The Forgotten Fear: Why the Church Must Return to the Fear of God

In a time when many people talk about God as a friend, a helper, or even a cosmic therapist, we have dangerously neglected one of the most foundational truths of Scripture: the fear of the Lord. This fear is not outdated, Old Testament theology—it is the starting point for salvation, wisdom, and true discipleship.

Jesus didn't just say, "Believe in Me." He said:

"Take up your cross and follow Me."
— Luke 9:23

He also said:

“Deny yourself.”

And He warned, in no uncertain terms:

“Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
— Matthew 10:28

That’s not a light statement. It should shake us to our core.

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1. What Does It Mean to Fear God?

The fear of the Lord is not a nervous dread like you’d have of a violent person—it’s a soul-deep recognition of God’s holiness, power, and authority. It is trembling reverence that leads to obedience.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
— Proverbs 9:10

To fear God is to understand that He is not just a Savior, but also a Judge. He holds eternal authority—not just over our comfort, but over our very souls.

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2. The Fear of God Leads to True Repentance

Many today assume they are saved because they prayed a prayer or attend church, but never actually repented—never died to self. Jesus didn't die to make us comfortable; He died to make us holy.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20

True salvation isn’t just believing Jesus exists. Even demons do that. It’s a full surrender to His will. It’s turning away from sin, not excusing it. It's denying self, not indulging self.

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3. Many Will Be Surprised on Judgment Day

This is perhaps the most sobering reality in all of Scripture:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven... Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
— Matthew 7:21–23

They had religion—but not repentance. Church attendance—but no fear of the Lord. They called Him “Lord” but never followed His commands. And the result? Eternal separation.

This is why Jesus told us to deny ourselves and follow Him, to count the cost, and to enter through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13–14).

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4. Why the Modern Church Avoids This Message

Many pastors avoid preaching about hell, judgment, and the fear of God out of a desire to be encouraging, seeker-friendly, or politically correct. But we are not called to be popular—we are called to preach truth.

The early church didn’t walk in casual comfort. They walked in power and fear:

“Great fear came upon the whole church.”
— Acts 5:11

They had seen what happened when God was taken lightly (Ananias and Sapphira). We need that same holy fear today—not fear of punishment, but fear of dishonoring a holy and righteous God.

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5. What Does the Fear of God Look Like Today?

It’s not just a feeling. The fear of God produces visible fruit:

• Turning away from sin (Proverbs 8:13)

• Obeying His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

• Walking humbly and reverently before Him (Isaiah 66:2)

• Seeking to please God, not man (Galatians 1:10)

• Living with eternity in view (Hebrews 10:26–31)

The fear of the Lord is what keeps us on the narrow path. It’s what produces holiness. It’s what drives us to repentance and keeps us from treating God's grace as a license to sin.

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6. The Good News: The Fear of the Lord Leads to Life

Yes, we must fear God. But here’s the beautiful truth: that fear leads to joy, wisdom, protection, and intimacy with God.

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”
— Proverbs 19:23

When we truly fear God, we stop fearing everything else. We live to please Him. We stay humble. We grow in righteousness. And we live with hope and purpose.

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Final Thoughts: It's Time to Return to the Fear of the Lord

Church, we need revival—but it won’t come through entertainment or motivational preaching. It will come when we once again fear the Lord.

When we preach the whole truth of Scripture, not just the parts that make us feel good. When we call people to repent, not just to "come forward." When we teach holiness, not just happiness.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
— Philippians 2:12

The fear of God is not the enemy of grace. It is the beginning of revival.

Let’s return to it—before it’s too late.