A Consuming Fire: The Holy of Holies in Biblical Law

by Joel McDurmon

Joel McDurmon’s A Consuming Fire is a very clear and precise treatment of the cherem concept in Scripture. McDurmon argues that cherem laws pertain especially to the holiest place in the tabernacle and temple. Violations of these laws carry different penalties from those outside the cherem sphere. From this premise, McDurmon argues significant theses about continuities and discontinuities between Old and New Covenant law. This discussion is very significant in the debate over Theonomy. As McDurmon refreshes this debate, he exchanges views with many theologians of the past and present such as Rushdoony, North, Bahnsen and Kline. Some will be surprised to find that McDurmon acknowledges significant value to Kline’s formulation, and even more to that of Vern Poythress. I learned a great deal about God’s covenants from this book, and I would recommend it to any serious student of Scripture.—Dr. John M. FrameProfessor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy EmeritusReformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2019

About the author

Joel McDurmon, Ph.D. in Theology from Pretoria University, is the Director of Research for American Vision. He has authored seven books and also serves as a lecturer and regular contributor to the American Vision website. He joined American Vision's staff in the June of 2008. Joel and his wife and four sons live in Dallas, Georgia.

Reviews

[Josiah Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote in part the last phrase of the book in the affirmative:
“standing on the shoulders of giants means we not only have a debt of gratitude and humility to them, but also an obligation to see further than they did. I hope that such a view is apparent now in both The Bounds of Love and A Consuming Fire.”

I believe this was achieved. Wether you agree with every point made or not I don’t think anyone can deny the amount of work and scholarly insight achieved in this work. This is a important and much needed volume that needs to be on everyone’s bookshelf.

[Jared Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read! When Joel McDurmon released The Bounds of Love: An Introduction to God's Law of Liberty, I was skeptical of his cherem principle, which was a new idea to me at the time. I'm glad that he took the time to explain the cherem principle in greater depth, while also responding to various critiques of the cherem principle. I'm now fully persuaded Dr. McDurmon has the correct interpretation.

[Judson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful.

[John Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel's books will make you think, that's for sure.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. McDurmon does a much better job of defending his cherem principle than he briefly does in Bounds of Love. His biblical theological work is extensive and insightful, as is his historical theology of cherem. The book would have been much shorter and more accessible had he not included responses to his critiques, but, given the nature of the topic it had to be done. Very much worth the read!