Monday, April 16, 2012

Is the fire that appears in the church of the Holy Sepulcher every Easter true?

QUESTION RECEIVED:
Is the fire that appears in the church of the Holy Sepulcher every Easter true?

MY ANSWER:

Yes, it appears someone is lighting it.
But who?
The fire got lit did it not?
So it is real fire.
Is this fire at the Holy sepulcher God's revelation about Himself to man?
No.
The Bible is where we get the account of Christ for salvation.

2 Timothy 3:15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Is this yearly ritual of observing a fire coming out of the tomb part of the gospel-
which is the perfect life, death on the cross, burial and resurrection of our Risen Lord as He paid the penalty for the wrath of God on sinners and awarding eternal life to those who repent and believe Jesus is Lord?
NO!!!

Concerning the source of the fire-
From ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pilgrims-gather-jerusalem-fire-ritual-16138343#.T4zG06tSSTl
By ALON BERNSTEIN Associated Press
JERUSALEM April 14, 2012 (AP)

"During the annual ceremony, top clerics enter the Edicule, the small chamber marking the site of Jesus' tomb. They emerge after some time to reveal candles lit with "holy fire" — said to be miraculously lit as a message to the faithful from heaven. The details of the flame's source are a closely guarded secret."

Why would the source of the fire source be secret?
God makes His works known.
Why does it only happen on the Orthodox Easter date?
Why are they sure it is the right tomb?
Many scholars disagree on the tomb site.
Interesting yet unimportant questions.

Does this story matter or affect the Christian faith?
No.

People are always tying to find the remains of Noah's Ark.
The Shroud of Turin is always trying to be legitimized as the authentic burial shroud of Christ.
Are these things interesting?
Yes.
Will these things bring people to saving faith in Jesus Christ?
No.

People come to faith in Christ when they look at their sins, they know they are sinners, they turn from their sins and trust Christ as the Lamb of God who died to take their penalty.
Christ received their wrath intended for sinners poured on by God Almighty.
He showed us believers our destiny by His resurrection and ascension to Heaven.

Only one thing matters concerning coming to faith in Jesus Christ. .

Ephesians 2:8-9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

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