Main Title: Afraid of What?

By Pastor Michael Magbag

Scripture:

Hebrews 2:14-16
New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants

Fear is an emotion we all feel. No one lives without fear at one time or another. An interesting study was conducted to determine what people’s greatest fears were; the list for men and women was slightly different.

For example, women’s number one fear was the fear of snakes! Men’s number one fear was being buried alive.

Here is a list that combines the fears of men and women in order of frequency:

1. Snakes
2. Being buried alive
3. Heights
4. Being bound or tied up
5. Drowning
6. Public speaking
7. Hell
8. Cancer
9. Storms or typhoons
10. Fire

Notice number 7 - the fear of hell. Also - notice that no one was afraid of God! 


Generally, people do not have a positive outlook about life after death. Even some Jesus-followers lack clear assurance about what awaits them after death.

I’ve asked many people this question: “If you died tonight and stood before God and He were to say to you, 'Why should I let you into my heaven?'...what would you say?”  The common response is this: “Well, I have tried to be a good person. I have helped people. I’ve never committed any terrible sins.”
This does not give people assurance of salvation, because many still remain afraid of hell. If you are afraid of hell or judgment after death, you have not come to the revelation of Jesus and what eternal life in Christ really is.

Jesus said, “ He that believes is NOT condemned." That is what sets us free from fear. We are not condemned. Jesus has paid the debt of our sins - we have a secure eternity. If you are struggling with fear of death and hell…if you have no assurance of your salvation, call one of our pastors and talk to them. Jesus sets us free from fear!