"Our God Is a Consuming Fire."

 
I WAS once in a meeting of Christians―a social meeting it was―when a discussion arose as to the meaning of that text― “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” some maintaining that “fire” in that passage meant judgment. “Our God is a consuming fire,” was also quoted. “Oh,” said one who had maintained the opinion above stated, “if I were exposed to that fire, I should be consumed.” The reply was, “Then you are not good metal.” This, doubtless, was a plain retort; but the subject is a solemn one, and well deserves consideration. How does the thought, that God, the God of the Bible, the living and true God, is a consuming fire affect the mind? I recollect that, years ago, this truth was real joy to me, because I saw that whatever was evil must be burnt up―it could not abide the searching holiness of the divine nature. The heart must be with God and against evil, truly to delight in this. Only the soul that has tasted redemption can be with God thus, as knowing what He has done for it in Christ, in removing its guilt and defilement, delivering it from wrath, and the cense of wrath, by the one atoning sacrifice made on Calvary. The blood there shed quiets the conscience, gives the soul peace, binds it to God in love and allegiance, shows it that all that is in God is for it―holiness, truth, righteousness, as well as love and mercy, being engaged for, and not against the one that believes on the Son of God, because of His sacrificial death upon the cross. The name of Jesus―the Christ―becomes precious; a passport and a plea in the very presence of God Himself, the holiest of all; where blessing flows and circles round the soul, its title to all good being assured and witnessed; the Holy Ghost giving comfort, raising the affections to him who is love itself, as known in Jesus, whoever lives, who never changes; of whom it is said, “He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.” (Zeph. 3:1717The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17).) True, this is a word for Israel by-and-by, in a restored condition; but the spirit of it is in full force now towards each poor wanderer who, like the prodigal, has turned his face towards the Father’s house; turned to Him who is the Father of mercies, and the God of al comfort; whose words are, “This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And happy is the soul that has drank into this mercy. Surely he may sing―
“Christ died! then I’m clean―
Not a spot within;
God’s mercy and love!
Not a cloud above.”
It is the Spirit, through faith, that thus triumphs over sin―not a cloud above―not a spot within.
“THERE is none other name but thine,
Jehovah Jesus! name divine!
On which to rest for sins forgiven,
For that sweet certainty of heaven.
‘Name above every name!’ thy praise
Shall fill you courts through endless days.
Jehovah Jesus! name divine!
Rock of Salvation! Thou art mine!”