The Second Coming of the Messiah

God’s answer to the Israelites’ defiant question, “Where is the God of justice?” is recorded in Malachi 3:1-6. The prophecy of the Messiah’s First Coming is found in 3:1, which we studied previously. The prophecy of the Messiah’s Second Coming is found in 3:2-6. This time, we will study His Second Coming. (1) “‘But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap’” (v 2). “The day of His coming” refers to the time of the Messiah’s Second Coming. The returning Messiah will come as the One who judges sin and brings God’s plan to fulfillment. The expressions “a refiner’s fire” and “launderers’ soap” indicate that the Messiah comes as Judge. (2) “‘And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver…’” (v 3). This is a prophecy of worship in the Millennial Kingdom. The priests, who are descendants of Levi, will be purified and will once again offer sacrifices in the temple. These sacrifices will not be for the covering of sin (for the forgiveness of sins has already been accomplished through the Messiah’s atoning death) but will serve as memorials of the Messiah’s death. (3) “‘Then I will come near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, those who oppress the wage earner in his wages or the widow or the orphan, and those who turn away the stranger from justice and do not fear Me’…” (v 5). On that day, not only the Levites but the entire people will be judged. This verse lists the various sins of the people. Spiritual sins, physical sins, economic sins, and sins of falsehood will all come under judgment. Malachi demonstrates a strong concern for the establishment of social justice.

The protection of Israel

At the conclusion of this prophecy concerning the judgment of the returning Messiah, we find God’s promise of protection: “‘For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, the sons of Jacob, have not come to an end’” (v 6). The reason unfaithful Israel is not completely destroyed is found in God’s covenant love. God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, and that covenant remains in effect today. We too, as Gentile believers, have been placed within the sphere of God’s covenant love through Jesus Christ. Let us go out into the world today, trusting in God’s protection.