Halloween

Antidote to Fear

Taking this bread and fruit of the vine is like taking an antidote. The elements themselves are not the antidote; it’s what they represent that’s the antidote to condemnation. “Being justified by his blood, we’ll be saved from wrath” (Romans 5:8). John speaks similarly in a context about judgment, punishment, and the fear of it, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18), that is, full-grown love for God takes away foreboding about the eternal future.

What holds true for the greatest, future thing to fear holds true for all present, lesser things as well. Paul comments (Romans 8:32), “The One that delivered up his own son for us all—how will he not freely give us all things?” If we can trust God to comfort us through Christ, we can trust him about everyday uncertainties and challenges. They will not harm us to the extent we fear or cause permanent damage. The Christ we honor here is our antidote to all our fears, the source of permanent peace.