Topical Encyclopedia Unholy fear, as described in the Scriptures, is a fear rooted in the anticipation of future punishment rather than a reverent awe of God. This type of fear is distinct from the "fear of the Lord," which is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Unholy fear is characterized by a dread of divine retribution and eternal judgment, often stemming from a lack of faith or understanding of God's grace and mercy.Biblical Context The concept of unholy fear is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is often associated with a lack of trust in God's promises and a misunderstanding of His nature. In 1 John 4:18 , the apostle John writes, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." This verse highlights the contrast between the love of God, which casts out fear, and the fear that is tied to the expectation of punishment. Fear and Judgment Unholy fear is frequently linked to the fear of judgment. In Hebrews 10:27 , the author warns of "a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This fear is not the healthy respect and awe due to God but rather a terror of impending doom for those who reject His salvation. It is a fear that arises from guilt and the awareness of sin without the assurance of forgiveness through Christ. The Role of Conscience The human conscience plays a significant role in the experience of unholy fear. Romans 2:15 speaks of the law written on the hearts of individuals, with their consciences bearing witness and their thoughts accusing or defending them. When one's conscience is burdened by sin and not cleansed by the blood of Christ, it can lead to an unholy fear of future punishment. The Remedy for Unholy Fear The remedy for unholy fear is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through faith in His atoning sacrifice, believers are assured of their salvation and are freed from the fear of condemnation. Romans 8:1 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance is the antidote to unholy fear, as it replaces dread with the peace and security of being in right standing with God. Encouragement to Believers Believers are encouraged to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which is rooted in reverence and love rather than terror. Philippians 2:12 exhorts Christians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling," indicating a respectful and earnest pursuit of holiness. This fear is not about future punishment but about honoring God and living in a manner worthy of the calling received. In summary, unholy fear is a fear of future punishment that arises from a lack of understanding of God's grace and the assurance of salvation through Christ. It is a fear that can be overcome by embracing the love and forgiveness offered through the gospel, leading to a life marked by peace and reverence for God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Free Grace Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Chapter xix An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. How to Become Fishers of Men Semi-Parasitism. The Fifth Book Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Chapter iv Index of Subjects. Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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