Salvation PDF

The Major Prophets are described as “major” because those books are longer, generally speaking, and their content has broad, even global implications. The Minor Prophets are described as “minor” because those books are shorter, for the most part, and their content is more narrowly focused. That does...

The Major Prophets are described as “major” because those books are longer, generally speaking, and their content has broad, even global implications. The Minor Prophets are described as “minor” because those books are shorter, for the most part, and their content is more narrowly focused. That does not mean the Minor Prophets are any less inspired than the Major Prophets. It is simply a matter of God choosing to reveal more to some prophets than He did to others. The Major and Minor Prophets are among the least read books of the Bible for Christians. On one level, this is understandable, as the prophets often employed symbolic language, obscure allusions, and harsh warnings. Their many condemnations against individuals and nations do not make for light reading. MAJOR PROPHETS THE STORIES AND MESSAGES OF FAITH IN ISRAEL Prophet Isaiah God called the prophet: Isaiah into his commission through a vision, at which he charged him with speaking to the people of Israel, speaking of threats and words of optimism for them. Judgment and Warning: Isaiah warns the people of their idolatry, social injustice, and forsaking God. He says that their actions will bear consequences, including the impending Assyrian and Babylonian invasions. Hope for Restoration: Though there are warnings, Isaiah does convey hope. He talks about the coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6) and redemption for Israel. He assures them that, no matter what, God is faithful and will ultimately Faithfulness to God: Isaiah asks the people to put faith in God and once again return to their religion and righteousness. He insists on the necessity of relying upon God for strength and inspiration. Prophet Daniel Captivity and Resolve: During the exile, Daniel and his companions are taken captive in Babylon. Despite attempts to assimilate to Babylonian culture, Daniel maintains his Jewish identity and principles (Daniel 1). God's Sovereignty comes through in the interpretive skills of Daniel where he interpreted the dreams and visions of him demonstrate God's higher sovereign control over nations and kingdoms such as when he interpreted the dream of king Nebuchadnezzar interpreting a statute meant to describe the many kinds of kingdoms to confirm him on the top of general history (Daniel 2). Faithfulness in Persecution: Daniel and his fellows are persecuted because of religion. They do not serve an idol so are cast into a fiery oven (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3). They come out unburned, indicating God's protection. The Writing on the Wall: Daniel interpreted the strange writing on the wall for King Belshazzar, proclaiming the fall of Babylon because it was arrogant and morally bad (Daniel 5). Prophet EZEKIEL 1. Call of Jeremiah. God chooses Jeremiah to be a prophet before he is born, showing that every person has a purpose. 2. The Potter and the Clay Jeremiah 18 God uses this concept of a potter working with clay to demonstrate that He can make the nation of Israel as pliable as clay to represent the potential of turning, repenting. 3. Broken Covenant- Jeremiah 11: the prophet warns the people on breaking their covenant with God and urges them to repent to faithfulness. 1.4. Promises of Restoration (Jeremiah 29): He writes to exiles in Babylon, instructing them to seek the welfare of the city and telling them God will restore them after 70 years, giving hope for the future. 5. New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31-34 God promises a new covenant where His law will be in their hearts, which depicts a closer relationship with God. 6. Hope in Lament: Jeremiah 30-33 Presents messages of hope and restoration, reminding the people that God will heal and make them whole Prophet JEREMIAH 1. The Valley of Dry Bones is the vision that Ezekiel presents: that God shall bring life and hope, even when it would seem hope has lost its breath. 2. God's Majesty refers to the very first vision Ezekiel experiences and speaks to that concerning God's presence and power as He relates His people, bringing a message to the effect that they will never be without Him during this exile. 3. The watchman in Ezekiel declares the call and warns all of mankind of a very unsafe risk, setting the upright before one another. 4. Restorative Promises (Ezekiel 34-36): God vows that He will return His people to their own country and feed them like a shepherd. THE UNIQUE PROPHECY OF THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH AND SALVATION Prophet Isaiah 1. THE KING: (Is. 9:6-7, 11:1-2) Prophecies of a Messiah King in the line of David point us to the birth of Christ, but that is not all. They also point us to the time when Christ will come again. We are told, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him” 2. THE SERVANT: (Is. 40:30, 42:1, 52:13, 53:12) In these verses Isaiah writes a song in which a picture emerges of a Servant who is, to sum up, “sage, priest, sacrifice, servant, sufferer, conqueror and intercessor. He is the channel of God’s grace to sinners. In Him the holiness and mercy of God are perfectly reconciled.” Christ is the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies in these verses, the one who reconciles the holiness and mercy of God on the cross. 