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1) Our GOD is a consuming fire
In the New Testament, the letter to the Hebrews presents to the reader a contrast between the Law of Moses, with its deficiencies, and the new Covenant. The New Covenant is depicted as superior. However there is an underlying theme, or message, that is common to both dispensations and this theme could possibly be overlooked in the twenty-first century.
It is a theme which is very prevalent and strongly emphasised in the Old Testament, but is far more subtle in the New Testament writings, and yet, no less real. Chapter 12 of Hebrews contains a typical example. The chapter presents a process of logical reasoning in a smooth and concise manner, and then, all of a sudden, we are hit viciously, but in a subtle way with the concluding verses of the chapter. After exhorting the reader to endure hardship and chastening as a son, to develop faith and patience, to live peaceably with all men and to consider the work of their Messiah, the chapter concludes with the words: 'Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.' (Hebrews 12: 28-29)
The words 'Our God is a consuming fire', do not seem to fit into the flow of the context of the chapter. It seems to say to us that this is all very important, but it is completely useless, unless our priorities are in order. In the chapter there had been an allusion to the time of Moses and the mountain that 'burned with fire' and when 'so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake.' (verses 18-21) The reader is told that they have not come to such a mountain with the new Covenant. Despite this, the final verse appears as a very real warning.
Moses had been chosen to lead the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt and lead them back to their homeland. Moses was told, 'I have raised you up, to show in you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.' The power of the God of Israel is revealed through the song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-19) 'Yahweh is a man of war... Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea (verses 3-4)... Thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee; you sent forth your wrath which consumed them as stubble.... (verse 7)... the people shall hear and be afraid'. (verse 14) These words of Moses reinforce the words of Hebrews 12:29, that the God of Israel, who is loving, merciful and long-suffering will not tolerate those who oppose His commands and in the case of the Egyptians, they were 'consumed... as stubble' figuratively, when they were 'cast into the sea.'
Why might it be stated that 'our God is a consuming fire'? James 4:4 states, 'know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is (makes himself- R.S.V) the enemy of God.' The danger that the believer could turn to friendship with the world is presented and it would have dire consequences.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, further details vividly the consequences of those who are enemies of God. 'And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Yahshua (Jesus) shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Yahshua (Jesus) the Anointed: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction.' Note here, that not the earth, but the enemies of God will be destroyed 'In flaming fire.'
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