When
we say ‘God is a consuming fire’, does it mean that God will burn away our
confusion and fear?
In
trying times, like in this pandemic season, it is understandable that many
believers need comfort and encouragement. In this respect, “Grace for Purpose”,
a motivational Christian portal with its own Youtube channel, is highly
relevant and often meets their needs.
But
one of its videos on prayer has some serious issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8mrfq6SNIU
The
video clip at 9.05 minute states that ‘God is a consuming fire’ (Hebrews 12: 29),
meaning that He is powerful and holy. That is true. I agree with it.
However,
it goes on to say this means God will burn away the confusion and fear in our
lives. This is not what this verse, Hebrews 12: 29, says.
To
understand the ‘God is a consuming fire’ verse better, we have to view it in
its proper context—from the passage where it was taken:
“See
that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not
escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape
if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice
shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only
the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the
removal of things that are shaken—that is, things
that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and
thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
for our God is a consuming fire.
(Hebrews
12: 25-29).
But,
alas, this is what you would expect from a site called “Grace for Purpose” that
twists God’s word (in this case Hebrews 12:29) to offer a soft, ear-tickling brand
of Christianity that treats God as our servant who exists to serve us. Undoubtedly,
this type of ‘seeker sensitive’ message of God’s favour and blessing attracts
many. It does not spell out what we need to do if we have sinned and need to
repent. It downplays God’s holiness and judgment while it elevates His grace, love
and mercy, much to the delight of many believers.
“For
the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having
itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own
passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into
myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
So
what is the correct interpretation of ‘God is a consuming fire’?
Fire
is a metaphor for God’s anger and righteous judgment on humanity.
In
Deuteronomy 4:24, we read about God’s intolerance of false gods (idols): “For
the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” He won’t tolerate rivals who compete for man’s
worship and allegiance.
In
the New Testament, the concept of fire being linked to judgment is seen in John
chapter 15. Christ warned that believers (branches) who fail to abide in Him (Vine)
will be burned—that is come under judgment: "If anyone does not abide in
me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered,
thrown into the fire, and burned" (John 15:6).
What
does abide in Christ mean? Put simply, it means to obey His commandments: "Whoever
keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that
he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (1 John 3:24).
Furthermore,
“whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son
shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).
Juxtaposing
these three verses (John 15:6, 1 John 3:24 and John 3:36), we come to the
conclusion that if we fail to abide in Christ—willfully choose to disobey His
commandments—we will be burnt (face God’s judgment).
In
conclusion, ‘God is a consuming fire’ does not mean that He will burn away believers’
fear and confusion—a promise—as this “Grace for
Purpose” video seems to suggest.
On
the contrary, ‘God is a consuming fire’ is a serious warning
against falling away. If believers reject or disobey God, they will face His
wrath and judgment; they will be burnt as that is what fire does best. The
righteous judgment of God is not something to be trifled with. In fact, the
main theme of Hebrews is this: Warning new believers against apostasy.
In
trying times, like in this pandemic season, it is understandable that many
believers need comfort and encouragement. In this respect, sites like “Grace for Purpose” excels and often meets their needs.
However,
“Grace for Purpose” should not stoop to the level where it twists scriptures,
throws out basic rules of exegesis, treats God like a servant and turns a grave
warning into a soothing promise. That would mean turning the gospel into sanctified,
motivational messages.
The
gospel is not merely about encouragement and motivation but also about self-discipline,
correction, rebuke and self-denial:
“All
Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make
us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and
teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to
do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
POSTSCRIPT
This
passage in Hebrews chapter 12 above is based on Exodus chapter 19 when God came
down to Mount Sinai while Moses went up the mountain to meet Him in order to
receive the Ten Commandments. The warning God issued to Moses is not to let the
priests and people to come up the mountain for God is holy and they will be
consumed by fire. God is holy and man is sinful. If they attempt to approach
God, without being sanctified, they will be consumed in His presence. For God
is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12: 29).
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Half-truth:
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