When The Day Shall Burn As An Oven

Malachi concludes his prophecy by warning the people to prepare for the second coming of the Messiah. When Jesus returns, He shall appear in glory (Titus 2:13), “to execute judgment upon all” (Jude 1:15). Malachi also prophesied that Elijah would come to prepare “the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (v. 5). This was partially fulfilled when John the Baptist, who went “before Him in the spirit and power of Elias” (Lk 1:17), had prepared “the way” (Mal 3:1), of Jesus (Mt 3:1), during His first coming.

Then it will be completed during the Tribulation period (Dan 9:27); through the ministry of the “two witnesses” (Rev 11:3), wherein Elijah is one of them! John the Baptist warned the Pharisees that “every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Mt 3:10). God “will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:12)! Peter also prophesied that the heavens and the earth are “reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Pet 3:7). Malachi describes all those that will be judged as being “proud” and “do wickedly.” They are living in self-righteousness (Prov 16:18), and “seeketh only rebellion” (Prov 17:11).

Sadly, many today “willingly are ignorant” (2 Pet 3:5), of these warnings by “walking after their own lusts” (Jude 1:16). They undermine God’s authority in their lives and the absolute truth of His word! They have no standards of right and wrong. Therefore, most sinful behaviors such as drug addiction, drunkenness, lying, sexual immorality, homosexuality, idolatry, abortion, etc., become acceptable. If they die without getting saved by trusting Jesus alone as their Lord and Saviour (Rom 5:1), then one day, they will be judged “into everlasting fire” (Mt 25:41). It will be too late for them to repent! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera