GOD'S MANIFESTATION: HOLY SPIRIT (SYMBOLISM) (2) FIRE

Scripture records a number of symbols which apply to the Holy Spirit, namely water, fire, rain, oil, dove and last but not least, the seal. They teach us important truths, but we must beware by not falling into idolatry by mistaking the symbolism for the Spirit of God. We derive valuable teaching from them, , but they are not the Holy Spirit. We must not make the symbol an object of worship and adoration.

The purpose of symbolism is to shed light on, add understanding, and to illustrate the truth. They should never be used in any other mystical or obscure way. We too must be very cautious regarding the use of the symbols that relate to the Holy Spirit. May the Lord God guide us in this as we study the symbolism of fire in the Holy Spirit.

Fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit's actions. The prayer of the prophet Elijah, who "arose like fire" and whose "word burned like a torch," brought down fire from heaven on the sacrifice on Mount Carmel. This event was a "figure" of the fire of the Holy Spirit, who transforms what he touches.

John the Baptist proclaims Christ as the one who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Jesus will say of the Spirit: "I came to cast fire upon the earth." On the morning of Pentecost, Jesus Christ fills them with the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of God and or the Spirit of Jesus Himself. The spiritual symbolism of fire is one of the most expressive images of the Holy Spirit's actions.

Psalms 105:39 records that "He (God) spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night." The night has no light and is full of darkness and people will not be able to see unless there is light shining in the dark. Like the Holy Spirit shines like a fire in the dark atmosphere, it helps to illuminate the darkness of the soul of man.

LIKE FIRE THE HOLY SPIRIT SHINES IN US

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Through Jesus Christ and the scriptures, man is able to see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. without the Holy Spirit, man will not understand God.

THE HOLY SPIRIT LIKE FIRE LEADS US TO DISTINGUISH GOOD FROM EVIL

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God . (10) For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

The Holy Spirit is like unto the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God revealing the innermost heart of God. Hence it is like fire igniting light. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (17) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:17-18).

THE HOLY SPIRIT LIKE A PILLAR OF FIRE GUIDES OUR WAY

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night; (21) He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people (Exodus 13:21-22).

THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES MAN FERVENT

When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they became fervent and sold all their possessions and goods and shared all they had with one another.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common (Acts 2:44);

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need (45).

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart (46),

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (47).

Jeremiah was moved by the Holy Spirit like a burning fire for the word of God was stirred in him.

Then I said, I will no make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay (Jeremiah 20:9).

Extremely strong fire like the Holy Spirit can cause many things to melt. Fire can melt steel, a very strong metal. Hardened criminals who are inspired by the Holy Spirit can change and melt down to repentance.

Two men were hung with Jesus, one mocked and the other acknowledged his sin and asked for help. The two represent all of mankind because we are all are sinful and deserve death. However, some people turn to Jesus for help and some don't – just like those two who hung beside Jesus.

And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem.

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:3-4).

The church has many members, adults and children, young and old, weak and strong, They are all one in Christ working for the same Spirit for the salvation of the Lord.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Endearing to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

The Holy Spirit, God's manifestion of power can be symbolized by fire. This may be divided into three main sections, namely, Fire can illuminate, Fire has heat and Fire can melt filth and fuses into one body, which is the Church of Jesus Christ.

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