“Perfecting Holiness In The Fear Of God”

by Micky Galloway

We have just been privileged to have a gospel meeting; a spiritual feast, to challenge us to greater commitment to the Lord. I am much encouraged with the knowledge and ability of our young brother and friend, Jeremiah Cox. He did not preach the traditions or doctrines of men, nor did he hold back those things that are needful for us out of fear of man or desire to please men. His lessons were from the Scriptures, therefore forever relevant and timely. His lessons were edifying for those who are saints as well as being effective to convict the sinner. Our responsibility, as hearers of the Word, is to examine ourselves and apply the truths that were taught. As Paul reminded the Ephesian elders of his work among them he commended them “to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

The theme of the meeting was taken from the text of II Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Note the text: “Having therefore these promises.” What promises? Those referred to in the previous text of II Corinthians 6:17-18 that God would be a Father to His people and “ye shall be to me sons and daughters.” God promised to dwell in us, but that requires something from us. “Be ye separate, saith the Lord , And touch no unclean thing, And I will receive you” (II Corinthians 6:17).

In order to accomplish this, two elements are necessary. On the negative side, “Let us cleanse ourselves” (we who are defiled by sin), “from all defilement of flesh and mind” (II Corinthians 7:1). We as Christians have much to do. While it is true that all purifying proceeds from God through the Spirit revealed word, WE must give diligence to purify our own hearts, and overcome our own sins. He, who expects to be made pure without any effort of his own, will never become pure! And he who becomes holy will become so as a result of diligent efforts to resist the evil of his own heart, to become like God (cf. James 4:7-8). There was a special reason why this should be made especially clear in addressing the Corinthians, inasmuch as not only was their city celebrated for its licentiousness, but the church itself had tolerated a flagrant case of immorality (cf. I Corinthians 5:1ff). On the positive side Paul said, “Perfecting holiness.” “Perfecting” (epiteléœ) means to complete or to finish. It is expected of the Christian that he should go forward, from one stage of moral purity to another, conquering sin, achieving new degrees of virtue, and leaving sin behind (cf. Philippians 3:13). It is implied that this also is to be the result of diligent effort; not apathy. This “perfecting” can only be accomplished in the lives of each individual Christian as he decides to change elements of his own life.

What can motivate me for such effort? The inspired writer stresses the answer, “The fear of God.” One of the most impressive concepts in the Bible is that of walking “in the fear of God.” We simply must be more determined to walk in the fear of God. This fear has to be taught. Moses said, “the day that thou stoodest before Jehovah thy God in Horeb, when Jehovah said unto me, Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:10). The Psalmist said, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah” (Psalms 34:11). Fear of God does not come naturally. As Paul explains the Old Testament text stating the sinfulness of all men, he tells us the reason why. “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-18). The whole of life is to “fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13; cf. Proverbs 23:17). Everything else in life is secondary to that. If we don’t fear Him, life has no purpose.

What Does It Mean To Fear God? Some have a limited concept of the fear of God. Some think that fear only involves being afraid of God, others think that a sense of fear, has no place at all in the service of God. But fearing God has two sides that are inseparable.

1. Being afraid of displeasing God. When Saul and Samuel were gathering men to go to battle, they took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent messengers out, each carrying a bloody piece of meat. Their message was, “Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen.” What would your reaction be? “And the dread of Jehovah fell on the people, and they came out as one man” (I Samuel. 11:7). The word translated “dread” (pahad), “serves as a strong verb of fearing with emphasis either on the immediacy of the object of fear or upon the resulting trembling. The verb may refer to the kind of fear aroused by a ‘terror.’ It refers to a strong emotion of fear” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament). Those of Israel feared God in the sense that they were afraid not to do what they were told. Simply put, they were afraid of the consequences of disobedience. Isaiah wrote of the Lord, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and (so) all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:1-2). David said, “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments” (Psalms 119:120).

2. Respect and awe of God. When Jesus raised the son of the widow of Nain, fear came upon the people. “And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people” (Luke 7:16). Their fear (phóbos) was that of awe, homage, and respect. The word means “to flee from, fear, terror, reverence, respect, honor” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary). Further they “glorified” (doxázœ) God. That means, “to recognize, honor, praise, invest with dignity, give anyone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary).

To “perfect holiness in the fear of God” (II Corinthians 7:1) is more than being baptized, more than “going to church.” The exhortation of the apostle is that they should make every effort to be complete in every way. It is a challenge to be more dedicated, more devoted, willing to sacrifice for the cause of the Lord!