A powerful biblical symbol of God's presence, purification, and judgment. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and led Israel by a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). Fire consumed the sacrifice on Elijah's altar (1 Kings 18:38). Isaiah's lips were purified by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:6-7). John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). At Pentecost, tongues of fire rested on the believers (Acts 2:3). Malachi 3:2 describes God as 'a refiner's fire.' Hebrews 12:29 declares, 'Our God is a consuming fire.' Fire both purifies the faithful and judges the wicked.

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