When You Fear Death

by Rick Warren — October 30, 2022
From Radicalis: Developing Spiritual Roots

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

God is a God of radical freedom. In fact, the Bible says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NIV).

What does God’s freedom give you? Over the last few days, we’ve learned that it gives you a clear conscience, direct access to God, and the power to do what’s right. It also gives you freedom from the fear of death.

Death is a universal fear, yet it’s a fear that few people want to face. It may be tempting to go through life pretending you’re not going to die. But only a fool would go through life unprepared for what they know is inevitable.

Here’s the good news: Jesus came to set you free from the fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-16 says, “For only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread” (TLB).

I can say, in all honesty, that I am totally free from the fear of dying. Why? Because I know God, and I’m not afraid of him. I’ve been his friend for more than 60 years. The only people who are afraid of God are people who don’t know him. The better you get to know him, the less you’re afraid of him, because God is love.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).

How could you fear someone who loves you unconditionally? How could you fear someone who thinks about you more than you do? God knows every detail of your life.  He even knows how many hairs you have on your head! So why would you be afraid to go be with him forever?

If you know the Lord when you die, you’re not leaving home—you’re going home! You’re going where you were meant to be for all eternity, to “the kingdom [God] prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 NIV).

Praise God, you can live free! You can live without guilt, able to talk to God anytime and anywhere, free to do what is right, and confident there’s no need to fear death—all because you belong to Jesus.

Talk It Over

  • How has this devotional given you a new perspective on dying?
  • In what areas do you live as though this life is all there is?
  • What is one small or big way you can prepare your heart today for the inevitability of death?

Freedom from the Fear of Death

Many people fear death—but Jesus can give you freedom from that fear.

If you want that freedom, and the assurance that you will go to heaven when you die, here’s a prayer to get you started: “Dear God, I know that when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and start following you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I can have eternal life with you. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. I ask you to save me from my sins and from judgment. I believe in you, and because of you, I no longer need to fear death. I believe you will keep your promise to bring me to heaven for eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.