The Spirit of God As Fire Part 8

The Psalmist tells us that "_the Lord G.o.d is a Sun_." Saint John tells us that, while in the Spirit, it was revealed to him that the "_burning lamps of fire were spirits of G.o.d_." Now remember that we have told you that the vast volume of flame of _ethereal fire outside_ and _around_ the heavenly world, is all that we can see or comprehend as the _Sun_; that flame is the source of all _light_, heat, and animation: hence, considered in connexion with its offices, may we not safely conclude that it is an _attribute of Jehovah_?

The prophet Malachi foretold the coming of the "Sun of righteousness,"

behold the "star in the east!" Who can doubt this star being a visible manifestation of the _Spirit of G.o.d_? Christ, the Son of G.o.d, is called "the _Sun_ of righteousness; the bright morning star." His advent into the world was signalized by this sacred emblem--even by the _Spirit of G.o.d_ revealed as the _brightness of a star_. How appropriate this representation, when the Son of G.o.d came to usher in the light of an eternal day to his people. Transfigured during His stay on earth, "His face did shine as the Sun, and His raiment was white as the light." Now remember, we are a.s.sured that the heavenly world and city "hath no need of the _Sun_, for the glory of G.o.d doth lighten it, and the Lamb (the Son of G.o.d) is the light thereof."

Thus we think we have furnished conclusive Scripture evidence that _G.o.d's Spirit is manifested by fire_. Fire is the source of all light, and is also an element pervading all things throughout the vast universe of G.o.d--in air and earth, seas and floods, rocks and mountains, throughout all heights and depths. Hence, hear again the exclamation of the Psalmist: "Whither shall I go from thy _Spirit_? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" Behold, G.o.d, by His Spirit, is everywhere, even throughout the vast extended universe of all His wondrous works.

We have but to consider the source of this element--which is G.o.d himself--and we shall then easily comprehend how it can, by the same power, be adapted or made congenial to our mortal or immortal natures.

We have said, He has created no element incompatible with, or uncongenial to His own nature, nor any that He cannot adapt to the condition of the spirit-life of His children. Fire is an element destructive of all things else save immortality, and that it is not destructive of this, we have evidence in the fact that the wicked shall be cast into the flames of h.e.l.l, and suffer its torments for ever and ever. And yet, while it is an element destructive of all else, save immortality, it is one, and the _only one_ we can--even partially--comprehend, that can _never be destroyed_. Mortality shall be destroyed, and naught remain but immortality, purified by fire--_the Spirit of G.o.d_.

Now in order that His children _here_, might comprehend His infinite power in controlling, or adapting this element to their happiness, He has manifested this power even with mortality on this earth. Our mortal bodies are susceptible of feeling its painful influences, and of being destroyed by it--save when He intervenes, and changes our nature so that it can have no impression upon us, or makes it a congenial element in which we can enjoy happiness. That He can do, and has done this, we have manifest in the miraculous preservation of the three Hebrew children. For their refusal to forsake the Living G.o.d, and worship the idol, or golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, the king commanded that the furnace should be heated seven-fold, and they be bound and cast into it. This was done, and while the heat was so intense as to destroy those who bore them to, and plunged them into the fiery furnace, yet when the king looked into it "he saw four men loose and walking in the midst of the flames; praising G.o.d, and blessing the name of the Lord, and the fourth was like unto the Son of G.o.d." The king called them to come forth, and when the three who were cast in came forth, "not a hair of their heads was singed, nor even the smell of fire pa.s.sed on their garments."

Thus we see the power of G.o.d manifest in the adaptation at His own will, of this,--to our mortal bodies--painful and consuming element, to our condition of happiness. And, on the other hand, when this saving power is withheld, how certain is destruction, as manifested by its destroying those who approached near enough to the furnace to cast them in. O, the measure of happiness those children of the Most High enjoyed in the midst of the burning flames! shouting and praising G.o.d.

And when they came out of the fiery furnace, they still continued their triumphant shout; calling upon everything--animate, and inanimate--throughout the vast Universe, to "bless, praise and magnify the name of the Lord forever."

That G.o.d can, and does make this element suited to the enjoyment of happiness of His people, we have also seen manifested in the case of Elijah taking his seat, at the command of G.o.d, in the "chariot of fire," and with "horses of fire" ascending up into heaven. Thus, "changed," as the apostle expresses it, "in the twinkling of an eye,"

his mortality ceased, and "clothed upon with immortality," by Divine power, he could ride in triumph with his steeds of fire, sitting in his chariot of _burning flame_.

