“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolater, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev 21:8.
This is the end result of fear. Why does God consider the fearful as sinners, as evil, as deserving a place in everlasting torment?
Consider this. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Rom 8:15. The “spirit of fear” is opposite and not compatible with the “Spirit of adoption” which “…beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God”.
Still, why are the fearful enmity with God? Because …”without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Heb 11:6), and the fearful demonstrate a lack of faith. Jesus said when He arose and rebuked the storm that threatened to upset their journey across the lake, “…Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?...” (Matt 8:26). John told us that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18.
Jesus came that we “…being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” Luke 1:74,75.
Do we really think it is Christ-like to fear? What did Christ fear, when he walked among men? Face to face with Satan, He feared nothing, because he had power with God. The devils were fearful of HIM! They said, “…art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” Mat 8:29. WE are supposed to have the same power. Jesus was speaking to his disciples when he said, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19. When He went away, He told the disciples they would “…receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” Acts 1:8. He also told us “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12.
We fear, as John said, because we are not made perfect. We must still be abiding in death. We ultimately fear death, because of the sting of death.
“The sting of death is sin…” I Cor 15:55.