For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:29
Music is often an emotional experience. So when we sing and ask for the fire of God to fall on us, we may or may not understand what we are asking.
In the song, Do What You Want To, we sing, “All-consuming fire fall, fall on us.”
In another song, Fire, Fall Down, the chorus says, “Fire, fall down (3x) on us we pray.” It is sung over and over.
One other song is Fear is a Liar, in which the words “Let your fire fall and cast out all my fear” are repeated several times.
So, what does it mean to ask for the fire of God to fall on us?
Table of Contents
Ask for the Fire
I read the comments after listening to Jesus Culture sing Fire, Fall Down. One person in favor of asking for the fire of God says,
Asking for God’s fire is a big thing, but for those of us who are serious about forsaking ourselves and following after Jesus, I think it’s a wonderful and appropriate thing for us to ask from God. We just need to be mindful that when we sing and pray “fire, fall down” we are not asking for a warm glow of affection for God. We are asking for his blazing, consuming, awesome presence. We are asking for God to come as rightful judge. We are asking for Him to look with pleasure on the meager offerings we bring before Him. And we are asking for God to draw near to us in His fullness and to burn up everything in our lives that is displeasing to him so that we can know Him more and walk in closer step with Him.
For another perspective on why we sing for God’s fire to fall on us, read Christian Songs Lyrics Explained: Fire Fall Down by Amy Reasoner.
Don’t Ask for the Fire
An opposite view is where the person says, “Every time Scripture records fire falling from heaven it never ends well for us.” They go on to cite several Scriptures:
2 Kings 1:12 – Elijah replied to them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Rev 20:19 – And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
Numbers 16:35 – And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.
Job 1:16 – While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
Luke 9:54 – When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
And I will add another Scripture:
Leviticus 10:2 – When Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu disobeyed the Lord by burning the wrong kind of fire, “fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord.”
Being Baptized With Fire – Matthew 3:11b
…He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Others in the comment section chimed in with their own views of why asking for the fire to fall on you is biblical.
One response is:
God’s Fire can be a good thing, too, and of course, in this instance, the song is talking about fire as a good thing… Matthew 3:11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire.” Praise God that as believers, we don’t need to be afraid of God’s wrath of fire!
But is Matthew 3:11 talking about the fire of the Holy Spirit? If so, what is it?
John the Baptist is speaking, telling his listeners that he baptizes them with water for repentance, but One is coming who is more powerful than he is. In fact, John says he isn’t even worthy to remove His sandals. John is talking about Jesus.
Next, he says Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus is the One who baptizes. He baptizes believers with the Holy Spirit when they are saved. When He returns, Jesus will baptize with fire. The fire refers to the future judgment.
Warren Wiersbe, in his commentary on Matthew, says:
But John mentioned two other baptisms: a baptism of the Spirit and a baptism of fire (Matt 3:11). the baptism of the Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 1:5, and note that Jesus said nothing about fire). Today, whenever a sinner trusts Christ, he is born again and immediately baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ, the church (1 Cor 12:12-13). In contrast, the baptism of fire refers to the future judgment, as Matthew explains (Matt 3:12).
Another Scripture used to say that asking for the fire is a good thing is in Acts 2:2-3, referring to the day of Pentecost. If you look closely at v.3, you will see that it says, “what looked like flames or tongues of fire (NLT),” or in the NASB, “there appeared to them tongues as of fire.”
The NIV says close to the same thing, “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire.” Nowhere does this verse claim there was fire or that it is something we should ask for.
Experience the Fire
Some ask for the fire to fall on them in a strange way.
I watched a video of an “apostle” putting his hands on a man’s chest and yelling “FIRE,” and the man fell over. They picked him up and did the same thing again, and the man started screaming and taking off his jacket as he ran away like he was on fire. Asking God’s fire to fall on you this way is considered a good thing.
The “fire” is taught to be a cleansing fire that burns away every impurity and makes you more like Christ. This kind of thing is happening at churches and conferences within the New Apostolic Reformation.
Is this what you want to happen when you ask for the fire to fall on you? Do you think it won’t? Is it just symbolic? I don’t know.
