Either the fire of God will set us free now, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were set free by fire (Daniel 3:25), or else we will experience God's fire for eternity. God's fire is unquenchable and it will burn sinful bodies, souls, and spirits forever.

We Christians understand that God forgives the repentant believer through Christ. What is not as clear is how God will deal with the Christian in whom is dwelling the works of darkness over which the second death has authority.

We know that no matter how fervently we trust in Christ, God cannot and will not have fellowship with the works of darkness. Until we overcome them through Christ the second death has authority over us.

Please read the following passage carefully in the light of what we have just stated:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion [sharing] hath light with darkness? And what concord [harmony] hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

Since the above was addressed to Christians, it is evident that mere belief in Christ does not bring us into the Presence of God to the extent we desire. God cannot rest in us when there is uncleanness in us. Light cannot have fellowship with darkness. It is only as we, through the Holy Spirit, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, that God is able to receive us.

The purpose of the Christian redemption is to change us so we are fit to dwell in Paradise—fit for the Presence of God. When we are changed in Christ we shall walk in Kingdom righteousness and life wherever we are. God desires to dwell in us and to walk in us so we may bring the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Spirit of God into every situation in which God places us.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them [paths to God; the ways to Zion]. Who passing through the valley of Baca [weeping] make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. (Psalms 84:5-7)

The purpose of the Christian redemption is not to bring us into the fire of God's Presence as we are. That would be the cruelest thing God could do to us. We would be in absolute torment as His fire burned the darkness in us.

Rather, the purpose of the Christian redemption is to make us righteous and holy so we can abide in the Presence of the Consuming Fire forever.

To be continued.