3. THE ANOINTED CONQUER The final portrait of the Messiah begins with a promise, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed”. The Servant comes in the middle of the book and in the middle of time. Life goes on after the Servant comes to suffer and bear the sins of many. God’s people are called to live just and holy lives until the Messiah returns as the Anointed Conqueror Salvation Prophet Daniel 1. The Vision of the Seventy Weeks In Daniel 9:20, Daniel’s prayer is interrupted by another vision of the angel Gabriel, and the angel says he has come to give Daniel understanding of what is to come to pass. He says that seventy weeks are declared to make an end to sing, make reconciliation, bring righteousness, seal up the past, and bring the anointed one. These weeks are divided up into other events, some tragic, leading up to wrath poured out upon the unfaithful. 2. The Context of Law In Leviticus 26:23-25, the ultimate consequence is being stripped from the Promised Land, a sword of vengeance, a sevenfold punishment. In verse 34, it is written that the land will have its Sabbaths (see also II Chronicles 36:17-21), and verse 40 promises that the people will one day confess their sins and those of their fathers – which is exactly what Daniel is doing in the ninth chapter of his book. Also, we learn in Isaiah that God is going to use his servant Cyrus in chapter 44:28 to restore Jerusalem and the temple. to wrath poured out upon the unfaithful 3. Numbers As Symbols Seventy weeks are seven sets of seven days. We have noted that God would smite His people seven times, and we know that the Sabbaths revolved around the number seven: the seventh day, the seventh year, and the forty-ninth + fiftieth year. This time period is difficult to assign a literal period to, so, in light of the importance of seven in Jewish theology, it is logical to consider the seventy years and the seventy weeks as symbolic periods of time. 4. The Goals of the Seventy Sevens This whole passage pretty conclusively points to the ministry of Jesus, and this fits in with the rest of the prophecy. The anointed one is cut off and Jerusalem is destroyed (the abomination of desolation). Jesus offered Sabbath to His followers, offering rest. In Romans, we are described as free from sin. The Sabbaths and Jubilee years were times of rest and deliverance, and Jesus’ sacrifice releases us from the debt of sin and frees us from the captivity involved. We are granted inner peace and eternal rest. Prophet Ezekiel 1. The Eagle and the Tree: Ezekiel 17 ]Toward the end of the chapter (verses. 22-24), we have God claiming he will plant a twig atop the mountain that will grow to provide shelter to all lands. This mountain image is also used in Isaiah 2 speaking of the house of the Lord. This twig is the Messiah whose kingdom can provide shelter and protection to peoples of all nations – regardless of race, background, or history. 2. The Priest and King: Ezekiel 21 God speaks to the exalting of the humble and the overturning of all, but He promises One who will come whose right it is to claim all things. 3. The Servant Shepherd: Ezekiel 34 God promises a shepherd who will feed them and bring them back to God. He vows a covenant of peace and showers of blessings. 4. The Two Sticks: Ezekiel 37 God promises His presence among the midst of His people. The return of the remnant and rebuilding of the temple was the physical fulfillment, pointing to Christ and His church as spiritual fulfillment. Prophet Jeremiah 1. Jeremiah 23:3-6 The Messiah would appear sometime after the Babylonian Captivity Jeremiah is telling his people that all is not lost, that none of the devastation to be caused by the Babylonians will prevent the Messiah from arriving, and that the Messiah will arrive sometime after the exiles have been regathered to their homeland. 2. Jeremiah 23:5 The Messiah would be a descendant of King David In Jeremiah 23:5, as well as in other Biblical passages, we are told that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, who was from the Tribe of Judah and was a descendant of Abraham. 3. Jeremiah 25:11-12 Babylon would rule Judah for 70 years The prophet said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination. Jeremiah also said Babylon would be punished after the 70 years. Both parts of this prophecy were fulfilled  4. Jeremiah 31:31-34 Jeremiah predicted a 'new covenant' involving the Messiah and the forgiveness of sin The New Testament book of Hebrews, in chapter 8, quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34 and applies it to Jesus, as the Messiah and as the mediator of the new covenant. This new covenant is based on grace rather than the laws of the Old Testament. 5. Jeremiah 32:36-37 The Jews would survive Babylonian rule and return home Jews began returning to their homeland after the Babylonian Empire was toppled in 539 B.C., by a coalition of Medes and Persians. 6. Jeremiah 46:25-28 Jeremiah prophesied that Judah and Egypt would be restored but that Babylon would be destroyed Seventy years after Babylon conquered the land of Judah, the empire was in turn conquered by a coalition of Medes and Persians. The Babylonian empire never recovered from the defeat and ceased to exist. However, Judah did recover. The Jews who were held captive in Babylon returned to their homeland and began restoring it, about 2,500 years ago. 7. Jeremiah 47:1-7 Philistia would be destroyed The prophet announced that the real threat against the Philistines would not come from Egypt, which was about to attack the city of Gaza, but from the north, which would be the direction from which the Babylonians would invade and subdue the region. 