"Blazing Flame" - 16 x 20 inches acrylic on canvas
Painted for my Collectors Club, October 2021
“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7, NIV)
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?
You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:10-14, NIV)
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This painting acts as a metaphorical representation of the image itself and the tangible presence of God. First, God is holy. Therefore, He requires all those who are known by Him to be consecrated and set apart for His work; “because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16 NKJV). There is no shortcut or counterfeit alternative that can be used to walk in the purity of the Lord. The road is costly and requires obedience, that is found from a place of utmost devotion to our King. The finished work of Christ alone is the only door made available for His Spirit to permeate and reconcile our entire being to back to Him.
Secondly, the image of a leaf on fire is symbolic for our need to be tested and refined. A purifying process needed, so that we may be proven spotless on the day of His return. For example, precious metals are purified through a process of intense heat, so that the impurities can be brought to the surface. This allows for the precious metals to be made pure, in order to stand the test of time. The blazing flame is symbolic to the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Who tests, disciplines and corrects us so that we can be strengthened. He is a Holy God, and because of that His holiness requires a completed work of refinement.
Original artwork, acrylic on stretched canvas. Wrapped edges are painted white. Adding a beautiful custom frame will give your new painting added elegance, but is not necessary if you prefer the raw edge look.