Those who believe in asking for God’s fire say it is also the burning love of God, a love you can feel.
One Scripture passage they use is 2 Kings 1:10 & 12. King Ahaziah came into power after King Ahab died. He fell and injured himself, so he sent some men to the temple of Baal-zebub to find out if he would recover.
God tells Elijah to confront the messengers and say, “Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to the temple of Baal-zebub? Tell the king he will never leave his bed again because he will surely die.”
When the messengers report to Ahaziah what Elijah said, the king sends a captain with fifty men twice to arrest Elijah. Both times, the captain tells Elijah, “Man of God, the king has commanded you to come with us, and Elijah replies, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men.” And fire fell from heaven and killed them all.
The king sent a third captain with fifty men, but this captain submitted to Elijah’s authority and pleaded for his and his men’s lives. There was no fire from God.
Those who teach that the fire is the burning love of God say this is an example of God showing His love for Elijah. And He will do it for us too. Did Elijah feel this burning love? Is this what the story is teaching or why it’s told?
Frankly, this is twisting Scripture, for there is no reason to conclude that God’s fire was to show Elijah how much He loved him. Although he did contend for Elijah using fire, the fire was clearly God’s judgment on the arrogant captains and their men.
As you can see, people interpret Scripture differently. The Bible can also be twisted to say what you want it to say. As believers, we are told to make every effort to handle the Word of truth accurately (2 Timothy 2:15).
So, what is the truth? Is it biblical to ask for the fire of God to fall on you?
RELATED > > > > > Elijah Part 11 – Why Does Elijah Confront Ahaziah, Israel’s New King?
My Thoughts
Based on what I see in the Scriptures above, I see no reason to ask for the fire to fall on you.
Having been in the Charismatic world for several years, the music was all about how it made me feel. Although I never asked for the fire of God to fall on me at a prayer gathering or by going through a fire tunnel, I sang the songs.
However, the Bible doesn’t teach you to ask for it or give examples of people who did. So, how could you say it’s biblical?
Furthermore, if an unbeliever is asking for the fire of God to fall on them, it can be risky. Look what happened to the captains and their fifty men.
I worked in youth ministry for several years while at the charismatic-leaning church. These kids sang these songs, and some were not believers. Others walked away from their faith after becoming adults.
As a believer, I don’t have to fear God’s fire, but neither will I ask for it.
Final Thoughts
I tried to look at both sides: those who say it is biblical and those who say it’s not.
We dug deeper into Matthew 3:11, where John the Baptist says that one is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Most commentators agree that the baptism with fire in this verse will happen when Jesus returns. However, those who have experienced what they say is the fire of God falling on them would argue that it’s real and is happening now.
In another verse, Acts 2:2-3, I pointed out that there was no fire, only what looked like tongues of fire. So, this could not have been when Jesus baptized with fire.
Finally, we talked about God sending fire to consume the captain and his fifty men, not once, but twice (2 Kings 1:10-12). And how some have twisted this Scripture to say what it doesn’t say.
I would love to hear your thoughts on whether you think asking for the fire of God to fall on you is biblical and why or why not.
Or you can continue reading, Is It Biblical to Ask for the Fire of God to Fall on You? – Part 2
Resources:
Weirsbe, Warren W., The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 1: Matthew-Galatians, Victor Books, 1994
Maybe a little off topic, but the verse from Job appears to infer that it wasn’t just Satan attacking Job, but that God Himself is actively partaking, if not adding to what Satan was already doing, in the testing. Surly Satan doesn’t control the fire of God. I guess I always thought that God just removed His hedge of protection, but this verse says otherwise.
I guess I didn’t really pay attention to this verse as I was just writing out the verses someone else had given. Now that I look at it more closely, I understand why you are somewhat confused. It could either be God gave Satan access to the elements to destroy Job’s family and possessions, or God Himself sent the fire as if He were doing Satan’s bidding. The latter seems unlikely to me. But if God gave Satan access, was it only for Job or does He give Satan access at other times in history and today? I don’t know.
