"There they are in great fear where no fear was . . . "
David is (here above) musing on the ways of wicked men; but I wonder if this principle of misdirected fear does not often apply even to the true saints. Why should sincere believing churchmen fear for the state of their souls, if they truly and really trust in Jesus alone for their salvation and the forgiveness of their sins?
We should fear God at all times; but this only leads to our loving Him all the more. But this is possible if one condition is met, (and it is impossible if this condition is not met). And that condition is a good doctrinal and theological understanding of the gospel, and of how justification is realized. When people mix works with their faith, it is no wonder they are in "great fear." They ought to be.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God." --Thomas Watson, in "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
