Confidence

Dr. Couch, what is the apostle John telling us in 1 John 4:17 about having confidence? ANSWER: John writes: "Love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world" Our confidence replaces fear when we stand before the Lord, as mentioned in verse 18. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected by love." Believers go before the Bema seat where our works are judged but not our eternal destiny. That issue is over as Paul says in Romans 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation, judgment (positional) for those who are in Christ Jesus." We now stand as positionally perfect in Christ though in our walk, in our experience, we still are living out our sins in this life. Our destiny is secure but our works are judged, and, we shall receive rewards for what we do in this life. The word "confidence" in Greek is "paresia" which means "to be fearless, to be cheerful, to have boldness and assurance." We can do this because all of our sins were taken care of at the cross. There is no judgment or an indictment against us because of the death of Christ in our behalf! Those who think they can lose their salvation remain in fear and have no confidence about their salvation. And, they do not know their Bible. They do not understand the difference between Positional Truth and Experiential Truth! They think that what they do determines their redemption. Rather, it is what Christ did for us that guarantees our salvation. There was nothing that we could do to please God; Christ had to do it all! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Moses' Shining Face

Dr. Couch, the first time Moses went up on the mountain and received the Law from God, the Bible does not mention his face shining from seeing the Lord. But the second time he went up, it says in Exodus 34:29-35 that his face shone from speaking with Him. What is the difference? ANSWER:  Moses broke the first set of Law tablets because of the sin of the people in the valley when he came down from the mountain. He went back up and was given a second set of tablets. Then it says "the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with the Lord" (Exod. 34:29). Aaron and the people "were afraid to come near him" (v. 30). Because of their fear Moses had to put a covering over his face to calm their hearts.    One good explanation comes from Unger who writes that the first giving of the Law was totally legal, while the second giving was "mixed with divine grace and glory." This seems to be demonstrated in Exodus 33:5-11, for it says that when Moses appeared before the people, as shown with the pillar of cloud descending, they all stood "and worshipped, each at the entrance of his tent" (v. 10). At least for awhile, they had learned their lesson about the holiness of their God. These chapters were "learning" chapters about who their Lord was. In their encounter with Moses and God, Aaron reminded the Lord that the people "are prone to evil" (32:22).    God's people must recognize the Lord's judgment and His grace. There is not the one without the other. As sinners, we are due judgment, but Christ went to the cross to provide grace. "Don't mess with the Lord, as Israel did!" Where would we be without His grace and mercy?    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Mar., 10)

Fear of God

Dr. Couch, I have heard some say that Christians should not fear God. Is this true? ANSWER:  In my opinion this attitude is absolutely wrong! There are times when the word "phobos" (NT Greek) and "yee-r-ah" (OT Hebrew) can often mean reverence or respect, yet about half of the verses are referring to a Godly "quake" kind of fear of the Lord. This does not mean that one can lose his salvation but it does mean that God will spank those whom He loves and who have a rebellious heart towards Him. And that discipline can be painful!    The most well-known verse in the OT is Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The idea of quake" fear is used more than once. It is used in Exod. 20:20; Deut. 2:25; Job 28:28; Psa. 119:38; Prov. 1:7; 9:10. Prov. 19:23 says: "The fear of the Lord tends to life."    When the Lord struck down Sapphira in Acts 5:11 the text says: "And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things." This is not speaking about reverence but about fear for messing with God.    We may debate as to which verse is speaking about fear or about respect/reverence but there is no doubt that the idea of "fear" is a legitimate emotion for believers who play spiritual or moral games with the Lord! I think there is something wrong with a Christian who says "I don't fear God!" What would you think of a son who said "I don't fear my father! I can do anything I want and he will not punish me!"    I believe a Christian who does not fear God does not respect Him! And they are showing that deep down they have a contrary spirit—even a spirit that is challenging the Lord. Without fear a believer will go on doing just what he wants. He is one who is spoiled and believes he can do anything and will not have to answer for it!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch