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The concept of Fire from heaven in Christianity

Fire from heaven in Christianity signifies divine intervention and judgment, often manifested through destructive acts of God. It is notably linked to the catastrophic downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah, where fire was used as punishment for sin. Additionally, it represents miraculous signs confirming divine authority, such as when God consumed Elijah's sacrifice. The phrase also alludes to a broader theme of divine guidance withdrawal and the expectation of retribution against injustice, highlighting its significance throughout Biblical narratives and Protestant interpretations.

Synonyms: Divine fire, Heavenly fire, Celestial flame, Spiritual fire, Holy fire, Heavenly flame, Celestial fire, Supernatural fire

In Malay: Api dari syurga; In Swedish: Eld från himlen; In Spanish: Fuego del cielo; In Dutch: Vuur uit de hemel; In Finnish: Tuli taivaasta; In German: Feuer vom Himmel; In French: Le feu du ciel

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Fire from heaven'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The divine punishment manifested through fire that led to the destruction of Sodom.[1] (2) The miraculous sign that validated Elijah's prophethood when God consumed the sacrifice on the altar at Carmel.[2] (3) A term indicating divine intervention or punishment manifested through fire, often associated with judgement in Biblical accounts.[3]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) This phrase describes something that will strike, and is related to the captive's chain sinking into dust, which is a sign of liberation.[4] (2) A symbolic element representing divine guidance and favor that has now been withdrawn, leaving Israel to navigate without direction.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The miraculous sign confirming Elijah's authority as a prophet, as God answers his prayer dramatically.[6] (2) A reference to the divine judgment that resulted in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, indicating a supernatural act of God.[7]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) Describes the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, illustrating the catastrophic nature of the cities' destruction.[8]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the overwhelming of Vulsinii and Pompeii, highlighting calamities that occurred before the rise of Christians.[9] (2) This phrase is from Genesis, where it is mentioned that the Lord rained sulphur and fire from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah.[10] (3) A divine manifestation or sign, often representing God's direct intervention in earthly matters.[11] (4) An event in the story of Job that illustrates divine power, but was not an act of God regarding the sheep.[12] (5) The desire of Philip and others to call down divine retribution against their oppressors, reflecting the struggle between good and evil.[13]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) An extraordinary divine phenomenon that signifies God's approval, particularly related to consuming sacrifices on the altar.[14]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.