Relating to God from Different Angles — Father, Friend, Helper, Creator, King, Almighty, Master, Savior, etc.
What is the difference between healthy fear of the LORD and unhealthy fear? Is it possible to “feel at ease” with God while, at the same time, having reverence for God?
These are good questions. Think of it in terms of a wise father and his boy on Earth: The dad takes the kid places, teaches him things and has a loving relationship with him, but the son doesn’t want to rebel because (1) he loves & respects his father and (2) he knows he’ll be properly disciplined (Hebrews 12:10-11).
Also, consider that we (believers) relate to God from different angles as disclosed in the Bible: God is our Father, Christ is our savior & friend, the Holy Spirit is our helper & comforter; the LORD is our Creator, our King (Psalm 74:12), the Almighty, etc. From each of these perspectives we relate appropriately as child, friend, recipient, created one, priestly servant and so forth.
God is our Father in Heaven (Matthew 6:9 & 23:9). Christ called the disciples his friends (John 15:15), but also stressed servanthood (Luke 17:7-10). The epistles emphasize believers being sons/daughters of the Father (Romans 8:15), but also says that we are royal priests of the Most High (1 Peter 2:9 & Revelation 1:6) as well as servants/slaves (Philippians 1:1).
In short, our relationship with our Creator isn’t one-dimensional and therefore shouldn’t be one-dimensional. Balance is key.
Related Topics:
Trinity — Father/Son/Holy Spirit — Yes or No?
Is Christianity a “Relationship with God”?
Legalism — Understanding its Many Forms
Created in the Image of God — What Does it Mean?
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