Vol.III No.VII Pg.1
August 1966

The Price Of Fear

Robert F. Turner

The "fearful" will go to Hell. In REV.21:8 they are classed with the unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, and all liars; an unsavory company. Have you stopped to think why this is so? Your soul may be at stake!!

There are "fears" which are necessary in the Christian life -- such as; deep, abiding respect for God; (HEB.12:28) "be not highminded, but fear;" (ROM.11:20) and "fear" lest Christians will stray from Christ (2CO.11:3). Such "fears" are in keeping with a strong faith in God.

But there are fears that spring from doubt; (MAT.14:25-32) which manifest themselves in many ways. When God sent Israel forth to war He rejected the "fearful" "lest his brethren's heart melt as his heart" (DEU.20:8). God wants people who put trust in Him; not in physical strength or numbers (JDG.7:3).

Those who "fear the people" and "love the praise of men more than the praise of God" (JOH.12:42-43) are of little value to the Lord.

Anxieties cripple our usefulness, and prevent our putting His kingdom first in our lives (LUK.12:22-34). If we "fear" to ask, we will not learn; (LUK.9:45) and if we "fear" to act, we become "unprofitable" (MAT.25:25-f).

"Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (MAT.10:28). This is part of Christ's instructions to the twelve, sent to proclaim truth in a hostile world. In later years Jesus spoke to Paul in a vision, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace; For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city" (ACT.18:9-10).

Today the Lord's cause needs men of courage -- men unafraid to speak -- men more concerned for their soul and the lost souls about them, than for self. Soft preachers are not money-hungry. In these days an educated man can make a good living at something else. But they are cowards!! and this lack of faith in God will send them to hell with the rest of the fearful.