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5) The warning to Christian tolerance
Christianity in general, particularly in recent years, has promoted the concept of the all-tolerant, loving, all-forgiving God: a benevolent paternal image. And His Son, our Lord, is seen as a helpful and understanding elder brother. Complacency is prevalent throughout our society and this can affect one's attitude to the Word of God. In the book of Revelation, the Laodicean ecclesia was warned against lukewarmness and complacency, a warning that can be applied to today's pleasure seeking generation.
Hebrews 2:1-3 gives the reader a strong warning. 'We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.' However, there is also encouragement. Referring to the wilderness wanderings of Israel, we are advised to 'harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness...hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.' (see Hebrews 3:6-15) In the same way Hebrews 4 begins with the warning, 'Let us therefore fear'. The chapter continues to give encouragement. 'Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest' (verse 11) and “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need' (verse 16) because we have a High Priest who can be touched by 'the feelings of our infirmities.' (verse 15)
Our world is waiting a time of judgement and this world will experience the devouring fire of Yahweh's anger. We know the devastation that is caused by earthquake, cyclone, tornado, volcano, fire, flood, tidal wave and tsunami, which are in the Creator's power. When the Messiah returns to this earth there will be an earthquake that will shake this earth. 'The Mount of Olives will cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west and there shall be a very great valley' (Zechariah 14) and the earth 'shall reel to and fro like a drunkard' (Isaiah 24:20), when the Messiah 'in flaming fire takes vengeance on those that know not God.'(2 Thessalonians 1:8)
The Psalmist, in dozens of Psalms, states that the faithful should 'fear' Yahweh. The word is used in the sense of fear and reverence. We fear His omnipotent power and we worship in reverence, as did Moses. The attitude of the Psalmist is captured in verses such as those below. Yahweh is merciful and long-suffering to those who worship Him in reverence and respect His great power and are obedient to His commands.
'The eye of Yahweh is upon them that fear Him, that hope in His mercy.' Psalm 33:18
' 'The angel of Yahweh encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them. Fear Yahweh, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.' Psalm 34:7,9
'Thou hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy Name.' Psalm 61:5
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