“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 4:1-3

The idea of a God who will judge is widely rejected, even in the local church, but that is exactly what Scripture tells us. Only 45 percent of US respondents to the State of Theology survey strongly agreed with the statement that Jesus Christ will one day judge all the people who have ever lived (link). Thankfully, 95 percent of self-described evangelicals do agree.

When the Day of the LORD arrives, surveys will not matter. So those who are described as “the arrogant and all evildoers” will meet their final fate. They should fear that day, but for those who fear the name of the LORD will be comforted and renewed.

I am reminded of a few verses I learned years ago from the Book of Romans –

• “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).”
• “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”
• “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).”

Death or Life is ahead for all.