We scarcely deem it necessary to refer again to the--almost universally conceded--fact of man's immortal nature. By the breath of G.o.d, man was made a living soul or spirit. G.o.d's spirit is _living fire_; hence this immortal nature of man is _living fire_, an attribute of G.o.d himself, and one which can never cease to exist; can never be annihilated, but will live on, and on through all eternity.

But when this immortal principle of _spirit-fire_ leaves the body, mortality ceases to live, and must decay and moulder into dust. For, speaking of this mortal body, He hath said, "dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return," and "the soul shall return to G.o.d who gave it."

_SUN AND HEAVEN._

Now to show the intimate connexion with the _Sun_ and _Heaven_, spoken of in the Scriptures, we will here group together a few of the many pa.s.sages found written therein.

The prophet Jeremiah, in referring to the great and terrible day of the Lord, says "the light shall be darkened in the heavens;" and in the Gospel according to St. Mark, referring to the same, we read that "the _Sun_ shall be darkened;" and in the Revelation, that "the _Sun_ and the air were darkened." Again, Jehovah, speaking to His people, saith: "I will cover the _heaven_, and make the stars thereof dark;"

and, in order that we may more fully comprehend, he added: "I will cover the _Sun_ with a cloud;" and the Psalmist tells us that "He covereth the _heaven_ with a cloud;" and thus saith the Lord through His prophet: "Be not dismayed at the signs of _heaven_; for the heathen are dismayed at them."

Thus we see that the _Sun_ and _heaven_ are often spoken of in connexion with each other in regard to light. The Sun is to us the source of _all light_, and in covering the _heaven_ He covereth the Sun. But we see, as above, that He hath made this matter plain to our comprehension by His own utterance: "_Be not dismayed by the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them._"

Now you will remember that the heathen, in ancient times--and even so with them at the present day--were always dismayed and frightened at the recurrence of an eclipse of the Sun, and imagined the time of the world had come to an end. But the science of astronomy has comprehended the laws of nature, and has revealed the true causes of these seeming phenomena to the enlightenment of the world, and many years previous to their occurrence. Astronomers can foretell the day, the hour, and even the very moment when they will appear, or be visible in any part of the world, as, also, when they will disappear.

But we see, however, that G.o.d himself has spoken of such eclipses as "signs in the _heaven_," and yet they are eclipses of the _Sun_.

But still more pointed and clear is the evidence of their connexion given by the Saviour, where the Pharisees and Sadducees desired him to show them "_a sign from heaven_." Hear His answer: "When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair-weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day, for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites! ye can discern the face of the sky, but ye cannot discern the signs of the times." Now we here see that they asked Him for a sign from _heaven_, and the Saviour answered promptly by referring to the apparent phenomena produced by the disappearing and reappearing of the _Sun_. Thus answering by signs which _they_ had marked; _produced by the Sun_, which covereth the heaven from our view.

We have shown what all must acknowledge; that the _Sun_ is the only source of fire, heat, and light which is comprehended in Nature.

Revelations of the Past, and predictions as to the Future, a.s.sure us that G.o.d's _wrath_ is revealed by _fire_. Now from whence cometh this fire when His wrath is thus revealed? G.o.d rained down fire and brimstone from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah, and thus destroyed those cities and their wicked inhabitants. Now, as the _wrath_ of G.o.d is revealed by _fire_, St. Paul sets this matter at rest. Hear him: "_The wrath of G.o.d is revealed from heaven against all unG.o.dliness and unrighteousness of men._" Thus, His spirit of wrath is manifested by fire; the _source_ of fire is the _Sun_, and He sends _fire from heaven_. Hence, we cannot for a moment doubt the correctness of our hypothesis that the source of fire, as manifested in the Past, and also that which shall be manifested in the Future, is the _Sun_. And wherein it is declared that fire came down from heaven, or out of heaven, it was natural that such expressions were used, because it was held that G.o.d resided in heaven, and He sent down fire from thence to execute His judgments.

_A PLURALITY OF HEAVENS._

The idea of a _plurality of heavens_, and their numbers almost infinite, would seem at first thought to startle the mind, and disarrange all our conceptions of the extent and machinery of the universe, and of the employment of G.o.d, and all the angels, and other intelligences He has made. Yet its truth only brings home to us the insignificance of our own earth, and still more that of ourselves. We are too p.r.o.ne to think that this earth and its inhabitants are the princ.i.p.al objects of the Creator's care, and that _man_ is of vast importance in the order of His arrangements, and of augmenting His kingdom and glory. While the truth is, our world is insignificant, when compared to His wonderful creations, and each individual as but a single grain of sand among all that may be found upon the sh.o.r.es of oceans and seas. And yet all that He hath made _are_ the objects of His government and care. For "not even a sparrow falleth to the ground" unknown to Him.

