Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, fire is frequently depicted as a symbol of divine judgment and the ultimate punishment for the wicked. This imagery is consistent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a powerful representation of God's holiness and justice.Old Testament References The concept of fire as a means of divine punishment is evident in several Old Testament passages. One of the earliest and most notable examples is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This event underscores the severity of God's judgment against sin and immorality. In the prophetic literature, fire is often used to describe the coming judgment upon nations and individuals who oppose God. For instance, Isaiah 66:15-16 declares, "For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD." New Testament References The New Testament continues this theme, with fire symbolizing the final judgment and eternal punishment for the wicked. Jesus Himself speaks of fire in the context of divine retribution. In Matthew 13:41-42 , He explains, "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the ultimate fate of the wicked. Revelation 20:14-15 states, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This passage highlights the finality and severity of God's judgment. Theological Implications The use of fire as a metaphor for divine punishment emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. It serves as a warning to those who reject God's authority and persist in wickedness. The imagery of fire conveys the intensity of God's wrath and the irreversible nature of His judgment. Throughout Scripture, fire is not only a tool of destruction but also a means of purification. This dual symbolism reflects the transformative power of God's judgment, which ultimately seeks to restore righteousness and eliminate evil. As such, the biblical portrayal of fire as punishment underscores the necessity of repentance and the hope of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 13:42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:41 Library Whether the Fire that came Down Out of Heaven and Devoured them ... Whether that Fire Will Engulf the Wicked? Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked What is Meant by the Good Going Out to See the Punishment of the ... Against those who are of Opinion that the Punishment Neither of ... Whether the Fire of Hell, if it be Material Fire, Can Burn the ... Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental. Utterances of the Prophet Isaiah Regarding the Resurrection of the ... Whether the Fire of Hell Will be Corporeal? Resources Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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