Human Response 764: No fear of God

Psalm 36:1-2 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

When we see the transgression of the wicked it speaks to our hearts and shows us that he does not fear God. If he truly feared (believed) God he would not act in such sinful ways. The true believer knows God in His holiness and his conscience fears His deserved wrath and judgment. He also knows the love and mercy of God for He has revealed it in Christ. Since the unbeliever does not know the incredible love of God he purposely denies his sin against a holy God.

Not only does the non-fearer deny his sin and guilt, he also flatters himself with self-righteous lies into thinking he is good enough as he is. This person, that is also within each of us, needs to hear the Law and judgment of God’s Word to convict him of sin and reveal his guilt. He should see how hateful he really is. Then he will turn to the Gospel of Christ for forgiveness and mercy. That’s the saving purpose of hearing the judgment of the Law. Humility, repentance, and trust is the point of the Law leading us to the saving Gospel. It’s not about you! it’s all about God.