Christ, the Sun of Righteousness

Through the prophet Malachi's final warning and the events of Elijah, this passage points to the essence of faith. Seeing the people of Israel offer formal sacrifices while drifting away from him, God announces that he will send John the Baptist so that they may repent. This is not simply a religious ritual but an important turning point connected to Christ's cross, which deals with the problem of sin.

The sermon stresses that believers must not waver between God and the world. Just as Elijah demanded a clear choice when he confronted the prophets of Baal, believers today must also clearly discern good from evil. A formal faith that simply attends church, or a state in which one studies the Word but does not truly believe in Christ, can both be condemned. True faith is enjoying the freedom gained in Christ and living in reverence for his name.

Looking toward the judgment and the completion of salvation that will come in the last days, how should believers live? It asks what it looks like to live a life that is not shaken by the world's temptations and persecution, that boldly proclaims the gospel, and that endures with the hope of taking part in the marriage supper of the Lamb.