The Holy Spirit Symbolized As Fire

The Holy Spirit burns within us as an eternal flame, purifying and perpetuating the work of Christ in a dark world.

Abraham saw a burning lamp, Moses saw a burning bush, Solomon witnessed the consuming of the sacrifice with fire from heaven testifying that the Lord was there. Fire was also the used to light the way for the Israelites in the wilderness; the darkness of the night did not stop the work of the Israelites in the wilderness.

If we compare the gospel record of the ministry of the Spirit regarding this “fire” symbol we discover that there is a definite allusion to purifying (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17 cf. Mark 1:8; John 1:33).

The Holy Spirit as fire, of course, never consumes the believer – he is a consuming fire – but in the life of the believer he consumes the dross and the unbelief with the convicting power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, trying our every work and word (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). With the Christian there is a purifying work going on in life awaiting that great day.

The Holy Spirit also consumes self-interests. Jeremiah had in him the burning of the Word of God in his heart. While Jeremiah kept silent the fire burned within him.