FIRE - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (Pur) Part 1

FIRE - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (Pur) Part 1

Fire is mentioned quite a lot in the Bible (over 500 times in fact). It is often used symbolically to represent something other than literal fire.

The New Testament frequently uses fire to describe the way God tests and strengthens His people. It is used to illustrate the trials and suffering that we all face in our lives.

1 Peter 4:12

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.”

Fire isn’t always a bad thing. While fire can consume and destroy, the Bible also mentions good uses. Significantly, it is seen as a refining tool. Look at this passage:

Psalms 66:8-10

"Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad, Who keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to slip. For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined."

How is silver refined? When silver comes out of the ground, it is not pure. It has other elements in it. Those impurities have to be removed before silver can be pure.

The way this was done in the ancient world was with fire. The refiner took the silver and placed it directly in the fire. As the metal heated, the fire burned off the impurities. However, the refiner had to be careful. If he took the silver out too soon, it would still have imperfections in it. If he left it in the fire too long, he  could damage it or even destroy it.

So, how did the refiner know when the silver was ready? The silver would develop a shiny, mirror-like surface. When the refiner could see his image in the silver, he knew that it was done.

Isn’t that the perfect description of God’s goal for each one of us? He wants to see His image in us.

Tomorrow, we’ll see how fire purifies the believer.