THE FEAR OF GOD
A FORGOTTEN DOCTRINE (Expanded Second Edition)
by Dr. Arnold L. Frank
Download the Introduction
About the Author
Dr. Arnold L.
Frank’s education includes a Master’s of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell
Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA and a Doctor of Ministry degree from
Westminster Seminary California, Escondido, CA. He has done extensive research
on the Puritans via Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI;
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ; and Reformed Presbyterian
Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA. Frank also did an independent study of
the Book of Proverbs with Dr. Bruce Waltke at the Institute of Theological
Studies in Grand Rapids, MI. Frank has preached extensively on the fear of God
to his congregation and has also taught a twelve-week course on the subject.
Dr. Frank and his wife Jean live in Mansfield, Ohio. They have three daughters
and nine grandchildren.
ISBN: 978-0-9796736-1-0
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228 pages
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In "The Fear of God", Frank sets out to revitalize a doctrine that in times past – from the Biblical era to the founding of America – has empowered and emboldened Christians to lead lives that distinguished them among their peers as godly, meaningful and productive.
Early on Frank includes helpful definitions of the Fear of God found in Puritan writings. The first discovery of the Fear of God is found to be in Heaven. There the fear was not a fear of dread or terror but of a worshipful demonstration that is of the very nature of the Fear of God. The Fear of God is expected from all beings made in God’s image.
The central portion of the book describes the fears that people have in their spiritual search. Those fears are variously identified as exclusively ungodly fear, as provisionally godly fear, and as perpetually godly fear. A misplaced fear is described and known as the fear of man. Most everyone has this fear to a greater or lesser degree.
The final chapter of the book is largely dedicated to Christian preachers. Practical guidance is given on the preaching of the fear of God. The appendix has a Puritan sermon that would be helpful in these matters.
Second addition has ADDED Study Questions and a new Scripture Index!
ENDORSEMENTS
"The Fear of God: A Forgotten Doctrine" is a labor of love: love
for this precious doctrine of holy fear, love for those Puritans who
lived it in a more compelling way than any who came before or
after, love for God’s people today who walk in shadows because
the fear of man is too much with us, and love for the Word rightly
preached, which is able to bring the Church back to an attitude of
holy fear. Above all, this book is the fruit of filial love for our Savior
Jesus Christ, who alone is able to deliver us from all unholy fears
and bring us to a place of trusting all His promises to us. If you
would face unholy fears head-on, this book will make you strong
for the battle. If you long for reformation in the way the Church
worships, begin with the wise counsel you will find here.
— Linda Wohleber, Christian wife, mother, Bible teacher
In this insightful treatise on the Fear of God, Pastor Arnold Frank writes as a Puritan born out of time. Frank’s love and appreciation for the seventeenth century English Puritans is evident throughout as he carefully sets forth the forgotten and largely misunderstood teaching of Biblical fear. I have personally used Frank’s work in my own study and preaching, and commend this book to you, the reader, for similar use. May the Lord be pleased to work in our day not only to give His church a proper understanding of doctrine, but also to give His church the life-transforming reality of deeply knowing and fearing Jehovah God.
— Jerry O’Neill, President, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA
I recommend this book heartily to any Christian wanting to
know more about the all-important subject of the fear of God.
Dr. Frank unpacks this critical doctrine for Christian life in all
its aspects, providing a useful analysis for layman and preacher
alike. The reader will come away encouraged to pursue holiness
out of love and respect for our Heavenly Father who is worthy of
all obedience and love.
— Steven Gandy, Christian husband and father, Surrey, England
The Biblical concept of the fear of God is too often marginalized
or ignored by the Christian church and its preachers today.
The result is shallow views of sin, easy belief, and antinomianism.
With the aid of Puritan preachers, Arnold Frank sounds a
clarion call for a Biblical and sure approach to the fear of God.
He accomplishes this by distinguishing between ungodly fear and
godly fear, the fear of man and the fear of God, spiritual awakening
and saving faith, slavish fear and childlike fear, and the “almost
Christian” and the genuine Christian. He also explains how childlike
fear of God sanctifies affliction; relates to faith and love and
worship; and operates experientially in conviction of sin, salvation,
and obedience. Frank concludes this much-needed book by
providing practical guidelines on how to promote the fear of God
through preaching.
— Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids,
Michigan
What a blessing The Fear of God has been in my life. I have never heard or read anything like it before. As my heart soaked it all in, the Lord convicted me, and most importantly instilled fear in me through a proper, Biblical understanding. The nourishment I received through the sound teaching and doctrine presented in this book is priceless. This is a valuable exposition on God’s Word that is severely lacking in contemporary teaching. It increased my love for God and His Word, under His terms! I want everyone I know to read this book. Praise the Lord!
—Andrew Buczarski Contributor to the “Study Questions” in this Second Edition
North Carolina
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