Fear is an enemy of faith. This principle runs through the entire Holy Scriptures. When sin entered the world through the disobedience of the first human couple, fear came with it. That is why Adam and Eve hid when they heard God’s voice. Guilt, shame, and fear—the unholy trinity of sin—always keep us away from God, even when He clearly calls us to Himself. In the description of the final judgment in Revelation, it is said that sinners enslaved by fear (“the cowardly”) never believed and never approached God, even though the Bible clearly proclaims that God can be found by every human being.

Fear can no longer bring a believer to hell, but it does keep him away from God. The apostle Peter was afraid of the reaction of some Jewish Christians when he shared a meal with Christians from the Gentiles. In doing so, he denied the divine truth that all believers are one in Christ (Galatians 2:12). Timothy was afraid of the difficulties of ministry and, therefore, became less active in the Lord’s work. Therefore, he needed to be encouraged to “stir up the gift of God which is in you” and to serve in power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Fear is always an enemy of faith. Conversely, faith is the remedy for fear. The New Testament emphasizes this right from the start: “Do not be afraid,” said the angel to both Joseph and Mary when he announced the coming of the Savior (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:30). And when He was born, the shepherds in the field heard it again. When we trust the mighty God, who always keeps His promises, fear is replaced by faith. The Lord Jesus Himself said: “Do not be afraid; only believe!” (Luke 8:50).