I think a discussion of the fear of God (in the Judeo-Christian sense) should begin with an understanding of what the ancient Hebrew text is really saying. Although I am not an expert personally, I am aware that one would do well to consult expert sources to deepen his or her understanding. Language is not as clear cut as we might like it to be. I believe the following link can be illuminating to those who will take a few minutes to read it. It is an explanation of the concept of fear as used in ancient Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament Bible).

I'd like to point out, too, that a common feature of Hebrew literature is parallelism-- two (or more) phrases saying the same thing in a different way. You'll find it throughout the Psalms and Proverbs in particular. One good example is in the answer cited by Vesuvius:

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him (Psalm 33:8)

"All the earth" = "all the people"; and "fear the Lord" = "revere him". It's obvious in this verse that fear means to revere, and I think that a study of the article for which I've provided a link will demonstrate that this is usually the meaning intended. However, there are certainly cases where those who oppose God as enemies have good reason to be afraid. The God portrayed in the Old Testament is an omnipotent deity who often vanquishes the opposition.

I am from a culture where Christianity is not the predominant religion. We don't fear God, we fear the wrath of God or the punishment from God, no different from fearing the punishment from a parent as felt by a child.

So when we engage in activity that we know is wrong, we are afraid of the consequences of our deliberate actions, because our understanding is that, since God knows what we just did, we are afraid of the consequence "He" will make us suffer. (I am speaking only of the attitude in the culture I grew up in).

Of course, since I started awakening to the idea that the connection to God is to be found from one's own consciousness, as the source of origin of ones consciousness, the fear of God has, for the most part, disappeared.

I do, however, separate the idea that there is a God that is greater than me, and that I am the lesser and not equal to the creator.

Thus giving validity to the idea of "ask and receive" rather that "ask and givemyself"

Fear has other meanings than scared, it also means respect that is the first thing, the second thing is what we fear we attract our selves toward. So I would much rather fear God than any devil. :-)

Fear is a creation of the ego to prevent us from awakening to our authentic self and getting in touch with God or our Source. When we endeavour to operate from our Source, we come to realize that the tenacious hold that fear imposes on us, through the egoic mind, is really an illusion that we have created and contains no power when faced with The Love of God. Fear has no power, only that which we choose to give it and when we shine True light on it, it shrivels in the darkness. For me I can no longer conceive of associating God with fear - it just doesn't resonate within my being.

As for repercussions from past errors, I think that is what this whole journey is about - realizing who we really are and learning and growing from our past mistakes and where possible making amends or finding a way to help others or add in some beneficial way to the Whole.

The problem is I don't think that people fear God at all. Some don't even believe he exist and others just well surely there will not be a judgement day this is all maybe none sense.

What they don't realize is if you are not written in that book of life than you will not go to heaven and be with God always. By the choices YOU have made and maybe have not ask for forgivness for so his mercy and grace can extend to you.

Some people are truly angry with God. Some people love God. Some people are still trying to find God or find the true creator God, some just don't care either way for they feel when you die that is it anyway.

Than you got some who don't believe in God or anything else. I don't walk around jumping in my boots afraid of God but I give him the respect he deserves and knows that he has all power and he can do what ever he wants to do and I differently don't want to say anything that will make him angry with me. But I know he loves me a whole lot like he does so many more people including your self.

I know that when I loved my mother and she loved me but I had to give her the respect she needed as well as my mother for she demanded that and rightful she deserve it. It was just certain things I was not going to do against her for I knew even though she loved me if I did too wrong she differently was going to punish me to make me a better person.

Now there are many ways of fearing God but I am talking about the ways of fearing they one that has power not over just your human life but your spiritual body. My fear of God is a loving respectful fear as in a child and parent relationship but stronger.

If you don't fear the all mighty God why do you fear man at all he can only kill you but God can kill you bring you back to life and but you in another life or situation that is not good at all. God can turn you over to your enemies has he done the people in the bible or he can pull completely away from you and leave you to your self.

I love God so much I know he will not intentionly hurt me just like my mother wouldn't but that doesn't mean you want get tapped every once in a while because of the wrong choice you have made I don't want God ever not to come to my rescue when I call on him or to pull away from me that would be my greatest fear but I don't fear that for I know he wouldn't do that to me our connections is too strong and powerful. I am an heir to his kindom and a child of God.

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. Franklin D. Roosevelt link text

link text * I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. o Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

Fromlink textTao De Ching - Lao Tze 17. Rulers The best rulers are scarcely known by their subjects; The next best are loved and praised; The next are feared; The next despised: They have no faith in their people, When the best rulers achieve their purpose Their subjects claim the achievement as their own And their people become unfaithful to them.

I fear not god for god does not fear me.Chris

Perhaps it is because of the many passages in the Bible that speak of the fear of God:

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline
  (Proverbs 1:7).

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

• But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me
  (Job 23:13-16).

• “Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord. "Should you not tremble in my presence?"
  (Jeremiah 5:22).

• Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11).

• The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever (Psalm 19:9).

• Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him (Psalm 33:8).

• Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11).

• Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name (Psalm 86:11).

• Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).