Why is the fear of God absent according to Romans 3:18? Definition of “Fear of God” In Scripture “fear” (Heb yir’ah; Gk phobos) merges awe, reverence, and moral dread before the Holy One (Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 66:2). It is not mere terror but an orienting posture that recognizes God as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Anthropological Root: Radical Corruption Paul’s argument rests on the doctrine sometimes labeled “total depravity.” After Adam, humanity’s nature is bent toward autonomy (Genesis 6:5; Ephesians 2:1-3). The absence of fear is the symptom; the corrupt heart is the disease (Jeremiah 17:9). The Noetic Effects of Sin Sin warps cognition (Ephesians 4:17-18). Behavioral studies confirm confirmation bias and moral disengagement mechanisms; Scripture identified the dynamic millennia earlier: “their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21). Because intellect and will are intertwined, moral rebellion blinds reason. Suppression of Truth in Unrighteousness Romans 1:18-23 details why fear evaporates: people “suppress the truth.” General revelation—cosmic fine-tuning, cellular information codes, the Cambrian explosion’s abrupt complexity—shouts Creator (Psalm 19:1). Yet rebellion pushes evidence down like a beachball under water; the moment restraint lapses, the truth surfaces, so constant suppression is required. Paul’s verbs (katechō, Romans 1:18) denote active resistance. Cultural and Historical Manifestations 1. Antediluvian violence (Genesis 6). 2. Pharaoh’s hardened heart despite ten plagues witnessed (Exodus 7-12). 3. Post-Enlightenment secularism that credits chance with design; Darwin’s letters admitted the “absurdity” of believing that the eye formed by natural selection, yet philosophical naturalism prevailed. These epochs illustrate that data alone cannot manufacture fear; regeneration is needed (John 3:3). Psychological Mechanisms: Conscience and Its Mutilation Romans 2:15 says conscience bears witness, but 1 Timothy 4:2 warns it can be “seared.” fMRI studies show decreased amygdala activation in habitual offenders, echoing Proverbs 29:1: “He who remains stiff-necked… will be broken suddenly.” Habitual sin anesthetizes the moral sensibilities that normally trigger fear. Spiritual Blindness and Satanic Veil 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” The absence of fear is also demonic strategy. Jesus links truth reception to liberation from the devil’s lies (John 8:44). Idolatry as Exchange Romans 1:23: they “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images.” Idolatry relocates fear from the true God to created things—state, self, nature—thus evacuating reverence toward Yahweh. Judicial Abandonment Three times Romans 1 says, “God gave them over” (paredōken). When God judicially hands rebels to their desires, the restraining common grace that fosters fear recedes (cf. Psalm 81:11-12), fulfilling Hosea 4:17: “Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.” Intertextual Echo: Psalm 36:1 Paul quotes Psalm 36:1 (LXX 35:2). There the absence of fear precedes transgression: “An oracle within my heart about the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.” David links it to self-flattery (v. 2) and iniquitous speech (v. 3). Consequences of Absence • Moral anarchy (Judges 21:25). • Social injustice (Isaiah 5:23). • Eternal judgment (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 20:11-15). Remedy: Regeneration and Gospel Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” The Spirit writes the law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). At Pentecost, listeners were “pierced to the heart” (Acts 2:37), a restored fear birthing repentance. The risen Christ ratifies this: “I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore… and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). His resurrection places all under obligation to repent (Acts 17:30-31). Practical Evangelistic Application Expose the law to awaken conscience (Romans 7:7). Present evidences—empty tomb, eyewitness testimony (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), manuscript certainty (over 5,800 Greek NT copies, <1% meaningful variants). Invite people to test prophecy (Isaiah 53 fulfilled in Christ), consider archaeological confirmations (Tel Dan Stele validates House of David; Pool of Siloam excavation verifies John 9 narrative). Yet always rely on the Spirit, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Conclusion The fear of God is absent because fallen humanity suppresses revelation, hardens conscience, embraces idolatry, and is judicially abandoned, all under satanic blindness. Only the regenerating work of the crucified-and-risen Christ restores true fear, leading to wisdom, worship, and salvation. |
    |