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Thanks for the response HD.

I agree that I should be more clear.I posted those verses from Hebrews to illustrate that a great motivation to persevere is to do the work of God and lay hold of that hope/joy set before us just as Jesus endured because of the joy set before Him.Knowing that Jesus endured more than anyone.

The fear of hell may be a motivation in our beginning with God but He tells us that we have not been given the spirit of fear and so I think God turns us (as we discover His goodness toward us)from 'running from to running to'...from looking back to looking forward....from fear to hope....from despairing at our own inability to being persuaded that He is able!

Thanks Mitch. Yes, you're absolutely right. I think one of the issues is there is no fear of God with non-believers.

Psa_36:1 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.

For Christians we have not only a fear of God but also the peace knowing God is understanding and loving.

Psa_34:9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

I think of David with Bathsheba. David declared that he deserved death to Nathan, but God wouldn't allow that level of punishment. There was consequences for David to be sure, but God was always loving.

His rod and His staff, they guide us. While we should fear that rod and staff, we know they are meant to help us.