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.'

2) The History of consuming fire and sacrifice

Hebrews 12:29 may also be an allusion to the altar offerings required under the Law of Moses. An Israelite wishing to make an offering had to search diligently through his flock or herd to find a perfect animal. Only perfection was good enough. The offerings always had to be the best available. Another name for the altar, in Hebrew is Ari, a devourer or 'the lion'. The four horns on the corners of the altar could be identified with, or, likened to the four large fangs of the lion's mouth, reminding us, in the Lord's words, that if we want save our lives, we have to lose them. Consider the words of Matthew 10:39, which are repeated again in Matthew 16:25. 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.' A life dedicated to the service of our Lord is implied by these words. Our present life has very little to offer than pleasures but for a season. So important is this concept, that all four gospel records mention these words of the Messiah.

Hebrews 12:29 in those few words, 'Our God is a consuming fire', points out most forcibly, that unless we offer (Heb 12:28) acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,' (R.S.V) we are wasting our time reading all this as it becomes a purely academic process. Hebrews draws on the warning given to Israel in Deuteronomy 4:23-24. 'Take heed to yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make a graven image in the form of anything which Yahweh your God has forbidden you, for Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.'

Joshua delivered a similar message to the people of Israel.

Joshua 24:19-20 'You cannot serve Yahweh, for he is a Holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake Yahweh and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.'

In Hebrews the warnings of Moses and Joshua are being renewed. After Moses had related the ten commandments the people were fearful and reverential.

'Now, therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of Yahweh our God any more we shall die' (Deuteronomy 5:25 R.S.V)

Moses responded saying, 'Yahweh heard your words, when you spoke to me, and Yahweh said to me, I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you, they have rightly said all that they have spoken.' (verse 28 R.S.V) The Israelites were aware that disobedience and rejection of their God would lead to punishment, as a fire that consumes. At Taberah, the murmurers were consumed in fire (Numbers 11:1). When Korah, Dathan and Abiram chose to oppose Moses and rose up in rebellion against him, offering strange incense, 'fire came forth from Yahweh, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men offering incense.' (Numbers 16:35) The people of Israel acknowledge that Yahweh demands reverence and that he will punish irreverence. 'And the people of Israel said to Moses, Behold, we perish, we are all undone. Every one who comes near to the Tabernacle of Yahweh shall die. Are we all to perish?' (Numbers 17:12-13 R.S.V). The people had seen visible and spectacular demonstrations of Yahweh's power and demand for obedience and reverence.

3) Examples of the consuming fire

Elijah

Elijah also demonstrated the Creator's power and judgement using fire. When King Ahaziah was sick and sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he would recover of his illness, Elijah met the messengers along the way and gave them the message that Ahaziah would die. He wanted to know why the king enquired of Baal-zebub and asked, 'Is there no God in Israel?' The king, in response, then sent a captain and his fifty to Elijah who was located on top of a hill. Elijah was ordered to come down fron the hill. He then called upon Yahweh, 'Let fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy fifty... and there came down fire from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.' This was done to a second captain and his fifty also.. (2 Kings 1:10) This should have been a powerful lesson to the king and to Israel that their God demanded reverence and obedience.

Sodom

And let us not forget the judgement that annihilated Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness and immorality. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is used frequently in the Bible as a warning to disobedient nations. Luke uses it in his recording of the Messiah's words. 'As it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted and they builded'. ( Does that sound like life today?)...'But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.' (Luke 17:28-30) Doesn't this send out warnings to the inhabitants of the twenty-first century? Mankind is preoccupied with the commercial world, living a life of ease and condoning immorality. Violence and lawlessness are widespread. This generation is warned here that it will, like Sodom and Gomorrah, have to face its judgement.

Psalms

The Psalms also depict God as 'a consuming fire.' Psalm 21:8-9.

