Fire and Light
Throughout scripture, especially in the account of the Savior’s visit to the Book of Mormon people, the imagery of fire and light describes spiritual manifestations. In Joseph Smith’s first vision, “a pillar of light” appears exactly over his head, above the brightness of the sun. In the light are the Father and the Son. In the first chapter of the Book of Mormon, Lehi sees a pillar of fire that came and dwelt upon a rock and subsequently “saw and heard much.” Moses saw a burning bush. A pillar of fire guided the children of Israel at night. On the day of Pentecost, “there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. I could go on with many more examples.
The images conjured in our minds by these words are imperfect in describing the indescribable; however, they are adequate. Fire has properties that make it a powerful metaphor for the Spirit. Here are five examples:
- Purification: Fire is often used to purify or refine materials, removing impurities. Similarly, the Spirit can cleanse and purify our souls, helping us shed sins and imperfections (Malachi 3:2-3).
- Light and Guidance: Just as fire provides light in the darkness, the Spirit illuminates our minds and hearts, guiding us in truth and understanding. It serves as a divine beacon, showing us the right path (John 16:13).
- Warmth and Comfort: Fire provides warmth and comfort, much like the Spirit provides peace and solace even in difficult times. This warmth can be felt as part of the Spirit’s comforting influence (John 14:26-27).
- Power and Strength: Fire embodies power and energy, akin to the empowering influence of the Spirit that enables us to accomplish God’s will and to overcome challenges (Acts 1:8).
- Transformation: Fire can transform substances by changing their form or state. The Spirit similarly transforms individuals, helping them grow and become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Some of the properties of light that make it a fitting metaphor for spiritual manifestations are these:
- Illumination: Light reveals and illuminates the world around us, helping us to see clearly. Spiritually, it represents truth, knowledge, and guidance, allowing us to discern right from wrong (John 8:12).
- Clarity and Understanding: Light helps us gain clarity and understanding. When associated with spiritual insight, it refers to gaining a more profound comprehension of divine truths and wisdom (Psalm 119:105).
- Dispersing Darkness: Light naturally dispels darkness, symbolizing the power of good over evil. This relates to spiritual enlightenment and the triumph of truth over ignorance or sin (John 1:5).
- Purity: Light is often associated with purity and holiness. It represents the divine, untainted presence of God and His ability to cleanse and sanctify (James 1:17).
- Guidance and Direction: Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely through treacherous waters, spiritual light provides direction and leads individuals safely through life’s challenges (Doctrine and Covenants 11:11).
- Life Sustaining: Light, particularly sunlight, is crucial for life, growth, and health. Similarly, spiritual light sustains and nurtures the soul, promoting spiritual growth and vitality (John 1:4).
(If you are wondering where I got these descriptions, I use an app called Scripture Notes with an AI assistant. The answers are an accurate representation of my personal thoughts on the subject.)
When we read stories like the children at the land of Bountiful being ministered to by angels in the midst of fire, we can better understand the imagery by applying the characteristics of fire to the situation. “ And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.”
Likewise, we can better understand this verse, “And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.”
So, how do fire and light affect us on our spiritual journey? In the temple, we learn about what that journey entails. Since Adam and Eve represent all of us in the grand narrative, we know that they walked and talked to God in the Garden of Eden, fell and were cast out, and learned that they could return to God’s presence through the power of Christ’s atonement. The Tree of Life represents eternal life and was in the midst of the Garden. It is the objective we seek at the end of our journey.
The way to the Tree of Life is guarded by a being with a flaming sword. This is a double metaphor that describes what we must face in returning to and partaking of the fruit of the tree. The flame purifies us from our sins, and the sword cuts away all of our corruption. Christ is also depicted as having a two-edged sword coming out of his mouth, representing the power of His word and authority. The Holy Ghost is frequently described as a purifying fire, both in refining and also as confirmation of the truth. I believe this means that we can only get to the Tree of Life through Jesus Christ.
If we have “an eye single to the glory of God” through Jesus Christ, the Light, and Life of the world, “your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”