Of all the disasters that plague our modern society, probably the worst is fire, fires that rage uncontrolled over hundreds of acres, fires that destroy forests, homes, even towns. These fires that cannot be stopped are called wildfires. Millions of dollars are spent in an attempt to contain and extinguish them, but usually this is accomplished only if nature cooperates. The tragedy is that many of these fires are deliberately set. No one can cause a hurricane nor an earthquake, but many fires are the result of the action of arsonists. It is difficult to understand the psychological quirk that motivates such individuals. Certain natural conditions augment the intensity of such fires. They usually occur during periods of extreme drought and heat and other factors such as a hot, dry wind. Despite the efforts of planes and ground forces, these fires spread so rapidly in dry brush or forest areas that there is not time to set up a backfire or firebreak; they can even create their own wind storm as the super-heated air rises and the colder air rushes in to replace it. Many times these fires are unquenchable, and they eventually burn themselves out when the fuel finally gives out.
The Bible speaks of unquenchable, or ever-burning, or everlasting fires. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by such a fire, and it did not go out until everything was burned up The fact that the fire is not burning today indicates that the word "everlasting" does not mean forever. Similarly the everlasting fire of hell refers to a fire that cannot be extinguished, but it burns until everything is consumed and then it dies. No one but God can extinguish a fire that He ignites; it is unquenchable, it is everlasting for however long God designs it to last. When its work is done, it is extinguished.
God has declared His word to be a consuming fire. By His Word the earth was covered with water in the great flood and all the antediluvian world was destroyed. By His Word were Sodom and Gomorrah consumed. By His Word the plagues fell on the inhabitants of Egypt and His people were delivered. By His Word the sea parted for the fleeing Israelites. By His Word the wilderness wanderers were protected with a cloud by day and guided by a pillar of fire by night for forty years. By His Word was Elijah's sacrifice consumed by fire. By His Word will He be a consuming, everlasting fire at the end of time. By His Word we are assured of salvation and eternal life. By His Word there is an escape from the final demonstration of God's consuming fire, God's everlasting fire, God's eternal fire, that will consume this earth and all the evil therein (Matt. 25:41). Thus the earth is purified and prepared for a new creation wherein dwells righteousness, purified by a fire that cannot be quenched. This is the final "wildfire."
