that commences with one’s confession of Jesus as Lord (see Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 12:3) and culminates with the coming of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. 1:19, 28; 3:20; Rom 13:11). Until the Savior appears, believers are to conduct themselves and their affairs with an attitude of “fear and trembling” (phobou kai tromou). Reverential respect is due the one before whom every knee will bend in homage and every tongue will speak in praise (contrast Phil 1:28). Awe is an appropriate response for those
Page 74