While most of Jesus's verses in the New Testament regarding fire seem threatening today, that is because of the context we bring to them. They sounded very different to Jesus’s listeners. If Jesus used “light” as a great positive symbol for knowledge, how could “fire,” the only source of light in his time, be seen as a negative?
Absolutely excellent Gary. This article on fire is so important. Biblically I consider 'fire' as a foundational word on which the interpretation affects our whole understanding of God's purpose for mankind. The references you examined that show its refining qualities rather than its punitive ones are very perceptive.
Jesus came to destroy sin not the sinner and these brilliantly show His intention in accomplishing that.
Absolutely excellent Gary. This article on fire is so important. Biblically I consider 'fire' as a foundational word on which the interpretation affects our whole understanding of God's purpose for mankind. The references you examined that show its refining qualities rather than its punitive ones are very perceptive.
Jesus came to destroy sin not the sinner and these brilliantly show His intention in accomplishing that.