What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not?

Answer

The Bible contains numerous commands to “fear not” in various contexts. As God’s people, we are instructed not to live in fear, as there is no valid reason for it.

The Bible frequently emphasizes phrases such as “Do not fear,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Fear not.” These directives do not conflict with the instruction to “fear God” «Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. », (1 Peter 2:17). Reverence for God prevents us from sinning; however, fearing people can lead us into sin, which we must avoid: “The fear of man brings a snare” «The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. », (Proverbs 29:25, NKJV). Additionally, the biblical command to not fear does not eliminate the necessity of exercising prudence and caution in this world. We are called to be prayerful rather than reckless when facing danger.

The fear that the Bible warns us against is a blend of concern, anxiety, or dread; it is the sense of alarm that arises when we anticipate trouble or danger. Followers of Christ are not meant to dwell in a state of anxiety. Our expectations should be higher than merely expecting trouble. In reality, we possess the ability to overcome fear: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” «For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. », (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).

God’s directive to “fear not” is presented in various contexts throughout the Bible. For instance, the fear of what others mayWe think should never prevent us from obeying the Lord (see 1 Samuel 15:24; John 9:22). We should not fear lacking provision in this world (Luke 12:6-7). We are not to fear the plans of the wicked, even when they rise to power (Psalm 37:1-2, 9-17, 35-38).

When the Bible tells us, “Do not fear,” it means we are not to allow anxiety or fretfulness to rule our lives or take root in our hearts. We are not to be people of panic. We are to be people of faith.

Having been justified by God, we need not fear divine condemnation « There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. », (Romans 8:1). Having been chosen by God, we need not fear His rejection (Ephesians 1:4-6; Luke 12:32; Jude 1:24). With Christ as our Shepherd, we need not fear the valley of the shadow of death «Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. », (Psalm 23:4). With the Maker of heaven and earth watching over us, we need not fear anything (Psalm 121).

Psalm 91 speaks of the one who “dwells in the shelter of the Most High” and who says of God, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (verses 1–2). Those who trust in God can live fearlessly: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thThousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (verses 5–7). There is a direct correlation between faith and the confidence to face the dangers of life: “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (verses 9–10). We rest in God’s promise: “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble’” (verses 14–15).

Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Christ presents two very different results of that miracle. When the angel descended to the tomb and rolled the stone away, “the guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint” «and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. », (Matthew 28:4, NLT). The angel let them lie there. But later, the angel spoke to the women who visited the tomb: “Don’t be afraid! . . . I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead” (verses 5–6, NLT). With one group, God takes away their fear; with the other group, He allows fear to overwhelm them. The difference was one of belief versus unbelief.