This is a misleading statement since it generalizes the concept of fearing God. Fearing God is a good thing in some cases, and a bad thing in others. Respecting or revering God is a part, perhaps, of fearing God, but it is incomplete. The scriptures attest to this by the following scripture where it is urged upon the Christian to do 2 things: revere and fear God. If fearing God included reverence, there would have been no need to expressly state it as a separate concept by use of the conjunctive word, “AND”. If they meant the same thing, the conjunction, “OR”, should have been used instead.

“28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.” Heb 12:28-29 (KJV)

Christians should fear God in the proper way defined in the Scriptures. As a general rule, fear that makes one run away from God in unbelief is evil, whereas the fear that makes one run to God for forgiveness is an evidence of faith, which is good. Judge yourself what type of fear is in you by this rule. The fear that keeps people from coming to God, or like Adam, hide from him is very evil and those that have this kind of fear are in danger of judgment and their love is not Christian love.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (KJV)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7 (KJV)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev 21:8 (KJV)

“But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” Heb 10:27 (KJV)

A healthy fear of God includes trembling before Him and this actually makes God take notice of you as the following Scripture attests:

“…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 (KJV)

The Lord and the Apostles command us to fear God.

“But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:5 (KJV)

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor 7:1 (KJV)

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Eph 5:21 (KJV)

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. 1 Peter 2:17 (KJV)

And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.” Rev 19:5 (KJV)