"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Here is the tragedy of mankind: there's no fear of God! For a person not to fear God is the most foolish thing imaginable. Surely, he'll bring us to judgment. Surely, he's stronger than us. Isaiah 27:4, "Who would set briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together." If we do not fear him, then we're fools of the highest order - more foolish than devils, because we're commanded to receive salvation!
The gracious God has given us his Son. Will we not fear him? Will we not fear enough to enter refuge? Will we pass by mercy?
Don't be so foolish! Lay down your warfare. Realize that he is right to rule the world. He does graciously. Realize that he's better than Satan. He offers real joy. Realize that he'll punish you forever, because sin must be suffered for - either you're in Christ, or you're on your own. Realize that he'll receive you, no matter how vile and filthy. Realize that he'll give you a new heart and joy in obedience. He'll give his Spirit to refresh you. He'll deliver you into Paradise!
Oh, the wonders of serving God! For a little season, we suffer with his help. For forever, we'll reign. We'll sin no more soon, and we'll be rewarded. We will be thought wise and God gracious, forever. The unrepentant in hell will wish they were us!
Take advantage of this gospel preached to you. Call out to God!
First, the fact, "there is no fear." It's evident by mankind's actions that he DOES NOT fear God. Homosexuality and hatred… self righteousness and pride… these are all emblems of a God hating heart, which says, "I'll do whatever I want! You can't tell me anything." Rebellion against authority, suppressing the truth, and hypocrisy are all fruits of this bad tree. Evil in every form is because people do not fear.
Secondly, there's "no fear of God!" Look at the Person they fear not! It will astonish you! Heaven has no one who doesn't fear God. He'd turn them out with the devils, and hell would be their portion. Demons tremble before him.
Matthew 8:29, "And behold, they cried out, What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"
Luke 4:34, "Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God."
They feared God exceedingly, but not with the fear of repentance. If we fear properly, however, then he'll save us. Don't despise this gift by not fearing God - someone so good, gracious, and kind - who will help you! He'll take away and pardon all iniquity!
Hosea 14:2, "Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him, 'Take away all iniquity And receive us graciously, That we may present the fruit of our lips.'"
Thirdly, there's no fear of God "before their eyes." They can't see! Pretending to be wise, they've become fools. They've come up with the fanciest of lies, from evolution to a god without atonement! How can this be? How can God not exist, when we exist? How could there be no Judgment? Why would God GIVE HIS SON, then allow us to dishonor him - breaking his every command… refusing to live for his glory?
These "fear not" blasphemers are blind as bats with no eyes. They have no solution to sin! There's no justice in their teaching!
No, God's absolutely sovereign, and he'll hold us accountable. Fear him!
Finally, if you fear him, then it will be well with you. You'll escape hell that's reserved for many!