Fear binds the soul of man like no other just as faith strengthens us and promotes well-being in our souls. In addition, just as faith is the vehicle that releases power in our midst so that the forces of heaven works with us, fear attracts the powers of hell to bind us and destroy us. It is written that Jesus came to set the captives free, that He was sent in order to “render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives” (Hebrews 2:14-15). This fear causes everyone to be either successful all their lives or become cowards, unable to shake their fears and move forward to become what they are.

Jesus came so that everyone who believes and have faith will not need to be slaves of the devil. Just as faith starts as a seed, as small as the mustard seed, even fear starts the same and when allowed to work its way through our hearts, it will bind us. Predatory animals exploit the fear of their prey when they anxiously run away and chase them to death. Likewise fear gives power to the “dogs” of our souls. David wrote, “For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me” (Psalm 22:16), attesting to the demonic powers of hell to “bark” and impart paralyzing fear to every man on earth. But take heart, because Jesus has come and rendered the devil powerless, “…He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15). He was specifically sent to destroy the works of the devil, “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

Just as there are different levels of faith and authorities in the Kingdom of God, there are also different levels in the realm of the demonic. At personal levels, demons are spirit beings sent from hell to bring oppression and complete possession of the soul of man until it is indistinguishable in nature and characteristic from the devil. Because the realm of the spirit works either through faith or fear, believers in the Lord had the greatest power in their hands to either impart faith and peace in their midst or fear to others. Doctors and authorities who speak life and peace to their clients find substantial healing and greater number of sick patients healed of cancer, mental disease and emotional disturbance. Hope through faith brings great stability just as the Word of God says that it is the “anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19), that is “steadfast and sure that enters the veil” or in other words pierces the veil of darkness and brings breakthrough. Paul speaks of the different realms of the demonic, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against  principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

There are principalities or demonic princes that rule over a province or region, there are also demonic rulers that rule over entire countries or continents while there are personal demons that try to completely control the lives of people and bring them to obey the devil. Even so, it is written that we will be victorious to the degree that we abide to the One who has conquered all and prevailed over the devil.

“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb 10:38-39 NKJV)

“for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23 NKJV).

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (I John 4:18).

Over the coming weeks we will be discussing at length the following topics so that we can ground ourselves deeper into understanding  the contrast between faith and fear. Because faith is counter to fear, we need to understand what true faith is, what is a fake faith, what is the foundation of faith and how can we overcome fear. Because there are many related topics concerning this topic, we will first learn what is the foundation of faith, what is the contrast between the fear of God and the fear of man, what is the solution or escape to the mark of the beast and how can we remain victorious over fear.

How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine (Psalm 33:18-19).

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them (Psalm 34:7).

O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing (Psalm 34:9-10).

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him (Psalm 103:11).

Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them (Psalm 145:19).

The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness (Psalm 147:11).

The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened (Proverbs 10:27).

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death (Proverbs 14:26-27).

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).