The Fear of Death

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he [Jesus] 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; and deliver them who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:14-17

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The fear of death can be a healthy phenomenon. The fear of death keeps us from doing foolish things, like eating poisonous plants or jumping off of a cliff without a hang glider or parafoil. It is what keeps us going to doctors for help when we are sick, and what keeps EMT's giving resuscitation to accident victims.

There is another aspect of the fear of death that is a bondage. Many can be manipulated, threatened, or forced into dangerous or even evil behavior, such as killing someone else, because of the threat of death for themselves. According to the Bible, this fear has led to many false religious practices, to wicked behavior, and ultimately to rejecting any acknowledgement of God, because to acknowledge the God of the Bible, is to recognize Him as our Creator, to realize that He has the right to exercise authority, and to admit that we are accountable to Him for our actions. In fact, there are innumerable examples in the Bible of how God justly issued punishment on people for their evil ways, particularly when they reached the point of rejecting God's authority.

But while God is our authority , the one we are accountable to and whom we are encouraged to seek and to find and to believe, He is also our loving Savior who does not want us to remain in bondage to fear and to sin. That is why He took on a human form, was born of a virgin, without the sin of Adam, so that He could pay the price (redeem us) and satisfy the Father's demand for justice, by taking our punishment for us. He died a cruel death for no sin of his own, he was buried and rose the third day, and later ascended to heaven to show us that He will fulfill the promise He made to all who will believe in Him and call upon Him for salvation, that is, the gift of eternal life.

This gift He offers is free. All you need to do is call on Him and agree with Him that you are in need His forgiveness for all you have done in disbelief, and believe that Jesus has paid it all. Thank Him for your new freedom and ask Him to change your heart and life so that it will be pleasing to Him. Then go the Bible and and grow in your knowledge of God and in your faith. It will make all the difference in the world to you and your future.