A CONSUMING FIRE

The holiness of God is described that way ...

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For, our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

How you interpret this definition of the Father depends on your relationship with His Son ...

From those who have surrendered their lives to the Lord, reverence for His Holiness flows unabated ... the fire has burned the truth of the Gospel into their soul. As they witness God's purity compared to their sin-laden lives, the idea that the Father gave His Son to stand in the gap brings overwhelming, moment-by-moment, gratitude. 

Unbelievers will also see God as a 'Consuming Fire' ... not through spiritual eyes, but their own physical eyes on the day of judgment. In His wrath, they will be held accountable for rejecting Christ's redemptive act. 

Spurgeon - While the Lord is merciful, infinitely so, and His name is Love, yet still our God is a consuming fire, and sin shall not live in His sight. 

1. It consumes ...

The fire cannot suffer the approach of that which is unclean upon the souls of the redeemed. The blood of Christ guards your heart and consumes all that threatens your relationship with the Father.

2. It purifies ...

It is a Refiner's Fire. It destroys what it cannot purify, and purifies what it cannot destroy. As we submit to His Lordship we are transformed into 'vessels of honor' and come forth as gold.

3. It empowers ...

It cannot be hidden. The indwelling Spirit with which God's elect are baptized rejects religion's vain rituals and cold attempts at obedience. Boldness becomes evident for that Fire is the enemy of unbelief and sin. 

Know this, pilgrim ... God is a 'Consuming Fire'; not some distant, tolerant deity as many 'religionists' believe.