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QUESTION 18
In Malachi 4:5 we read, "Behold I send Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Does this mean before the Rapture or after?

ANSWER:
There are several important days on God's prophetical calendar. The day in which we live is called "The Day of Salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2.

It is often called "Man's Day" (1 Corinthians 4:3). This will end with the Day of Christ. "...that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6. The Holy Spirit who begins this work in a born-again believer will finish it on that Day. This most certainly refers to the rapture when He comes to perfect His own. This will usher in the Day of the Lord. (2 Peter 3:10). Christ will come like a "thief in the night." (Revelation 16:15). This is characterized by a terrible time of trouble. The world is and will be crying "peace and safety, then sudden destruction will come upon them." (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). This will go on for seven years in one form or another. Then, it will continue for one thousand years of Christ's reign in righteousness on earth. After that will begin the "Day of God," (2 Peter 3:12), when a kingdom will be eternally set up wherein "dwelleth righteousness."

Since Elijah is a prophet of Israel, and his day is during the Day of the Lord; his coming will take place during the seven years after the Rapture; but before Christ comes to set up His kingdom over Israel. Probably one of the two prophets mentioned in Revelation 11. Today is the Day of opportunity to be saved. Tomorrow will be too late. Why not trust Christ as your Saviour today?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen