Malachi's Prophecy: Accepted Beyond Lds Faith?

The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Neviim in the Tanakh and the last of the Twelve Minor Prophets in most Christian orderings. It is believed to have been written by a single author, though the author's identity is debated. The name Malachi means my messenger in Hebrew and is thought to be a pen name. The book was written to address the Israelites' declining commitment to God and correct their lax religious and social behaviour, particularly that of the priests. Malachi's prophecies are referenced in both the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants, and are of great significance to the Latter-day Saints. The prophecy that Elijah would turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6) is especially important in LDS teachings as it relates to the doctrines of the sealing power, eternal families, and temple work for the dead.

The prophecy of the Second Coming of the Lord

The Second Coming in the Old Testament

The Old Testament (OT) presents a mingled prophecy of the first and second advents of Christ, often combining both comings within the same context. The first reference to the Second Coming is found in Deuteronomy 30:3, where it is predicted that God will "return and gather" his people from their captivity and "have compassion" on them.

The OT seldom provides a direct portrayal of the Second Coming but instead focuses on the circumstances surrounding it. For instance, the regathering of Israel to their ancient land and their spiritual and physical restoration (Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 30:3; Amos 9:14-15). Other circumstances include the preceding great tribulation, marked by war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, and persecution (Matthew 24:15-28).

The Second Coming is also associated with the coming of a forerunner, such as John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for the Lord's arrival (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:17; 7:27).

The Second Coming in the New Testament

The New Testament (NT) provides a more explicit and detailed account of the Second Coming. It is referred to as the Parousia in Greek, denoting a period of time rather than an instant. The NT emphasizes the event itself and describes it as a time of judgment when Christ will come in power and glory to establish his kingdom (Matthew 19:28; 24:3-25:46; Mark 13:24-37; Luke 12:35-48; Revelation 19:11).

Jesus himself foretold the signs preceding his return, including great tribulation, natural disasters, and persecution (Matthew 24). He also stated that his coming would be sudden and unexpected, like "a thief in the night" (Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3).

The Second Coming in Other Faiths

The belief in the Second Coming is not limited to Christianity. In Islam, the term "Raj'a" refers to the Second Coming of Jesus, who is considered a prophet and messenger of God. Muslims believe that Jesus ascended to heaven and will return to earth at the end of times to fight against the Antichrist and establish peace and justice.

The Baháʼí Faith interprets the Second Coming as a gradual process coinciding with the advancement of human civilization. They believe that the founders of major world religions represent a return of the Word and Spirit of God, with each manifestation building upon previous revelations.

In conclusion, the prophecy of the Second Coming of the Lord is a significant eschatological event, anticipated by followers of Jesus Christ for thousands of years. It is a central belief in Christianity and Islam, with various interpretations and understandings within these faiths. The Second Coming is portrayed as a time of judgment, restoration, and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

The prophecy of the return of Elijah

Malachi, an Old Testament prophet, prophesied that God would send Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord". This prophecy is found in Malachi 4:5-6 and is considered the climax of Malachi's prophecies.

The prophecy states that Elijah will "turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents". This prophecy is interpreted as a forerunner to the Messiah, believed to be Jesus in Christian thought. The return of Elijah was widely speculated during Jesus' time, with some believing that John the Baptist was Elijah returned. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist denies being Elijah, but in Matthew, Jesus identifies Elijah with John after his death.

The prophecy of Elijah's return is also significant because it serves as a clear link between the Old and New Testaments, appearing at the conclusion of the Old Testament and the beginning of the Gospels. It is also connected to the doctrine of the sealing power, eternal families, and the work done for the dead in temples.

In the Latter-day Saint tradition, the prophecy of Elijah's return is fulfilled when Elijah appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple and restores the sealing powers. This event is believed to be necessary for the "complete salvation and exaltation of all who are willing to obey the gospel".

The prophecy of John the Baptist

Malachi, an Old Testament prophet, wrote and prophesied around 430 BC. His prophecies are prominent in nonbiblical LDS scriptures. In Malachi 3:1, he wrote about a messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah:

> "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!" says Yahweh of Armies. (Malachi 3:1, WEB)

This messenger is believed to be John the Baptist, who started his ministry around AD 25. John preached about repentance and announced the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Messiah. He also baptised Jesus in the Jordan River.

John the Baptist is seen as the fulfilment of Malachi's prophecy by both Latter-day Saints and other Christians. Jesus himself confirmed this, saying:

> "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. [...] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come." (Matthew 11:11,14)

John the Baptist's success in preparing people for Jesus' ministry made him a public figure. After speaking out against a controversial marriage involving Herod Antipas, John was imprisoned and executed.

The prophecy of the law of tithing

The law of tithing, or the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or resources to support the church, has a rich history in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Abraham offered a tithe to the priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), and under Mosaic Law, the Israelites were mandated to give a tenth of their crops, livestock, and income to support the Levites (Leviticus 27:30).

Malachi's prophecy builds on these earlier references, emphasizing the importance of tithing for God's people. Malachi 3:8-10 states:

> "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

This passage highlights the significance of tithing as a moral duty and a test of faith. By bringing their tithes into the storehouse, God's people demonstrate their trust in His provision and obedience to His commandments. In return, God promises to open "the windows of heaven" and shower blessings upon the faithful.

The law of tithing is not just an Old Testament concept but continues to be relevant in the New Testament as well. While the New Testament emphasizes voluntary and cheerful giving, it still recognizes the importance of generosity and faith. For example, Jesus praised the widow's offering as an act of true faith (Mark 12:41-44), and Paul encouraged giving from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The prophecy of the sealing power, eternal families, and the work for the dead

Malachi's prophecy in the Old Testament is of great significance to the Latter-day Saints, as it teaches the doctrines of the sealing power, eternal families, and the work done for the dead in temples.

The Prophecy of the Sealing Power

The sealing power is the means by which all "covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations" are made binding "in and after the resurrection from the dead" in Mormonism. This power is believed to have been held by the prophet Elijah in Old Testament times and was later restored to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy.

Eternal Families

The sealing power is integral to the creation of eternal families, connecting generations and ensuring that children are sealed to their parents forever. This power is often manifested in marriage ceremonies, where couples are "sealed" to one another, forming an eternal family that extends beyond death and into heaven.

The Work for the Dead

The work done for the dead in temples is a crucial aspect of Latter-day Saint doctrine. Through vicarious ordinances performed in temples, individuals can be sealed to their ancestors, connecting the hearts of the children to their fathers and fulfilling Malachi's prophecy. This work is essential to the plan of redemption, as it allows families to be bound together for eternity.

Malachi's prophecies, including those pertaining to the sealing power, eternal families, and the work for the dead, are of utmost importance to the Latter-day Saints. These prophecies provide a framework for understanding the doctrines of salvation, exaltation, and the eternal nature of family bonds.

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