What is the significance of the consuming fire in scripture?

In scripture, the concept of consuming fire illustrates two primary effects of God's Word. For believers, as seen in Jeremiah 20:9, it brings a burning passion to declare the truth of the Gospel. Yet for unbelievers, it signifies divine judgment and condemnation, as noted in Hebrews 12:29. This duality underscores the power of God’s Word to both ignite fervent faith in believers and bring about destruction for those who reject Him. Understanding this helps Christians grasp the gravity of their calling and the seriousness of the Gospel message.