Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, fire is a powerful symbol often associated with the presence, judgment, and purification of God. It is frequently used to describe the nature and effect of God's Word, illustrating its ability to enlighten, purify, and consume.Divine Presence and Revelation Fire is a manifestation of God's presence and a medium through which He reveals Himself. In Exodus 3:2, God appears to Moses in a burning bush, a fire that does not consume, symbolizing His eternal and self-sustaining nature. Similarly, in Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai is enveloped in smoke because "the LORD descended on it in fire," signifying His holy presence and the gravity of His covenant with Israel. Judgment and Purification Fire is also a symbol of God's judgment and purification. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God is described as "a consuming fire, a jealous God," emphasizing His holiness and intolerance of idolatry. The prophets frequently use fire to depict God's judgment against sin. For instance, in Jeremiah 23:29, God declares, "Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" Here, fire represents the penetrating and transformative power of God's Word, capable of breaking down resistance and purifying the hearts of His people. The Word of God as Fire The metaphor of fire is explicitly applied to the Word of God, highlighting its dynamic and transformative nature. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet describes the Word of God as "a fire shut up in my bones," illustrating its compelling and irresistible force. This imagery underscores the idea that God's Word is not passive but active, demanding a response and effecting change in those who encounter it. Refinement and Testing Fire is also used to describe the process of refinement and testing. In 1 Peter 1:7, the apostle speaks of faith being tested by fire, likening it to gold refined in the furnace. This metaphor illustrates how God's Word, like fire, purifies and strengthens believers, removing impurities and revealing genuine faith. The Holy Spirit and Pentecost In the New Testament, fire is associated with the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, "tongues of fire" appeared and rested on the apostles (Acts 2:3), symbolizing the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit and the inauguration of the Church's mission. This event signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11), indicating the purifying and empowering work of the Spirit in the life of believers. Eternal Consequences Finally, fire is a symbol of eternal judgment. In Revelation 20:14-15, the lake of fire represents the final judgment for those who reject God. This imagery serves as a solemn reminder of the ultimate consequences of sin and the necessity of responding to God's Word with faith and obedience. Throughout Scripture, fire serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's presence, judgment, purification, and the transformative power of His Word. It calls believers to recognize the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the life-changing impact of His divine revelation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 5:14Why thus said the LORD God of hosts, Because you speak this word, behold, I will make my words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 23:29 Greek 4442. pur -- fire ... Our lives can become true to Him as we obey this imparted faith from God by His power. ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition fire NASB Word Usage ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4442.htm - 7k 2375. thureos -- a shield 1100. glossa -- the tongue, a language Library Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ... That one God Formed all Things in the World, by Means of the Word ... God the Father and his Word have Formed all Created Things (Which ... The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning The Potency of Prayer Hath Subdued the Strength of Fire... Refutation of the Gentiles Those Persons Prove Themselves Senseless who Exaggerate the Mercy ... The Distinction to be Made Between the Righteous and the Wicked ... Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism. Of the Son of God, and his Peculiar Designation as the Word. Resources How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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