The Day Of Judgment Is Coming

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. Malachi 4:1

Will the day of judgment affect Christians?

Maybe we should ask that question a different way. Should Christians be concerned about the day of judgment?

After Malachi, God stopped speaking to the Israelites for about 400 years. So, with that in mind, shouldn’t we take what the Lord said to this prophet seriously? I think we should.

Before we go any further, let’s talk about our faith. What should faith look like in the life of a Christian? Too many people who call themselves Christians want to keep it private or a secret.

The New Testament, however, teaches something entirely different about Christianity. James makes it clear that faith doesn’t exist by itself.

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:19-20

Some versions say, “Faith without works is dead.” In other words, faith can’t stand alone. Our works and actions will confirm our commitment to the Lord.

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Malachi mentioned something of that nature when he spoke about the coming day of judgment.

At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:5

God Honors His Word

God reminded the descendants of Jacob why He had not already destroyed them. He said, I am the Lord, and I do not change. Therefore, He honored His covenant with them.

Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’ Malachi 3:7

Many people going astray never even realize it. They will allow pleasures of this world to slowly creep into their lives until they become acceptable practices.

Then, their relationship with the Lord becomes non-existent. They may continue attending church, but God knows their hearts and wants them to return to Him.

Some people believe you can’t walk away from God. Would you want to take that chance? He doesn’t want you to be religious. He only wants your faith in Him to shine through.

The Lord asked His people to return to him. Then, He confronted them with another issue they needed to address.

Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Malachi 3:8-9

Why would God bring money into this conversation? Because paying tithes and giving offerings are spiritual issues motivated by faith. Who wants to cheat God? I hope no one, here’s why.

Who Wants to Cheat God?

Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

God listed thieves and cheaters right up there with sins of immorality. But let’s look at the other side of the coin. God would rather pour abundant blessings upon His people.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10

Earlier, we asked if Christians should be concerned about the day of judgment. If your faith in the Lord leads your actions each day, then you should have no concerns about it.

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2

When the Day of Judgment Comes

When the day of judgment comes, or the day when God acts, we will rise above the wicked.

On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of heaven’s Armies. Malachi 4:3

The prophet Malachi recorded a final instruction given by the Lord. This instruction may seem impossible, but after we read it, I’ll tell you why we can easily obey it.

Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel. Malachi 4:4

Jesus said the law and the prophets are contained in two commands. Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor. With those two commands, we can obey the entire law of Moses.

First, by loving the Lord with all of our hearts. Then, by loving others like we love ourselves. Our love for God will keep us away from the day of judgment.

So, focus your biggest concern about the day of judgment toward your loved ones who don’t know Christ. And on those who act like they do but don’t.

They may not respond to the message of salvation from you. Instead, pray for them. And pray that God sends a person to them who can speak into their lives.

The day of judgment is coming. Make sure you are ready. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by continually examining your heart so you don’t float away from God.

Lord, thank you for giving us fair warning about the coming of the day of judgment. Help us to stay on track. Let us recognize when opportunities arise to tell others about you.