Seattle, June 8, 2005. (13)
A CONSUMING FIRE. This is a very explicit statement revealing an aspect of the being of the Lord which is not commonly declared. Even a casual reading of the Word of the Lord will show evidence of this truism. From the very beginning of our subject let it be known that fire is not God. Over the span of the ages fire has been an object of worship by heathen people who did not know the Lord of glory. The following in no way has any reference to worshipping or the exaltation of fire. However it must be admitted that the Lord on various occasions revealed Himself as one who occupied a holy fire. Heb. 12:29 As fire He is seen, both in judgment and in great and abundant mercy, in the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. With fire He covers the broad aspect of His dealings with mankind, both good and bad. The heart attitude of man determines the particular manner in which the Lord of Fire will be made manifest to that particular group or individual.
FIRE IN JUDGMENT. The very first record of the manifestation of fire against sin is in relationship to Sodom and Gomorrah. The Nineteenth chapter of Genesis very explicitly explains the sin of the occupants of the cities. A subject, the discussion of which, is destined to become taboo in the near future. The world will have the same attitude as those cities before the second coming of Christ. Paul opened his letter to the Romans with a scathing statement against those who profess themselves to be wise, but are fools. Rom. 1:22 Then in plain words, easily understood, words that need no interpretation, he outlined the spirit of the end of the age. A prophecy which is definitely being fulfilled today and can only increase in intensity and volume in the future. Rom. 1:23-31 They are not ignorant of the standard of the Lord. They understand that those living in the sin outlined by Paul are worthy of death, that is the second death. Included also, are those who have pleasure or approve the wickedness committed by others. Rom. 1:31 Sin is sin, whatever works of the flesh may be the particular act of the sinner. Deliverance from all sin is still made a reality in the lives of those who will come to the Lord in repentance. His forgiveness is complete, absolute and eternal. Paul made a fearful remark here, for he said, when they knew God. These statements were directed at a people who were not innocents, they
had a knowledge of the Lord, yet refused to hear and repent. Consequently, their hearts were darkened to the reality of the holiness of the Lord. 1:21 It was the fire of the Lord that was poured out on the cities because of their extreme wickedness. They were totally given over to corruption. Gen. 19:24