There are several ideas intended to be conveyed to the mind, by that passion which is called in Scripture fear. There is but one creature in the creation of God, that is said to be wholly void of fear, namely, the leviathan. (Job 41:33) The fear for the most part spoken of by the word of God, is what relates to our nature, of which there is a threefold description, natural fear, sinful fear and holy fear. Since the fall of man, the whole race of Adam have known the effects both of natural and sinful fear; none but the regenerated are acquainted with what is known in Scripture by a religious, or holy fear.
Natural and slavish fear, arising from a conscious sense of sin, manifested itself immediately upon the fall, when Adam sought to hide himself from the presence of the Lord amidst the trees of the garden. (See Genesis 3:8) But when a poor sinner is awakened from the sleep and death of sin, and brought forth to a new and spiritual life, "perfect love casteth out fear." Hence the apostle saith, "Ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15) It is very blessed when freed from slavish fear. And it is very blessed to have that child-like fear which marks the Lord's people. And it is very blessed to discover how the slavish fear which bringeth bondage is removed, and from whence the holy child-like fear is derived. The sweet promise of God by the prophet explains the whole. (Jeremiah 32:40) "I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me."
I will only add, for the comfort and encouragement of the Lord's timid and tried ones, who, in the midst of strong faith, feel at times much natural fear, that it is sweetly accommodating to consider the Lord Jesus Christ, in the days of his flesh, was graciously pleased in this, as in all other points of grace, to be our example. Of Jesus it is said, that "though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience, by the things which he suffered. And in the days of his flesh he offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." (Hebrews 5:7-8) Sweet and precious thought! Jesus who knew no sin, yet coming to us in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh, knew what it was to be sore amazed, to be sorrowful even unto death, to fear, and to be very heavy. Reader, think how Jesus sympathizes with his people under their fears, and heaviness, and sorrow of heart.