Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, “I have some good news and I have some bad news”? Notice how they always ask which one we want first? Is there ever time that you want to hear bad news? We may not like bad news, but let’s be honest, it is a part of life. However, the bad news that God is going to give in today’s text, doesn’t have to be bad news. Malachi 4:1-2 says, “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, that will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go and grow fat like stall-fed calves.”
The day that God is referencing here is the day of His judgment. It is a day referred to many times in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. It is bad news for those who reject the Gospel, because it tells us of their fate. While many may not like it, the truth is that there is only one way for a person to be saved. The only way is to surrender to the Gospel, turning from our sin, and turning in complete faith in what Jesus did on the cross. Anything other than this is hopeless to save you. I know we all want to believe that in the end everyone goes to heaven; however, the Bible makes it very clear that simply isn’t the case. However, the bad news actually doesn’t have to be bad news. There is a promise to those who believe the Gospel. Our salvation is guaranteed by the blood of Jesus. We have His presence, His promise, and His provisions. God, here is promising that one day He is going to completely remove all pain, suffering, and evil from the world. What makes this good news is that it is meant for you. Regardless of where you are now, and despite what you have done; the Gospel can save you. Salvation is God’s plan accomplished by God’s Son, but you have the responsibility to surrender to it. The bad news is, no one will escape God’s judgment. The good news is, you don’t have to fear it if you have surrendered in faith to Him. So, when you think of Jesus’ return, do you think of it as good news or bad news? I hope it brings joy and good news to your mind. If not, please reach out to me at pastorjustin@westlakebaptist.org, and I will be happy to tell you all about the Good News of the Gospel.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin