Know the Difference

Read Malachi 3:18-4:4
 
Malachi 3:18 & 4:2 “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not… 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”
 
MALACHI gives you a good summary of human history to this point, about 400 years before Jesus came. Consider the Old Testament record: 1) the creation of the world and the perfect Garden of Eden 2) the separation of mankind from God due to sin 3) the judgment of the Great Flood 4) the call of Abraham to form Israel 5) the exodus from Egypt 6) the entrance into the Promised Land 7) the reign of David 8) the exile into Babylon and 9) the return to Judah. In this history is a clear “distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Those who have been wicked have been cast aside. Those who have been righteous, have been welcomed as God’s own.    
   This promise of God’s presence among his own is a bridge to the New Testament. God’s story continues with his very personal presence among his own. Jesus fervently preached the gospel of forgiveness, calling his people then to righteous living. He demonstrated God’s presence through physical healing and spiritual truth during his ministry. Then he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven to begin the church age. Through the church the Holy Spirit uses the preaching of the Word to continue separating the wicked from the righteous. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
   Remember, the Son of God urged, even commanded many to “Come, follow me.” (Matthew 4 & 19, Mark 1 & 10; Luke 18) God’s Holy Bible is his call to you to follow him from wickedness to righteousness.
   Yes, it is a difficult confession to say, “I am wicked.” But God’s Word tells you that any sin is wickedness. “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) We can rejoice, then, in the way to righteousness: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) God’s grace of salvation poured out to you has made you righteous. Rejoice that your story can convey the joy of a new life in Christ’s redemptive power.
   I know. Nearly everyone reading this lesson has heard God’s personal work to save the wicked unto him. I pray each one of you has received the truth from God to repent and be saved unto eternal life.
   Give thanks to God he offers this eternal gift right now to you. Turn to him in faith. Confess your sins. Accept Jesus as Lord. Live a righteous life. You will be his treasured possession for eternal life.