In the Bible fire is frequently used as a powerful symbol for holiness, symbolizing the presence, purity, and Judgement of God. This imagery is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and serves to convey the divine nature and the transformation power of God’s holiness. In other words, God is a consuming fire.
The Holiness of God
One of the most striking examples of fire as a symbol for holiness is found in the account of Moses and the burning bush. For instance, in Exodus 3:2, the angel of the LORD appears to Moses “in a flame of fire from within a bush.” The bush which burns but is not consumed, signifies God’s holy presence. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, as God reveals His name and mission for Moses, underscoring the sanctity and authority of His divine call.
Similarly, in Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai is described as being “wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.” This imagery emphasizes the holiness of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel, setting apart His people for a special relationship with Him.
God Sanctifies His People
Fire also serves as a symbol for purification and refinement, illustrating the process by which God sanctifies His people. In Malachi 3:2, 3), the prophet speaks of the coming of the Lord as “a refiner’s fire” and a launderer’s soap purifying the sons of Levi so that they may offer righteous sacrifices. This symbol highlights the transformative power of God’s holiness, which purges impurities and refines believers to reflect His character.
The apostle Peter echoes this theme in 1 Peter 1:7, where he compares the trials of faith to the refining of gold by fire resulting in praise, glory, and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. For example, fire symbolizes the testing and strengthening of faith, leading to spiritual maturity and holiness.
The Judgement of God
Fire is also associated with divine judgment serving as a symbol for the holiness of God that consumes sin and unrighteousness. In Hebrew 12:29, the author declares, “For our God is a consuming fire,” drawing from Deuteronomy 4:24. God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone (Genesis 19). Fire consumed the rebellious Israelites on the outskirts of the camp (Numbers 11). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume the king’s messengers (2 Kings 1). In the New Testament, fire is associated with final judgment and eternal punishment. Often referred to as the “lake of fire.” This imagery underscores the seriousness of God’s holiness, which cannot tolerate sin and demands reverence and obedience.
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as descending upon the apostles as “tongues of fire” in Acts 2:3. This event signifies the consecration and empowerment of the early church. Above all, setting believers apart for the holy mission of spreading the Gospel. The fire of the Holy Spirit purifies and equips the followers of Christ. Enabling them to live holy lives and bear witness to the transformation power of God’s presence.
Throughout Scripture, fire as a symbol for holiness serves to remind believers of the awe-inspiring and purifying nature of God’s presence. It calls for reverence, obedience, and a commitment to living a life set apart for His purposes. The imagery of fire captures the essence of God’s holiness. Which both refines and consumes, drawing His people into a deeper relationship with Him.
The Ancient of Days
In the seventh chapter of Daniel, Daniel had a vision while in exile in Babylon. The ancient of days has graced the scene piercing the vision of four great beasts. “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze” (verse 9). “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence” (verse 13).
We have this one like the Son of man, coming on clouds from some location into heaven. Daniel describes two powers in heaven – two Yahweh figures. In the Old Testament Yahweh is always described as the cloud rider (Psalms 104:3). “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion was an everlasting dominion that will not pass away. His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (verse 14).
Son of Man
In the first chapter of Revelation, we read that the Apostle John is also in exile on the Island of Patmos in the shadow of the Roman empire. John was on the Lord’s Day in the Spirit when his loneliness is shattered by a voice like a trumpet. Telling him to write to the seven churches of Asian Minor. When he turns and looks at the voice (verse 12) he sees someone like the Son of man, (verse 13). “dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.” Did you get that? This appearance of one like the Son of man was the appearance of Jesus
But it is not the appearance that we typically have seen before. For this Jesus has qualities that reveal the nature of his character. For he is described in the same way as in the ancient of days in Daniel. Revelations, leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader that from the perspective of the revelation of Jesus Christ, Jesus is God. For what is said of the Ancient of Days is appropriately said of Jesus. Because in this setting, in this scene, John is comforted by God drawing near to him. “His feet were like bronze glowing in the furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing water (verse 15). In his right hand he held seven stars, out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword” (verse 16).
God’s Grace
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said ‘Do not be afraid.’ I am the First and the Last” (verse 17). That is the Gospel message. When God draws near, He finds us in our deadness. He makes the first move. This is an appropriate definition of Grace. Grace is God’s movement towards humanity. Grace is interesting, for the message of Grace is one that if you are moving towards God, Grace is the most tender gift you can receive. But if you are moving away from God, Grace is almost received as a threat. The Word of God is a double-edged sword. Grace is God’s movement toward humanity. He reaches out across this span, the death void to bring life.