The early church, that is, the church in the Apostolic Era and the first four centuries of Christianity, was very strict concerning keeping the fear of God and holding to holiness by the faithful and the church, and concerning keeping the divine commandments. Therefore it was distinguished for the severe punishments inflicted on the sinners of those times to lead them to God's fear

1. Fear of God leads to repentance and compliance with God's Commandments. It prevents us from sinning, but if we sin, we will be terrified of the results of sin and of God's punishment. So, fear of God leads us to repentance and to return to God. 2. Fear of God is the beginning of the way and a shield of the spiritual life protecting from stumbling or deviating.