The word fear is used in at least two different ways in the Bible. One way is to describe fright, apprehension, anticipation of something unpleasant, afraid. Another is reverential fear, reverence, in greatest esteem and respect. Solomon used the word fear in this latter definition in (Eccl. 12-13) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

I am persuaded, that men under the guise of preaching the gospel, have used fear as a tool to persuade God’s little children to submit to the preacher’s desires including baptism. How much peace are you going to enjoy having submitted under these conditions? We find in (Luke 3:7) this method was not acceptable with John the Baptist. “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” These were convinced there is a wrath to come, which they had a great fear of and was persuaded they could escape this wrath by being baptized by John. They were not manifesting any love or reverence for God, but fear of wrath. John referred to them as vipers and in (V8) informed them to “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance.” He desired to see some evidence that they were seeking God and not a fear of wrath. Even the most brute beast will fear wrath of another and most certainly the wrath of an angry God.

(I John 4:18) “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.” Those who are attempting to change one’s eternal destination are using fear as an instrument however, when God brings one of His little children home He uses love; perfect love casteth out fear. We serve and follow Him in love. He brings His children to Him in the same manner as He did with Jeremiah the weeping prophet. (Jer. 31:3) “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” It appears that man tries to drive the Lord’s children with fear but the Lord chooses to draw them with loving-kindness. Back to (I John 4:18) Fear hath torment but God’s perfect love casteth out fear. I am persuaded many of God’s children still live in fear because they have not yet been made perfect (complete) in love. I believe the gospel can when preached with power and demonstration of the spirit, set God’s little children free from this bondage of fear.

(Rom. 8:15) “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father.” Did you notice He connected bondage again with fear? We have received the Spirit of adoption, having been adopted in the family of God.

Now we find the scriptures using the word fear in a positive manner. (II Cor. 7:1) “Having therefore these promises, (Ch. 6:17-18) dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (V 7:1) is based upon what He stated in verse (6:18). “And will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” We are His children and He is instructing us to cleanse ourselves. To cleanse the flesh is to bring our bodies under subjection. Laboring to walk in righteousness. Concerning the spirit this has to be referring to our spirit because God’s Spirit has never before nor will it ever in the future have any filthiness about it. Our mind and our ungodly thoughts need to be cleansed. Purge our minds of all evil and worldly thoughts. Be spiritual minded, Labor at perfecting (completing) holiness in the fear (reverential fear) of God. We will never live complete holiness in this world, but we should strive to that end.

(Phil. 2:12) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed. Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This is something for us to do. You must have life to work. You must be in possession of Salvation to work it out. He says this to be done with fear and trembling. We are to work the salvation He has given us by His grace. It appears the words (with modesty and humility) might be appropriate. We should always be in fear and trembling when we try to work in a Godly way before our Saviour

Remember brethren, perfect love casteth out this slavish fear. Let us serve our God with a reverential fear.

God’s children have enough problems in life. Let us as servants of God, refrain from causing them to fear with a slavish and human fear, but let us follow the instructions of (Isa. 40:1-2) “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” What good news, not something to fearful of but something to rejoice in.