Biblical Answer

Is fear a sin according to the Bible?

The Bible does not categorize fear as a sin, but rather as a necessary ingredient in right living. To fear God is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God and to be controlled by a recognition of His righteousness. This kind of fear is not about being afraid of something, but rather about being in awe of God's greatness and being controlled by a desire to obey Him. In fact, the Bible says that those who fear God will not fear anything or anyone else (Proverbs 1:7, 29:25).

The concept of fear in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of reverence and obedience. To fear God is to have a steadfast relationship with Him and to obey His commands. This is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 4:10, where Moses tells the Israelites to "fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name." In this context, fear is not about being afraid, but about being in a state of reverence and awe before God. This kind of fear is seen as a necessary ingredient in right living, and it is contrasted with a life of sin and rebellion against God.

In the New Testament, the concept of fear of God is still present, but it is often linked with the idea of salvation. In Acts 13:26, the apostle Paul says, "Whosoever among you fears God, to you is this word of salvation sent." Here, fear of God is seen as a necessary precursor to salvation, as it involves a recognition of sin and a predisposition of mind to receive the remission of sins. This shows that fear of God is not a sin, but rather a necessary step in coming to know God and receiving salvation. In summary, the Bible presents fear as a necessary ingredient in right living, and it is not categorized as a sin. Rather, it is a vital part of a healthy relationship with God.