Paul tells us that Christ came to deliver us from "fear" of death. And we see that perfect love casts out "fear".

So we see that fear exists where sin is; and Christ came to save us from sin, and hence fear.

I think the point to realize is that one cannot just ged rid of fear, by saying fear is no good; fear is wrong. But fear is an indicator that sin is present, and that perfect love has not done its work.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

People who choose not to walk in the Spirit and mind of the new man should fear God. They have every reason to fear Him. While abiding in Christ no one need fear our heavenly Father. They have no reason to fear Him. Obviously, though, people who have never heard of God, who have never heard the truth, cannot fear Him.

Yes, Tom, I really did write the paragraph you quoted. Why?

But there is a way that fear can keep one in bondage to sin.

MM, are you saying that it is good to fear God if one is an unbeliever? But a believer should not fear God?

My question was addressing believers. This is a good clarification to make.

TE: MM, are you saying that it is good to fear God if one is an unbeliever? But a believer should not fear God?

MM: Yes, if one chooses to be an unbeliever he should fear God. Most probably do not, though. And yes, believers have no reason to fear God so long as they are abiding in Jesus, so long as they are obeying the law of God, so long as they are maturing daily in the fruits of the Spirit.

The expression, "way more better" should have been in quotations. Actually, it is usually pronounced - "way mo betta".

If one chooses to be an unbeliever, what difference does it make if he fears God or not? Well this is a moot point.

It sounds like you're agreeing that a believer should not fear God. Do you agree that fearing God is a sign that one does not know Him?

Quote:

---

Actually, it is usually pronounced - "way mo betta".

---

lol.

TE: Do you agree that fearing God is a sign that one does not know Him?

MM: Well, the devils know Him and fear Him. But in the case of a born again believer fearing God isn't possible, right? The reason they have no fear is because they are Christlike. One of the many fruits of godliness and righteousness is fearlessness.

2 Timothy
1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John
3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1 John
4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
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.

To know God is eternal life. The devils do not have eternal life. Therefore they do not know God.

To know God implies more than knowing about Him, or what He is like. Knowing implies intimacy.

Another way of saying this is that to know God is to love Him. The devils certainly do not love God. Hence they don't know Him.

I liked your point about fearlessness and being Christ-like. That's a good insight.