Topical Bible: Fire: Consuming

◄ Fire: Consuming ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, fire is frequently depicted as a powerful and consuming force, often symbolizing the presence, judgment, and holiness of God. The concept of consuming fire is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both divine wrath and purification.

Divine Presence and Holiness

One of the most significant representations of consuming fire is found in the manifestation of God's presence. In Exodus 3:2, Moses encounters the Angel of the LORD in a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames, signifying God's holy presence. Similarly, in Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai is enveloped in smoke because "the LORD descended on it in fire," demonstrating His awe-inspiring holiness and power.

Judgment and Wrath

Fire as a symbol of divine judgment is a recurring theme. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God is described as "a consuming fire, a jealous God," emphasizing His intolerance for idolatry and sin. This imagery is further reinforced in Hebrews 12:29, which echoes the Deuteronomic declaration, reminding believers of God's righteous judgment.

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24 is a vivid example of consuming fire as divine retribution. The LORD rained down "sulfur and fire" upon the cities, obliterating them due to their wickedness. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the consuming nature of God's judgment.

Purification and Refinement

While consuming fire often denotes judgment, it also symbolizes purification and refinement. Malachi 3:2-3 speaks of the coming of the Lord as a refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi and refining them like gold and silver. This process of purification is essential for holiness and righteousness, illustrating how God's consuming fire can cleanse and sanctify His people.

In the New Testament, the concept of fire as a purifying agent is echoed in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, where the works of believers are tested by fire. The passage explains that "the fire will test the quality of each man's work," and only what is built on the foundation of Christ will endure. This metaphor highlights the refining aspect of God's consuming fire, which purges impurities and reveals true faith.

The Day of the Lord

The eschatological aspect of consuming fire is evident in the prophetic literature, where the Day of the Lord is often associated with fire. In 2 Peter 3:10, the apostle Peter describes the day when "the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." This apocalyptic vision underscores the ultimate purification and renewal of creation through God's consuming fire.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the imagery of consuming fire serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence, judgment, and purification. It reflects His holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the transformative power of His grace. Whether as a force of destruction or refinement, consuming fire reveals the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 15:4,5
And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the middle between two tails.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 46:9
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; he burns the chariot in the fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:16,17
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

2654. katanalisko -- to use up
... ko) Short Definition: I consume utterly Definition: I use up, spend, consume (as
with fire). ... kata and analisko Definition to use up NASB Word Usage consuming (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2654.htm - 7k

Library

The Consuming Fire.
... THE CONSUMING FIRE. Our God is a consuming fire."Hebrews 12:29 Nothing
is inexorable but love. ... And our God is a consuming fire. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the consuming fire.htm

Whether that Fire Will Engulf the Wicked?
... For a gloss on Malachi 3:3, "He shall purify the sons of Levi," says that "it is
a fire consuming the wicked and refining the good"; and a gloss on 1:Cor.3:13 ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether that fire will engulf.htm

Strange Fire
... flying in its face. The flash of holy fire consuming the sacrifices had
scarcely faded off their eyeballs when they thus sinned. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

On God.
... stubble? And what in this view can be called worthy of the glory of God,
if He be a fire, consuming materials of that kind? But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter i on god.htm

What it is to have Christ for a Foundation, and who they are to ...
... The persecutions, too, which have crowned the martyrs, and which Christians of all
kinds suffer, try both buildings like a fire, consuming some, along with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 26 what it is to.htm

How to Dwell in the Fire of God
... itself together, intensified itself, was forced back upon itself, and from merciful,
illuminating light turned itself into destructive and consuming fire. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to dwell in the.htm

But as it is in Mockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming ...
... The divine word says that our God is "a consuming fire," [3728] and that "He draws
rivers of fire before Him;" [3729] nay, that He even entereth in as "a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xiii but as it.htm

Simon's Forced Interpretation of Scripture; Plagiarizes from ...
... paraphrasing the law of Moses, makes his statements (in the manner following): For
when Moses asserts that "God is a burning and consuming fire," [615] taking ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter iv simons forced interpretation of.htm

Whether the Fire that came Down Out of Heaven and Devoured them ...
... Or if by this fire coming down out of heaven and consuming them, John meant that
blow wherewith Christ in His coming is to strike those persecutors of the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 12 whether the fire that.htm

Concerning what is Affirmed About God.
... Theos, derived from theein [1584] , to run, because He courses through all things,
or from aithein, to burn: For God is a fire consuming all evil [1585] : or ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter ix concerning what is affirmed.htm