THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In Him, we also possess the keeper’s treasure, as suggested by the cloud that envelops Him. Let those justified through faith in Him receive this promise: “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night” (Psalm 120:6). Regarding the parable in the Gospel about the distribution of rewards—where it is said that we have endured “the burden of the day and the heat” (Matthew 20:12)—it can be inferred that the phrase refers to a mighty and supreme power capable of consuming passions like fire, and perhaps temptations as well. Thus, Christ is acknowledged as “the Lord my strength and my glory unto us for salvation” (Ex. 15:2).
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However, when those favored with the vision of God, being recipients of divine truths and having committed through the confession of faith to righteous obedience, turn away from the One who foretells and guides them—namely Christ, who endeavors to provide them with rest and serves as their protector, symbolized by the hidden image of a cloud—then, indeed, they will recognize their own folly and endure severe punishment by fire. This aligns with the wisdom of Paul, who stated, “if we sin willfully, there remains no more sacrifice for sins but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and the fury of fire ready to devour the adversaries” (Heb. 10:26-27).
Consequently, those who have forsaken the entire structure built in Christ due to sin shall become fuel for the fire. Murmuring appears to indicate a turn away from faith and a reluctance to acknowledge the salvation achieved through Him, despite having experienced grace and possessing a firm assurance of the future.