The Fear Of God

IntroductoryGeneral readers, Lay readers / small groupsTop choice
Author: John Bunyan
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Plain, piercing teaching that cultivates holy fear with gospel warmth.

Publication Date(s): 2021
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9781848718180
Devotional Richness: 8.6/10
Devotional richness is plain and piercing, aiming at reverence that warms rather than terror that crushes.
Theological Clarity: 8.7/10
Theological clarity is strong, distinguishing true fear of God from superstition and self made religion.
Helpfulness for Preaching: 8/10
Helpfulness for preaching is solid, particularly for moral seriousness that stays tethered to grace.
Faithfulness to Scripture: 8.5/10
Faithfulness to Scripture is strong, with constant appeal to the Word and little tolerance for spiritual pretence.
Depth and Challenge: 8.6/10
Depth and challenge are bracing, confronting presumption and complacency with pastoral directness.
Overall Value: 8.4/10
Overall value is very high, especially for discipleship and for cultivating holy reverence in the church.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
176 pages
Type
Devotional
Theo. Perspective
Reformed
Overall score
8.5 / 10
Strength
Clear biblical distinctions that help churches pursue reverence, repentance, and joy.
Limitation
Its directness can feel sharp, it is best read slowly and prayerfully.

We find Bunyan simple, direct, and piercing. He shows that the fear of the Lord is not slavish dread, but reverent, loving awe.

We are helped as he exposes false religion, then calls us to a faith that trembles at God’s word and trusts His mercy.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

We value the pastoral realism. It addresses both presumption and despair, and it keeps the reader close to Scripture rather than opinion.

We also find it useful for catechesis and discipleship, particularly with newer believers learning what true godliness looks like in ordinary life.

We should read it when our churches need reverence without coldness, and confidence without carelessness.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend it warmly. It strengthens worship, deepens repentance, and helps cultivate a steady, joyful seriousness before God.


Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Introductory
  • Best For: General readers, Lay readers / small groups
  • Priority: Top choice

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Commentary

Puritans

Bible Atlas

Reviewed by

An Expositor