It is not possible for someone to arrive at perfect fear, as we
previously stated, if one does not first acquire the introductory fear. For it is
written, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (Ps. 110:10).
Additionally, “The beginning and the end is the fear of God” (Pr. 1:7, 9:10,
22:4). When it says “the beginning,” it is referring to the introductory fear
which is then replaced by perfect fear which the saints have.
Introductory fear is appropriate for us and our spiritual level. It
guards the soul from every evil, just as tinning protects steel from rust. For
the Scriptures say, “With the fear of the Lord, everyone avoids sin” (Pr.
15:27). If someone distances himself from evil due to the fear of
punishment, just as a slave who is afraid of his master, he begins in part to
execute virtue.
In following, as a person executes virtue, he gradually
begins to hope and expect a reward for his good deeds, just as a worker
does. When a person continues, with God’s help, in virtue indefinitely and
comes close to God (according to the measure of his progress), he finally
tastes and senses God, Who is the ultimate good, and he no longer wants
to be separated from Him. Who can separate this person, as the Apostle
said, from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35)? At this point a person has
attained the status of a son, he loves virtue on account of virtue alone, and
he fears because he loves. This is the great and perfect fear.
—by Abba Dorotheos—
