HOLY SPIRIT FIRE does not CONSUME

 By The Chapl. Evang. Aremu

Analyzing Holy Spirit Fire and Consuming Fire: Exploring the Spiritual Significance and Manifestations

In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the biblical concept of Holy Spirit fire and Consuming fire, seeking to understand their spiritual significance and various manifestations as revealed in the Scriptures.

There is a strong necessity for this study because while growing up till now and in many places around us, people keep calling on "Fire of the Holy Ghost" or simply put, "Holy Ghost Fire" for the purpose of destruction. This has become a norm. Rather than diligently examining the teachings they receive in the context of Scripture, many self-professed Christians nowadays tend to be swayed by every passing doctrine that seems to cater to their immediate emotional or material needs. One prevalent teaching is the belief in the concept of "Holy Ghost Fire," which is often invoked to bring harm to one's enemies or remove any obstacles in one's path.

Throughout the Bible, fire has been used as a powerful symbol of divine presence, purification, judgment, and empowerment. It holds deep spiritual significance, representing the awe-inspiring nature of God and His transformative work in the lives of His people. As we embark on this journey of analysis and discovery, we will turn to the Scriptures to shed light on this intriguing topic.

Let us approach this study with open hearts and minds, ready to discern the truth and seek a genuine encounter with God. May our journey into the realm of Holy Spirit fire and Consuming fire enrich our understanding of the spiritual dynamics at work and inspire us to live in alignment with God's purposes.

"Everyone will be salted with fire." - Mark 9:49 (NIV)

Let us begin our analysis of Holy Spirit fire and Consuming fire, exploring their spiritual significance and manifestations as revealed in the Word of God.

First, from Oxford Languages Ghost means an apparition of a dead person which is believed to appear or become manifest to the living, typically as a nebulous image.

Cambridge dictionary says its the spirit of a dead person, sometimes represented as a pale, almost transparent image of that person that some people believe appears to people who are alive

The actual word used in the original Greek text is pneuma which means "breath" or "breath of life", and in a religious context for "spirit" or "soul".

The translators of the King James Version of the Bible used the term "ghost" instead of "spirit" in certain instances, leading to some misconceptions. The word "spirit" refers to the "breath of life" or the divine power that animates and sustains living beings. Unfortunately, this term was inaccurately translated as "ghost" in some passages. For example, John 19:30 in the King James Version states that Jesus "gave up the ghost" after receiving vinegar. However, the New King James Version provides a more accurate translation, stating that Jesus "gave up His spirit" after receiving the sour wine. It is worthy of note that The word "ghost" has been replaced with the word "spirit" in various other translations.

In the New Testament, particularly in the King James Version, the term "Holy Ghost" is frequently used. However, as later translators recognized the inaccuracy of the word "ghost" in this context, they made revisions in subsequent translations. For example, Matthew 28:19 in the King James Version reads, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." In the New King James Version, this verse has been revised to say, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Observe that from the above explanation, holy ghost is wrong, the right usage is HOLY SPIRIT.

Now, there are several weapons believer in Yeshua can use. Such weapons include the shield of faith, The helmet of salvation, The Breastplate of righteousness, The sword of the Spirit amongst others however one weapon we Christian use more often is the weapon of fire.

We need to understand that the purpose of fire as a weapon is to achieve complete and total victory over the specific challenge or issue being prayed about. Fire has the power to permanently transform and consume, leaving no trace of its original state. The use of fire as a spiritual weapon signifies the final and ultimate solution to the problems addressed in prayer.

Only a handful who cares to know understands that this weapon of fire is in two forms and serves different purposes.

TWO FORMS OF FIRE

First fire:

Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men."(2 Kings 1:10)

The fire in the aforementioned verse can also be seen in these other books; Judges 6:21, Deuteronomy 9:3, Deuteronomy 4:24, Numbers 16:35, 2 Chronicles 7:1, Jeremiah 21:14

Observe the fire in these verses, it is not the Holy Spirit fire or “holy ghost fire” which we call during warfare. This fire is the CONSUMING FIRE which engages in battle against our adversaries and challenges, bringing about their destruction. It is the fire from above, it is destructive. It consumes anything or anyone in its path without leaving a trace.

Be informed, as children and followers of Yeshua, we have the permission to use the consuming fire when the need arises. see 2 Kings 1:9-10, Matt. 18:18 and this is the actual fire we should call during warfare.

Second fire:

"They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:3-4 NIV)

The is the Holy Spirit Fire or the “holy ghost fire”. It can be seen from these other scriptures Matthew 3:11, Isaiah 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

See that this fire, the Holy Spirit fire is calm, gentle, transforms, renews, it is friendly, it ignites and harnesses our hidden potentials and treasures. The Holy Spirit fire is a transformative force that operates in a positive and beneficial manner, nurturing and enhancing our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Instead of causing harm or destruction, it works synergistically in these three dimensions, igniting the potential within us and bringing forth our truest and best selves.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2Cor 3:17). 

Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding, the Holy Spirit is often invoked primarily for the purpose of warfare. In such instances, the leader of the prayer would call upon the Holy Spirit or “holy ghost”, and the congregation would respond with the word "FIRE." (Isaiah 61:1)

Conclusion:

Based on the content of this study, it becomes clear that the act of calling "holy ghost fire" to harm or punish perceived enemies is rooted in ignorance.  Those who adhere to this dangerous belief would benefit from reconsidering their stance. In the words of Apostle Paul, he cautions against teaching contrary to wholesome words and advises to withdraw from such teachings (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Additional guidance can be found in Ephesians 4:14 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, emphasizing the importance of being discerning and avoiding association with erroneous teachings.

During prayer of warfare, Consuming fire or fire from above or fire should be called upon. It is an error to call on Holy Spirit fire during warfare because its purpose is not to consume but to renew and ignite our inner passion for service to God and humanity.

Also remember, it is wrong to say “holy ghost” or “holy ghost fire” but the right word is HOLY SPIRIT or HOLY SPIRIT fire.