“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24; also, Hebrews 12:29).

God uses His fire either to purify and cleanse the believer (blessing) or to bring devastating judgment upon the world of sinners. We need to focus here on God’s consuming fire of judgment.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Romans 1:21).

There were at least two distinct times in the history of mankind when every living soul on the face of the earth knew the true God. Adam, Noah, and their immediate families were well aware of a God who was the great Creator of the universe and an awesome Judge of sin.

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of” (II Timothy 3:14).

“And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him” (I Samuel 10:26,27).

“With my whole heart have I sought thee” (Psalm 119:10).