24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Acts 24
When the word of God is preached in power, it causes men to tremble, even unregenerate men like Felix. Everyone knows when the Holy Spirit shows up in power, whether they like it or not. The Pharisees gnashed their teeth at Stephen when he bore witness against them, being full of the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:54). Then they stoned him to death.
Being concerned, being worried about the wrath to come is a good first step. Jesus uses many things to get our attention. Ultimately, being a Christian is not about just not wanting to not go to hell, or avoid punishment, it is about wanting to be with and like the God of the Universe, including all of his characteristics, whether they be his love and his mercy, or his justice and his wrath against sin.
Jesus is not a monster, but he is not a pushover either. He is savior, and by his blood he has purchased for us salvation to the uttermost. But we have to come to him on his terms. We must be born again to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom......
Psalm 111:10
The early church was marked by a deep fear and reverence for the Lord. The late church (today), not as much.
Blessings,
Travis