Theology 101 — Fire

Theology 101 — Fire

The Holy Spirit in Figures

By Jerry Batson, Th.D.
Special to The Alabama Baptist

In addition to wind, water and oil, another feature associated with the Holy Spirit is fire.

At the outset of His mission, Jesus was proclaimed by John the Baptist: “He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matt. 3:11). The association of fire with the Holy Spirit also was prominent at the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry, in the fulfillment of His promise to follow His ascension with the sending of the Holy Spirit. With the coming of the Spirit, “There appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:3–4).

Pondering some of the properties of fire yields several insights into the work of the Holy Spirit.

For example, through the ages fire has had an illuminating function. In biblical times, fire was found on a lighted torch or in an oil lamp. Jesus made reference to this when He noted, “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33).

Part of the ministry of the Spirit is to illuminate our minds to understand spiritual truth.

Along with furnishing light, fire also served to provide warmth in a day when electricity and furnaces were not known.

To his shame Peter took advantage of fire to warm himself in the court of the high priest as described in John 18:18: “Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.”

We often describe a sensitive and compassionate person as one who has a warm heart. The Holy Spirit in believers should make us warmhearted.

Eliminating impurities

Used in a controlled environment, fire possesses purifying or purging capabilities. The impurities or dross of metals, for example, were eliminated by means of fire. In a spiritual sense, Isaiah in his vision had a heightened sense of his impurity.

In his sorrow over his condition, the prophet envisioned one of the seraphim taking a live coal from the fire and touching it to his mouth, saying, “Behold this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is purged” (Isa. 6:6–7).

Part of the Spirit’s ministry is purifying our hearts to enable us to serve Christ effectively.