The day is coming

Malachi 4:1-6
The Day Is Coming

The Evangelical Free Church was formed in 1950 in the midst of Messianic fever due to the birth of Israel in 1948.  But here we are, 76 years later, and Christ has not returned.  Predictions that Jesus would return within a generation or 40 years of the birth of Israel proved to be unfounded.  Many still believe Christ’s return is imminent because of the convergence of signs. “When you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”  Matthew 24:33. 

Wars, earthquakes, unusual weather, apostasy, persecution, and false teaching are all growing. “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:22. “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left…therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:40-42.

Four Features of the Coming Day:

1. It Will Be a Day of Reckoning for God’s Enemies

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.  All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty.  ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them.’” Malachi 4:1. Compared to eternity, our lives are like a vapor (James 4:14), and a thousand years are as a day (II Peter 3:8).

God has put a sense of justice in our hearts.  The final judgment will occur at the end of the age (Revelation 20:11-15).  Having your name written in the book of life will be the critical factor.  You must draw near to God with sincerity and reverence and place your faith in the blood of Christ that was shed on a cross to pay the penalty for your sin (Hebrews 10:22, 29).

2. It Will Be a Day of Reward for God’s Faithful

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.  And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.  Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 4:2-3. Good ultimately will triumph over evil!

The greatest reward will be salvation thru Christ which guarantees eternal life in heaven.  Evil and injustice will be destroyed forever!

3. It Will Be a Day of Remembrance for God’s Word

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.” Malachi 4:4.  A similar warning is given at the end of the New Testament.  Don’t add, subtract, or change God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19)!  The Bible affirms verbal plenary inspiration, the idea that every single word in the Bible is the very word of God (II Timothy 3:16).

“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  II Peter 1:21. Human authors retained their personality as they wrote, but were inspired by the Holy Spirit so that what they wrote was the inerrant word of God.

Megan Basham wrote Shepherds for Sale to show how Christian leaders are being influenced by progressive political forces.  Bellwether doctrines like biblical marriage, the existence of Adam and Eve, and the preeminence of the gospel are being impacted.  But Jesus affirmed that all Scripture is valid, down to “the smallest letter and the least stroke of the pen” Matthew 5:18.

4. It Will Be a Day of Restoration for God’s Creation

“See I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.  He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” Malachi 4:5-6. John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus, but most rejected him (Matthew 11:14).

Elijah and Moses will make another appearance as the two witnesses before Christ’s second coming (Revelation 11).  This will lead to the return of Christ and the new millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1-10).

The “Unwavering” campaign by the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, is an inspiring example of a Christian institution holding fast to God’s Word.  Will you go and do likewise?