Repent or Perish

This passage in Malachi contains the last words of the Old Testament. Malachi's final instructions to God's people are particularly important—they prepare them for the New Testament. Here we are reminded that the full force of the moral law must be obeyed by God's people—the Law is to be held in perpetual rememberance by you, too, as commanded by God. Also, you have the help of one who has come to prepare the way before God's visit this is the message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord (prophesying of the coming of John the Baptist). Without continued repentance and new obedience no one would have any hope of passing God's judgment when He comes. This passage now prepares us for the second coming of Christ, who will judge the world at the last day.