Malachi's Prophecy

Malachi prophesies the second coming of our Lord Jesus (Rev 19:12), as “like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.” A fuller in Bible times is a person who cleans garments (2 Ki 18:17), by beating or stomping on them in a tub of water. They would use some crude alkaline based soap or detergents called “nitre” (Jer 2:22), to whiten the soiled garments. “Fullers’ soap” is also used to clean wool and make it white. Fullers would typically work in fields that are far away from populated areas. Because they need large spaces to air dry their laundered garments, and their work involved some of those unpleasant chemicals.

At the Mount of Transfiguration, Mark describes Christ’s “raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them” (Mk 9:3). The brightness of His clothing goes beyond the laundry work of any human hands. Some may infer that “the glory of the Lord” (Lk 2:9), was so bright that it imparted its light through His garment! As God’s children, we all look forward to see such transfiguration; when our corruptible bodies “must put on incorruption” (1 Cor 15:53), and when our bodies are “fashioned like unto His glorious body” (Php 3:21).

Because “when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 Jn 3:2). Malachi describes the display of our Savior’s purity and righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). He gives us a glimpse of His kingdom glory to be revealed on earth some time in the future (2 Tim 4:18). Then our Lord Jesus will one day present His “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle” (Eph 5:27). In the meantime, we ought to faithfully serve Him “acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb 12:28). Let us always be ready (Mt 24:42). When Jesus returns “like fullers’ soap,” He shall come to completely wash away all the filthiness of sin! God bless you!



- Pastor Melito Barrera