What does "no fear of God" imply about one's relationship with Him? Setting the Scene Romans 3:18 sums up the spiritual diagnosis of fallen humanity: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Paul is quoting Psalm 36:1, confirming that the problem is not new; it is woven into the fabric of human rebellion. When Scripture states someone has “no fear of God,” it uncovers profound relational realities: What “No Fear of God” Reveals • Estrangement, not fellowship – Without reverence, a person is positioned as God’s opponent (James 4:4). • Moral blindness – Proverbs 9:10 links the fear of the LORD to wisdom; lack of fear equals lack of true understanding. • Hardness of heart – Hebrews 3:12 warns of an “evil, unbelieving heart” that turns away from God. Absence of fear signals such hardness. • Independence and self-rule – Judges 17:6 describes an era when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” mirroring life lived without divine awe. • Exposure to judgment – Luke 12:4-5 contrasts human threats with God “who after your body has been killed, has authority to cast into hell.” No fear keeps a person under that peril. Relational Consequences 1. Broken covenantal ties – God’s intended covenant (Jeremiah 31:33) rests on His people honoring Him; no fear shatters that foundation. 2. Prayer becomes absent or hollow – Psalm 10:4 observes, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” 3. Conscience grows dull – Ephesians 4:18-19 speaks of those “darkened in their understanding… having lost all sensitivity.” 4. Blessing removed, wrath remains – John 3:36: “Whoever does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” 5. Distance rather than intimacy – Psalm 25:14 promises, “The LORD confides in those who fear Him.” Conversely, no fear means no shared secrets, no closeness. Why Fear Matters • It is foundational to worship (Psalm 5:7). • It cultivates obedience (Ecclesiastes 12:13). • It draws grace (Isaiah 66:2). • It produces holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). Without it, each of these blessings stalls. The Path From No Fear to True Fear • Recognize sin’s reality (Romans 3:23). • Acknowledge coming judgment (Hebrews 9:27). • Behold Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8). • Receive new life by faith (John 1:12). • Walk in reverent awe (1 Peter 1:17-19). Takeaway Where “no fear of God” rules, relationship with Him is broken, hostile, and perilous. Genuine fear—reverent awe—marks the doorway to reconciliation, wisdom, and intimate fellowship. |
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