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4) Consuming fire in the New Testament
In the New Testament images of judgement, destruction and devouring fire are also used by the writers. 'The heavens and the earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.' (2 Peter 3:7) Peter's emphasis here is on the fate of ungodly men (not the earth) and the fiery judgement that is yet to come on them. 'Of the angels he saith, who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.' (Hebrews 1:7)
In Hebrews there is a warning to those who would profess to be faithful servants of the Messiah. 'If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries... vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people . It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' (Hebrews 10:26-31) We have here an allusion to Deuteronomy 32:36, 'for Yahweh will judge His people.' Whether Israelite or Gentile, Jew or Christian, this message stands for all time. God's judgement 'is a fearful thing'.
Before the display of Yahweh's power to the nation of Israel, it is recorded for us in Hebrews 12:21 that Moses said, 'I exceedingly tremble with fear. (R.S.V) This is translated as , 'I exceedingly tremble with fear', in the A.V. and as , 'I am terrified and tremble,' in Rotherham. Moses was deeply moved and worshipped the God of Israel in reverence and awe. Paul in Romans 11:21-22, expounds this same theme of Yahweh's goodness and severity. 'For if God spared not the natural branches (of Israel), take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold...therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off.' Paul has definitely used warning and exhortation to alert us to the severity of God and the demand that the faithful worship Him in reverence and awe.
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