Understanding Fear in the Bible: Its Nature and Spiritual Significance
The Bible often speaks of fear, not as an ordinary emotion but as a powerful force influenced by spiritual beings. Specifically, when the Bible mentions, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,” it is referring to a specific demonic spirit that can bring other harmful spirits such as the spirit of condemnation and the spirit of torment. God intends for His children to have a fear only of Him, a holy and righteous fear that leads to reverence and wholesome living.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit to the Chosen
There is a special gift of the Holy Spirit reserved for a select few on earth. These individuals receive a powerful assurance that they have been chosen for a unique calling. This surety comes with the assurance that if they remain faithful, their calling is theirs to claim. According to scripture, those who receive this gift have no doubt or fear that they have not been chosen for a significant purpose by God.
Being born again and baptized/anointed by the Holy Spirit is a rare and special privilege that marks these individuals as chosen by God Himself. They are prepared to serve as kings and priests alongside Jesus Christ in His kingdom. This anointing indicates that these individuals are to be co-heirs with Christ, a reality that sets them apart from the rest of humanity.
Scriptural References and Daniel's Selection
The Bible outlines this process of selection and calling through various passages, such as Revelation 14:1-3 where 144,000 are described as standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion. Additionally, Revelation 5:9-10 speaks of those who have been redeemed and made kings and priests, promising a reign over the earth. Galatians 4:6-7 and Romans 8:14-17 offer further insight into the nature and significance of this anointing.
Galatians 4:6-7
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Revelation 14:1-3
“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the voice of many waters and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. And they sang, as it were, a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. Nobody could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.”
Revelation 5:9-10
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And you have made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on the earth.’”
Galatians 4:6-7
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together.”
These scriptures and the historical context of Daniel, who was selected and sustained by God, provide a clear picture of how this spiritual calling and selection are carried out. This process is not arbitrary but is grounded in divine purpose and plan.
Conclusion
Understanding the nature of fear and the gift of the Holy Spirit is crucial for believers. When faced with fear, it is important to recognize that it may be a demonic spirit trying to pull us away from God. Instead, believers should focus on the fear of the Lord, a fear that brings reverence and a deeper connection with God. The calling and selection by God, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, means that we are chosen for a unique purpose, setting us on a path to serve alongside Christ in His kingdom.
The words of the Bible, supported by these key scriptures, provide clear guidance on this journey. As believers, our task is to embrace our calling, overcome fear, and walk with God in trust and faith.