Most of my commentaries and Bible notes simply say the fire was probably started by lightning (Lev 10:2; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10-14), it was a wildfire (Num 11:1-3), or from volcanic activity (Gen 19:24). However, none of these say who sent it.
J. Vernon McGee says Satan did it and the servant could just as well have said “The fire of Satan,” but he doesn’t answer the question as to how Satan got control of the fire. It’s like he thinks Satan just has control of the elements. But he does compare it with today and our insurance company saying they won’t cover an act of God. He ends by asking, “Why don’t insurance policies say, “If God permits Satan to destroy my house”?
The best response I found was from them Keil and Delitzch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament in which Delitzch says, “Satan has summoned the elements and men for the destruction of Job’s possessions by repeated strokes. That men and nations can be excited by Satan to hostile enterprises, is nothing surprising (cf. Revelation 20:8); but here, even the fire of God and the hurricane are attributed to him.” For more on what he says go to Job 1:19 Commentaries at Biblehub.com.
I hope this helps. Personally, I lean toward thinking God gave Satan access to the elements for at least Job, but maybe he’s been given access at other times too. Or will be given it again in the Tribulation period. Like you, I was taught that God simply removed his hedge of protection but that doesn’t explain how Satan was able to send fire if God is the one who controls the elements. It also makes sense to me that the servant would mistakenly call it the fire of God and attribute the fire to God as if God sent it when really it was sent by Satan.
Got Questions on How Were Pharoah’s magicians able to perform miracles is also interesting.
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking article. As someone raised in the Catholic Christian tradition who has studied the history of the Holy Land and surrounding areas, I can offer my perspective on this topic.
First, I want to acknowledge the complexity of interpreting religious texts and practices across different periods and cultures. The concept of “God’s fire” has evolved and been interpreted in various ways throughout history.
From my studies, I’ve learned that many ancient Near Eastern cultures associated fire with divine presence and purification. In the biblical context, fire often symbolized God’s power, judgment, and purifying presence. However, the literal interpretation of “fire falling from heaven” as a desirable experience for believers seems to be a more recent development, particularly in certain charismatic Christian movements.
The author of this article raises valid concerns about the potential misinterpretation of biblical passages and the risks of asking for “God’s fire” without fully understanding the context. I agree that it’s crucial to approach Scripture with careful study and consideration of historical and cultural contexts.
As someone who has moved away from strict religious practice while maintaining a belief in a higher power, I find it important to balance spiritual experiences with critical thinking. The emotional power of music and communal worship can be profound, but it’s also essential to consider the theological implications of our words and actions.
In my view, the desire for spiritual transformation and closeness to the divine is understandable. However, I would caution against literal interpretations of metaphorical language in religious texts or music. Instead, I would encourage believers to focus on cultivating compassion, ethical behaviour, and a deeper understanding of their faith traditions.
Rather than asking for “fire to fall,” perhaps a more constructive approach would be to seek wisdom, understanding, and the strength to live according to one’s values and beliefs. This approach aligns with many religious traditions’ emphasis on personal growth, service to others, and spiritual enlightenment.
In conclusion, while I respect the sincerity of those who engage in this practice, I would encourage a more nuanced and metaphorical understanding of “God’s fire” rather than a literal request for it to fall upon oneself. Faith can be a powerful force for personal transformation, but it should be approached with both heart and mind engaged.
All the best,
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thank you so much for your perspective. I, too, am trying to study the Bible more from a historical perspective (and in context) rather than just what it says to me personally.
Much of the research I did about five years ago on this topic led me to see that this kind of thing is practiced in other religions, and I concluded that it was about experience more than real-life change.
Whether proponents of asking for the fire of God to fall on them truly believe it’s about purification and his presence as rightful judge and asking Him to burn up everything displeasing to Him, I, too, think there is a better way like you suggested. Too often, it is all about the experience, not real-life change.
No amount of experience will add to my knowledge that I am fully loved by God. I trust He will work in my life as I submit to Him daily. Any changes I’ve seen that last have not been from asking for His fire to fall on me or any other number of things I’ve tried while in the charismatic movement.
Approaching God with both heart and mind engaged is sound advice.
Blessings,
Lynn