The Purpose of Fear

Before we move forward on the purpose of fear, it’s important to have a somewhat universal definition for the word “fear.” As you can imagine, definitions for this word range widely. Here’s one in which I think we can all agree: “The likelihood of something unwelcome happening to you or a loved one.” This doesn’t mean you you’re okay with it happening to other people. You just won’t have the same emotional response.

On its face, “an unwelcome happening” is not a good thing. Nevertheless, “fear” is only a reaction to the likelihood. Fear is a call to action. It’s what motivates us to avoid the happening or reduce its impact. For instance, if you are driving in a snowstorm, fear is what makes you drive more cautiously than you would normally. Caution is exercised to avoid an accident or, at least, reduce the severity if there is an accident.

The reason to be fearful of an accident is that the likelihood of having one is increased by the hazardous road conditions that accompany a snowfall. In this example, “fear” creates a positive reaction. In addition, the fear is rational and legitimate. An irrational response would be to allow the fear to become paralyzing or to ignore it completely.

What Jesus Says About the Purpose of Fear

In Matthew 10:28, the Lord Jesus made this startling statement to His hearers: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The context for this statement concerns believers who will suffer persecution (even unto death) for their faith in Christ. However, as believers in Christ, they will not be going to Hell.

In the above statement, Jesus is making a contrast between this temporary life we all experience for a relatively short time (maybe even 100 years) and life after death which is without end. Life after death has one of two destinations: Heaven or Hell. When the Lord uses the term, “destroy both soul and body in hell” He is not saying that the soul and body will cease to exist after death.

The Greek word for “destroy” is apokteino, which means to deprive of spiritual life and procure eternal misery in hell. Spiritual life in the Bible is synonymous with “eternal life”, which also means to be saved and go to Heaven.

Apostolic Teaching About Death

Death in the Bible never means annihilation or cessation of existence. It means to be separated. In terms of going to Hell for all eternity, it means complete separation from the goodness of God in any form. It means to never have satisfaction of any kind. An example of this is in Luke 16, where a man goes to hell and cannot have even a drop of water to quench his thirst.

You see, in this life, a person (saved or unsaved) enjoys much of the goodness of God in terms of satisfaction of many of our needs and desires. Here’s what it says in James 1:17: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Notice, the verse says “every good thing” comes from God. Every good thing you enjoy in this life comes from God, whether or not you acknowledge it as such.

The Lord’s discussion of fear should evoke the same reaction as any other legitimate fear. What human being would want to live in never-ending misery in Hell? The very thought of such an existence should bring about an immediate reaction. Specifically, what should be done to avoid such an existence? The purpose of fear in this instance is to take steps so that you not go to Hell.

There’s No Fear for the Believer In Jesus

The Lord’s statement strikes no fear in the heart of the believer (a saved person), but it should be very alarming for those that reject/ignore salvation through Jesus Christ. It would be like driving fast on snow and ice. Common sense would demand a cautious reaction. So should the Lord’s words in the above verse. The only rational reaction would be to receive salvation through Christ.

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