A Fearful Thing (11/2/2025)

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

While much of the religious world decries “fear” when speaking of matters relating to God, the writer here and writers throughout Scripture proclaim its virtues. When understood in the context of all scriptures, it becomes a positive thing. 

Fear is defined as “a mixed feeling of dread and reverence.” This definition mixes the positive and negative to portray an attitude toward God that shows our supreme respect for Him and for His authority.

This admonition falls near the end of the writer’s warnings about drawing near to God, about being true to the profession of our faith, about consistent worship, and about not sinning willfully. The writer also has expressed God’s stance about vengeance: He Himself will take care of any need for revenge.

If we “fear God and keep His commandments,” as Solomon commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13), we will have no danger of encountering the wrath of God—rather we can look forward to an eternal home with Him.