'Thine hand shall find out your enemies: your right hand shall find those that hate you. You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger: Yahweh shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.' In Psalm 50:3 it states, 'Our God comes, he does not keep silence, before Him is a devouring fire, round about Him a mighty tempest.' In Psalm 97:1-6, there is a vision of Yahweh reigning over the earth in righteousness. 'Justice is the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries... the earth sees and trembles... The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the people behold His glory.'

Isaiah

Compare what Isaiah says with the words of the Psalmist. 'Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far, burning with his anger... His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire.' (Isaiah 30:27) “Behold, Yahweh will come with fire, and with his chariots like whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will Yahweh plead with all flesh: and the slain of Yahweh will be many.' (Isaiah 66:15-16)

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.

5) The warning to Christian tolerance

Christianity in general, particularly in recent years, has promoted the concept of the all-tolerant, loving, all-forgiving God: a benevolent paternal image. And His Son, our Lord, is seen as a helpful and understanding elder brother. Complacency is prevalent throughout our society and this can affect one's attitude to the Word of God. In the book of Revelation, the Laodicean ecclesia was warned against lukewarmness and complacency, a warning that can be applied to today's pleasure seeking generation.

Hebrews 2:1-3 gives the reader a strong warning. 'We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.' However, there is also encouragement. Referring to the wilderness wanderings of Israel, we are advised to 'harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness...hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.' (see Hebrews 3:6-15) In the same way Hebrews 4 begins with the warning, 'Let us therefore fear'. The chapter continues to give encouragement. 'Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest' (verse 11) and “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need' (verse 16) because we have a High Priest who can be touched by 'the feelings of our infirmities.' (verse 15)

Our world is waiting a time of judgement and this world will experience the devouring fire of Yahweh's anger. We know the devastation that is caused by earthquake, cyclone, tornado, volcano, fire, flood, tidal wave and tsunami, which are in the Creator's power. When the Messiah returns to this earth there will be an earthquake that will shake this earth. 'The Mount of Olives will cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west and there shall be a very great valley' (Zechariah 14) and the earth 'shall reel to and fro like a drunkard' (Isaiah 24:20), when the Messiah 'in flaming fire takes vengeance on those that know not God.'(2 Thessalonians 1:8)

The Psalmist, in dozens of Psalms, states that the faithful should 'fear' Yahweh. The word is used in the sense of fear and reverence. We fear His omnipotent power and we worship in reverence, as did Moses. The attitude of the Psalmist is captured in verses such as those below. Yahweh is merciful and long-suffering to those who worship Him in reverence and respect His great power and are obedient to His commands.

'The eye of Yahweh is upon them that fear Him, that hope in His mercy.' Psalm 33:18

' 'The angel of Yahweh encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them. Fear Yahweh, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.' Psalm 34:7,9

'Thou hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy Name.' Psalm 61:5

6) OUR GOD IS MERCIFUL Psalm 116:5

God's mercy is abundant, but we are warned that His mercy is conditional. In Romans 9 : 15, which is taken from Exodus 33 : 19, it is stated, “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”

Mercy in the Psalms

The Psalmist speaks of God's mercy and goodness in many places. In Psalm 116 : 5, we read, “Gracious is Yahweh and righteous, yea our God is merciful.” In Psalm 103 : 8, we are told, “Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Although He is merciful, we are here warned that he is “slow to anger,” which immediately warns us that He will also be angry. This is exemplified by the many times that Yahweh became angry with the faithlessness of the nation of Israel, as recorded by the prophets. But “great is his mercy towards them that fear Him. (Psalm 103 : 11)”. And again in verse 13. “Yahweh pities them that fear Him,” and again in verse 17, “the mercy of Yahweh is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him.”

These verses repeatedly relate the mercy of God to the reverence and fear that must be shown by those upon whom His mercy will be bestowed. This same Psalm also imposes further conditions on those who seek God's mercy. This mercy is given to those who “keep His covenant and to those who remember His commandments to do them... and to those hearkening to the voice of His word.” (verses 18 and 20) The voice of God is only heard through a careful study of the written word, which has been preserved through the ages.

