Revelation 14:7 declares, “Fear God and give glory to Him.” What does it mean to “fear God”? According to Scripture, those who fear the Lord demonstrate it through obedience to His law. Ecclesiastes 12:13. A part of the everlasting gospel is God’s ability to save us from sin—or transgression. 1 John 3:4. You cannot separate God’s eternal law from the message of the gospel.

The majority of people in the Bible feared men, but a few stand out as sterling examples of how to fear God.

Abraham comes to mind. “Do not lay your hand on the lad… for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:12. Abraham showed his fear of God by surrendering his most precious possession. His reverence led to total obedience and trust.

Joseph showcased the fear of God. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph refused, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and this wisdom helped Joseph discern right from wrong and stand firm. Proverbs 9:10. True reverence for God is a powerful defense against temptation.

Job provides another example. The Bible describes him as “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” Job 1:1. Job’s fear of God was best revealed in his suffering, when Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15. Even when he did not understand his circumstances, Job remained faithful. His reverence for God led him to reject evil and cling to righteousness.

To fear God is not to be afraid of Him, but to love, honor and obey Him above all else. It is to live fully surrendered to His will. This is the call of the everlasting gospel—to live in reverent obedience, trusting God’s power to keep us from falling.