral component as well as a physical one. If that is so, then discipline / correction and utlimately punishment are inherent in the system.

As to your second question, reverse it: how could you love Him if you DON'T fear Him? If your god is so small that you don't have at least a little fear of the consequences of going head-to-head with Him (which is what sin is, in the final analysis), how could you appreciate His grace and mercy? If you understand that He has both every right and every reason to reject you, how much more wonderful is it that He made the ultimate sacrifice to clean the slate?

At least, that's the way it seems to me now, after a good many years

Answer 3

My belief is that God should be feared more for displeasing Him than the consequences. Like a parent.Just the look of displeasure from a parent should be sufficient if things are as they should be.

I will point out what I view a difference in doing wrong and sin. Doing wrong happens, even in spite of our best efforts to do right. That wrong is a transgression. Sin is something you do with either intent or disregard. And just my belief, but I feel more is required in forgiveness for either. Wrongs need to be atoned for by doing many good deeds. At least I feel better about myself for doing that and giving it the best effort I can. Just me, but I think God is more forgiving than I am of myself.

Answer 4

We reap what we sew, but God is merciful and for this I am so thankful. It would be horrible to get what we deserve. The Lord is an awesome, wonderful and loving God.

You can't help but fear when you read in God's Word all the descriptions of Him. Lightning flashes from Him. No one seems to be able to stand in His presence. Blinding Light surrounds Him. The Bible says He is Spirit and a consuming fire. God is many times more awesome than any of His angels and one angel slew 185,000 men. In His presence we change. There is an awesome feeling of comfort and love and peace that surrounds Him. In His presence we are more alive than normal and experience fearful sensations. His presence at times is very heavy and it puts us on our faces, flat in front of Him.

Jesus did say, "Do not fear," when He was walking on the water toward the boat and many other times in Scripture. So we easily fear Him, because in His presence we change. I believe we fear not being able to stand before Him and being accountable to Him. I fear sinning because I do not want to disappoint Him. How does a mere human measure up to Christ? With both fear and love we experience Him.

Answer 5

Fear of the Lord is really a great reverent awe so no, Jesus did not remove that. I think mostly God gives us enough rope to hang ourselves, but yes, God does still punish us when we deserve it. We are told that He chastises those whom He loves just as a parent chastises an errant child.

Answer 6

you're completely good with regards to the loose will and the association you have made with punishment. to assert you have loose will yet once you do no longer do what i elect is not any loose will! Sins are basically human constructs designed by employing the early church leaders to regulate the loads by using concern-based residing. Sins and hell and the commandments weren't given by employing God. God is all-loving and would not decide or punish us. we can all ultimately return to the religious, non-phyiscal length to be residing house with God.

Answer 7

If you want to discuss faith & the Bible, you need to get involved with real people in a flesh and blood situation. It's so easy to score "gotcha" points from the comfort of your computer screen. Do the hard thing: read serious books, and engage in discussions that challenge you, not those that reinforce your comfort.

Answer 8

The fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom.Just as a fear of government prevents most people from breaking laws.And no,Jesus was not a hippie preaching love.He spoke of Hell often.

Answer 9

Fear or Torment of MAN..... is Not Godly Fear!

(Proverbs 29:25) The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.

BUT.....

This is what The Scriptures TALK ABOUT.... THE FEAR OF GOD.....!

(Acts 5:1-to-11) And a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

(Act 5:2) And he kept back part of the price, his wife also knowing, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.

(Act 5:3) But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

(Act 5:4) While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own authority? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.

(Act 5:5) And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and expired. And great fear came on all those who heard these things.

(Act 5:6) And the younger ones arose, wound him up, and carrying him out, they buried him.

(Act 5:7) And it was about the space of three hours afterward, when his wife (not knowing what was done) came in.

(Act 5:8) And Peter answered her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.

(Act 5:9) Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door and they will carry you out.

(Act 5:10) Then at once she fell down at his feet and expired. And the younger ones found her dead, and, carrying her out, buried her beside her husband.

(Act 5:11) And great fear = came on all the church = and on as many as heard these things.

WOULD TO GOD..... We had GOD.... So working TODAY....!

Then there would Be A PURE BRIDE OF CHRIST......!

Thanks for Asking ! RR

Answer 10

I would go with the second option, as we can read at James 1:13, "When under trial, let no one say: 'I am being tried by God' For with evil things, God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone"