“Save with Fear”

The subject of fear raises many questions, especially in the context of salvation. One argument often cited is the phrase “others save with fear,” which, in the view of some, justifies using fear as a tool for bringing people to salvation. Yet a closer look at the original text and its translation makes it clear that something else is meant. If we turn to alternative, for example modern, translations, the meaning changes. Here is how Jude 1:22–23 reads in one of them: “Rebuke some of those who dispute; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to a third group show leniency, but with fear, hating even the garment stained by their vices.”

Three categories of people are mentioned here. Toward the third group — those who have fallen into sin but are still able to learn — we are told to show leniency, yet with caution, so as not to share in their sins. The fear mentioned in this context is not about frightening sinners; it is an inner awareness of the danger of the sin one is dealing with. This underlines the need to distinguish the sin from the person: to show mercy to the person while not yielding to the influence of sinful behaviour.

The widespread idea of intimidation as a method of salvation is therefore mistaken. It is not about the fear of punishment, but about the fear of taking part in sinful deeds. This understanding refutes methods built on intimidation and calls for a rethinking of practice: to preserve respect for the person and to focus on correcting behaviour rather than instilling fear.

← All posts