That in His omnipotent and infinite power He can, and has created separate systems of planet-worlds, and a central sun and heaven for controlling each, we cannot doubt; neither is there more of incomprehensible mystery in this contemplation than in that of our own system of planets, with its central and controlling _Sun_ and heaven.

Let us turn to revelations made, as recorded in the Bible, and see if there are not declarations which sustain this hypothesis. In the second book of the Kings it is written: "_But will G.o.d indeed dwell on earth? behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain him_;"

and in the second book of the Chronicles: "_But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain him._" The Psalmist says: "_The heavens; even the heavens are the Lord's_," and "_The heavens declare the glory of G.o.d_," and that "_By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth._"

Thus we have conclusive evidence of a _plurality of heavens_, while, possibly, their numbers are _millions_, their surrounding planet-worlds _billions_, with a wide expanse of surrounding "firmament of the heavens" bestrewn with "_glittering gems_," standing out the grand _empyrean_ covering of all.

Says Dr. Nichol:

"Mystery, indeed, heavy, almost oppressive, hangs over all the perceptive; but the shapes strown through that bewildering territory have nothing in common with the fantastic creations of a dream. It is the essence of these nebulae that they are not formless, but, on the contrary, impressed indelibly by system on the grandest scale; clearly as a leaf they have organism; something has seized on their enormous volumes, and moulded them into a wonderful order." Says Child: "Thus every thing bears the mark of order impressed upon it by the Almighty hand. That n.o.ble gift of G.o.d to man--the telescope--has magnified Him by driving away every semblance of _chance_ from the firmament, and by exhibiting in its place designs and established law. Up there, as down here, the idea of irregularity or chance is but the suggestion of our ignorance."

Thus, from a knowledge gained through that wonderful, and yet most exact of all sciences--Astronomy--we base our conclusions. _That_ science is the grandest, most perfect, and comprehensive of all sciences known to the human mind. It grasps, a.n.a.lyzes, and comprehends the laws and forces which make up and control the universe, and every other science known is intimately connected with, or based upon it.

There is no chance-work in Nature; all things are moulded and formed complete by the great Architect, whose Word created them, and all the grand panorama of suns, moons, planets, worlds, and stars, are perfect and in the exact order of His creative wisdom.

Whatever of incomprehensible mystery our hypothesis of those far-distant _suns_ and _heavens_ may involve, we feel satisfied of the correctness of our theory in regard to our own, and our mind is equally impressed with the probability of all the other planets belonging to the Sun's domain, being inhabited by living intelligences, and that, in the order of their Creator's arrangement, they too find their heaven of eternal existence there. We know there is room for all and to spare, within that heavenly empire, and would be if they and our own earth should remain repeopling and pa.s.sing thither for cycles of ages to come; for, as we have seen from astronomical measurement, it is computed to be more than one million times the size of this earth.

How enrapturing the thought, that there we may not only meet the prophets and seers of old; the apostles and martyrs; "those who went up through great tribulations," "who washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;" our counselling ministers, who have a.s.sisted us in the way; there the loved ones of our hearts, who have already left us and this world of "sin and sorrow," and are now safely at "home;" there other loved ones who are yet on this earth and are striving with us for a home in that "better land;" but also, perhaps, there we shall meet messengers, and children of G.o.d from all the other worlds belonging to the Sun, or that heaven's domain; and with the innumerable company of angels, and all the ransomed hosts, dwell forever with our Saviour in the glory-light of the Spirit of G.o.d. O, who will not seek and strive for a _home in heaven_?

_A PLACE FOR THE WICKED._

That there are two separate places and conditions--one for the righteous and the other for the wicked--we cannot doubt. In regard to no other fact are the revelations of G.o.d and declarations of the Scriptures more clear and explicit. This of itself should startle every inhabitant of Earth; cause due and solemn reflection; and incline every one to search for light, and truth, and for the way of salvation.

In stating the facts contained in this volume, it has not been our design to indulge in a tirade against those who seem careless and indifferent in regard to their own souls' eternal interest. If our picture makes the final doom of the wicked a fearful one, we have only presented the declarations of G.o.d through his prophets, and of the Saviour and his apostles. These declarations are startling, when properly considered, and should awaken every mind to the consideration of what must be their final destiny, if they continue to neglect the overtures of mercy. The law of G.o.d is fearful in its denunciations against the wicked, and its sentence will be sternly executed.

Therefore we would "persuade all to be Christians."

