The Fire of God
While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Job1:16
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The Fire of God
Fire is a destructive force. When left unattended it can cause untold amounts of damage and suffering. Houses burn to the ground, whole forest are consumed, hospital burn wards testify in painful and horrific detail to the destructive nature of fire. Yet fire, when properly used heats our homes and brings light forth in the darkness. It cleanses the ground of the dead and decaying leaving space for green shots to sprout.
So it is with God. His Law brings forth destruction to the haughty and unrepentant soul. His Law shows the sinner who they are and burns to ash any notion of righteousness from within. God’s Law is good, which is why it is so destructive to us, because apart from God we are not good. Yet just as God’s Law burns the sinner, His Gospel purifies him. The fire of God’s Gospel brings forth new life in us. It destroys the old Adam in us so the new man may daily arise. The Gospel fire of God’s Word ignites a spirit of faith in us, which gives life. Jesus shines light into the darkness of our souls and warms us with His love. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
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The Fire of God
Fire is a destructive force. When left unattended it can cause untold amounts of damage and suffering. Houses burn to the ground, whole forest are consumed, hospital burn wards testify in painful and horrific detail to the destructive nature of fire. Yet fire, when properly used heats our homes and brings light forth in the darkness. It cleanses the ground of the dead and decaying leaving space for green shots to sprout.
So it is with God. His Law brings forth destruction to the haughty and unrepentant soul. His Law shows the sinner who they are and burns to ash any notion of righteousness from within. God’s Law is good, which is why it is so destructive to us, because apart from God we are not good. Yet just as God’s Law burns the sinner, His Gospel purifies him. The fire of God’s Gospel brings forth new life in us. It destroys the old Adam in us so the new man may daily arise. The Gospel fire of God’s Word ignites a spirit of faith in us, which gives life. Jesus shines light into the darkness of our souls and warms us with His love. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
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