Many of the Psalms reflect this emphasis on the relationship between reverence for the Creator and His blessing upon the faithful. “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” (Psalm 111 : 10) With wisdom and obedience come mercy as we see in Psalm 115: 13. “He will bless them that fear Yahweh.”

Psalm 119 is a long Psalm that repeatedly emphasises the importance of Yahweh's commandments. Almost in every few verses, God's law, testimony, statutes, precepts, word, judgements and commandments are mentioned as essential to an understanding of the Creator and His requirements of the faithful.

Obedience and Mercy

David became a victim of God's anger. When attempting to bring the ark to Jerusalem, because David did not observe Yahweh's directives detailing the transportation of the ark, Uzzah was killed when he touched the ark as it was shaken as the animals transporting it stumbled. Not until the commandment of Yahweh was obeyed was any attempt to move the ark made again. David's motive appeared worthy, but the lesson that David had to learn from this humbling experience was that Yahweh required obedience to His commands. The lesson was learnt through the death of Uzzah, which no doubt would have grieved and shocked David.

In Psalm 128 : 1, the same concept of reverence and obedience is summed up briefly in “Blessed is every one that fears Yahweh; that walks in His ways.” Yahweh's long-suffering and patience with the nation of Israel is captured by Isaiah in his appeal to the nation. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” There is then a condition attached for forgiveness and mercy. “If ye be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” A change in attitude was required on the part of the people. “But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword.” (Isaiah 1: 18-20) Even a nation immersed in disobedience was offered Yahweh's mercy. Yahweh is longsuffering and patient, but the expression of this mercy is conditional on fear and obedience to His commands.

Longsuffering is Mercy

Jeremiah also develops the patience and longsuffering of Yahweh towards Israel. Yahweh pleaded with the nation to heed his commands and to fear Him. “They that handle the law know me not... Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 2 : 8-9) Isn't the pleading of Yahweh with the nation evidence of His great mercy?

Malachi also records Yahweh's appeal to the nation of Israel.” A son honours his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear?... O priests that despise my name, And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar... and if ye offer the blind for sacrifice is it not evil?” (Malachi 1 : 6-8) Grace, forgiveness and mercy, although offered to the nation, had been rejected and would, through the Messiah be offered to the Gentiles. “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles.” (Malachi 1 : 11)

Mercy is a Gift

As we have already noted in Romans 9 : 15, Yahweh bestows mercy on whom He wills. It is, even today, still conditional on reverence and fear. For a world that continually ignores the Creator and His written Word and sets up governments that flout the moral standards required by the Creator, there will be judgement when the hand of forgiveness and mercy is withdrawn.

A world that largely ignores the Creator, will often cry out and wonder why an all powerful God allows tragedies such as wars and calamities to occur. The answer is simple. Like the nation of Israel, when Divine directives are treated with contempt and when man pursues his own greed and desires, calamities will occur. The Psalms frequently align mercy with responsibility and obedience, as demonstrated below.

Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 62: 12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Psalm 85: 7-10 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 86: 5, 15. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

7) Jesus and Mercy

It seems strange that there appears to be very few references to mercy made by the Messiah recorded in the New Testament. However those that are recorded all have one thing in common. The mercy of Yahweh is conditional. These few references are listed below.

In Matthew 5: 7 the merciful are granted mercy.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

In Matthew 9: 13, mercy is required rather than sacrifice that is offered without faith and understanding.

But go ye and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

In Matthew 12 : 7, a similar thought is again expressed.

“But if ye had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.”

In Matthew 23: 23 the scribes and Pharisees are criticised for their lack of mercy and faith.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

In Luke 6: 36 mercy is an attribute to be acquired by the faithful.

” Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

It will indeed be a joyous time when all the earth acknowledges Yahweh and when all the nations praise Him for His abundant mercy as expressed in Psalm 118: 1-2. O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Show All