If all the inhabitants of this Earth--all who have lived during the past, or may live and die on it through long ages to come--were saved and should go to dwell in that heavenly world, there would still be room there for more. Yea, even then, untold millions of chambers, ready and beautifully furnished by the Saviour in that vast and glittering "City of G.o.d," would still be unoccupied. And to the wicked, who will not turn from their evil ways, is lost forever the privilege of occupying those mansions; of walking the gold paved streets; of "drinking the waters from the fountains of life;" of wandering amidst the "shady groves," and along the banks of the beautiful rivers; of traversing valleys, and ascending the "hills and mountains of the Lord," and of plucking and eating the "ambrosial fruits" that grow on "the trees of life;" of having wealth and honor, and a safe and permanent home with the angels; the Prophets and Apostles of old; with Moses, and David, and Elijah; with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with all the great and good of every age and clime--even with all "the redeemed of the Lord" "who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb"--with kindred friends from Earth; with angels and spirits of just ones made perfect, yea, "_with all the ransomed hosts_," and above all, with Christ, the Son of G.o.d, who is, and will there be King and ruler forever.

And for what are all these exchanged? Let us see. The Bible is the sure Word of G.o.d. It tells us that "the wicked shall be driven away in their wickedness;" that they "shall be cast into outer darkness, where shall be weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth."

They "shall be turned into h.e.l.l with all the nations that forget G.o.d:"

"They shall be cast into the lake of fire, and the smoke of their torment shall ascend up forever and ever." "These shall go away into everlasting punishment," "But the righteous into life eternal." The blessed Saviour, who died that they _might_ have eternal life, "shall say unto those on his left hand (the wicked), depart into everlasting fire;" while to those on his right hand (the righteous), "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world;" "enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."

Yes, reader, G.o.d has prepared the two places, and it rests with _you_--as a free moral agent--to make your choice, and act accordingly. He will never drag you into heaven by force. You are the rightful inheritor of a precious immortal soul. He has prepared a place of perpetual happiness, and _invites_ you to come to it. There you may find a home, with peace, love and joy. There is for you honor and wealth, and a "crown of glory." There the fountains, and "rivers of life," and an abundance of spiritual food. There neither decrepitude nor old age, nor sickness, sorrow, pain, nor death; but the bloom of eternal youth and beauty may rest on thy brow forever.

Make your choice, and make it _now_, for delays are dangerous, and death and the judgment may be near unto you. The _spirit-fire_ of G.o.d's love is now kindling in your heart, and I hear you say, "_yes_, I would like to be there." We implore you, quench not that _spirit-fire_ of love, or it will change to a consuming SPIRIT-FIRE OF WRATH, and when your soul is released from the body, that spirit-fire will become an intense burning flame, and will be your torment forever and ever.

The very thought of enduring _forever_--after this short life has past--should startle the mind of every intelligent being, and cause the most serious reflections. None can save but G.o.d, and this salvation is through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. All must go to Him. Our ministers can only advise and instruct, and to do this properly, they must themselves be holy men of G.o.d. Christ Himself a.s.sumed the office of the Priesthood. He made the atonement. He is now our _only_ High Priest, and all must go to Him. The wealth of the universe, given to an earthly Pope, Bishop, or Priest, could not save one single soul, nor purchase it from perdition. And yet salvation is freely offered to all who will forsake their wicked ways, and come to G.o.d through love, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

All are convinced of the immortality of the soul, and of a future state of existence. The Word of G.o.d has set this matter at rest, while it is fully evidenced by the inherent desire in every heart and mind that it should be so; even this "longing after immortality." So, also, does enlightened reason convince all that there will be a separation of the righteous from the wicked in their future conditions. There is no true harmony of mind and spirit between them even in this world; much less could there be when the righteous are made pure and clean by the "blood of the Lamb."

There has always been antagonism between the "spirit of light" and the "spirit of darkness." The first gives "light, life, and liberty." The second, darkness, death, and bondage. The word and revelations of G.o.d teach this fact, while the experience and heart admonitions of all confirm it. Even the unG.o.dly condemn wickedness, and yet, strange to say, continue on in sin. There has, from the beginning, been spiritual antagonism between the good and the bad, and a consciousness upon the part of the wicked of their own wrong-doing. This has been the case ever since wicked Cain slew his brother Abel; G.o.d then p.r.o.nounced His curse upon the perpetrator of that wicked deed, and His curse has stood against all wicked doers from that time to the present, and will through all time to come. Bible history is replete with evidences of His judgments against them, and plainly tells us that there are two separate places, one wherein the righteous shall enjoy happiness and eternal life; the other wherein the wicked shall be punished, and endure a living death that never dies, showing us plainly that,

"It is not all of life to live; nor yet of death to die."

Now, the _location_ of that place of torment will claim a few moments of our attention. Of this we think we are _not_ left to conjecture alone. We believe our hypothesis of the location of heaven is correct, and that we have one equally certain of the location of _h.e.l.l_, and that each hypothesis strongly corroborates the other.