8. Jeremiah 49:16 Edom would be toppled and humbled The prophet said that Edom, a long-time enemy of Israel, would be destroyed. Edom's capital city, Petra, was carved out of a mountain side and had great natural defenses. Nonetheless, it was destroyed and the kingdom of Edom no longer exists. The Minor Prophets MESSAGES TO THE PRESENT SOCIAL ISSUES FACED BY OUR COUNTRY TODAY 1. Prophet Hosea He marries an adulterous wife, depicting God's faithlessness through marriage to an unfaithful wife. He advocates that they should repent and go back to God. In Hosea 6:6, he writes, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” 2. Prophet Joel uses the locust plague metaphor to describe judgment and calls for repentance with the promise of restoration. Inspires collective action toward healing and renewal. "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 2:25) 3. Prophet Amos was a shepherd and a fig farmer who was called by God to prophesy against the injustices that existed in Israel, underlining social justice and economic inequality. Amos 5:24 says, "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” 4. Prophet Obadiah A prophecy against Edom because of pride and bloodshed against Israel, as judgment against the haughty and their bloodguilt. Condemns injustice. "The pride of your heart has deceived you" (Obadiah 1:3). 5. Prophet Jonah runs from God's calling to prophesy judgment over Nineveh but relents and pronounces God's word, and Nineveh repents. Inspires mercy and reconciliation to foes. "But God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way" (Jonah 3:10) 6. Prophet Micah prophesied at a time of moral decay and national division, calling people to pursue justice and walk humbly with God. Micah 6:8 stresses, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 7. Prophet Nahum 8. Prophet Habakkuk BACKGROUND Habakkuk, a minor prophet in the Hebrew Bible. likely living in the late 7th century BCE when Babylon was threatening Judah. His book is different because it’s a conversation between him and God. In Chapter 1, the prophet Habakkuk expresses his frustration with the injustice and suffering in Judah. God responds by raising up the Babylonians, a powerful and ruthless nation, to bring judgment on Judah. Habakkuk questions God's fairness and choice of the Babylonians, describing their brutality In Chapter 2, the prophet waits for God's response and promises a clear vision. God condemns the wicked for greed, pride, exploitation, violence, unjust gain, and bloodshed. He also condemns idolatry and declares God in His holy temple In Chapter 3, the prophet expresses awe for God's power and past deeds, recalling His impact on nature and Israel's victory. Prophet messages to the present social issues faced by Philippines today: Faith Amid Hardship: Habakkuk 3:17-19: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” 9. Prophet Zephaniah Background The prophet Zephaniah announces God's judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, focusing on Baal's idolatry and false worship. The coming "day of the Lord" is a time of distress, urging silence before God prepares to bring retribution. The prophet calls for the people to seek the Lord before judgment, emphasizing the importance of humility and righteousness. God's judgment on Philistia and Moab will result in desolation and destruction. Jerusalem is condemned for rebellion and unfaithfulness, but God promises restoration for a humble remnant and assures them of His presence. CHAPTER 1: The prophet announces God’s impending judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations. He declares, “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth” (Zephaniah 1:2), emphasizing the totality of God’s judgment. Specifically targeting Judah, he states, “I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal” (Zephaniah 1:4), condemning their idolatry and false worship. The chapter portrays the coming “day of the Lord” as a time of distress, urging silence before God as He prepares to bring retribution: “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near” (Zephaniah 1:7). This day will bring anguish for the complacent and unfaithful, as highlighted in the verse, “The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast” (Zephaniah 1:14). CHAPTER 2: The prophet calls the people to come together and seek the Lord before judgment comes. He says, “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land; seek righteousness; seek humility” (Zephaniah 2:3). This shows the importance of being humble and doing what is right. The chapter also describes God's judgment on various nations like Philistia and Moab, stating, “For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation” (Zephaniah 2:4). Zephaniah warns that pride leads to destruction, saying, “This shall be their lot in return for their pride” (Zephaniah 2:10). CHAPTER 3: The prophet condemns Jerusalem for its rebellion and unfaithfulness, stating, "She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction" (Zephaniah 3:2). However, God promises restoration for a humble remnant, saying, "I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly" (Zephaniah 3:12), and assures them of His presence, declaring, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save" (Zephaniah 3:17) Prophet messages to the present social issues that the Filipinos are facing today: Environmental Responsibility: "I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind" (Zephaniah 1:17). Unity and Resilience: "Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation" (Zephaniah 2:1). 10. Prophet Haggai BACKGROUND He lived around the late 7th century BCE, just before the Babylonians conquered Judah. Habakkuk is a minor prophet in the Old Testament. CHAPTER 1: Haggai addresses Zerubbabel and Joshua about rebuilding the Lord's temple. He argues that neglecting the temple has led to struggles, poor harvests, and even famine. The people commit to the work, and God reassures them. CHAPTER 2:Haggai reassures them that God is with them and promises a new temple filled with glory, primarily due to the future presence of the Messiah. He warns against unholy hearts and emphasizes the importance of dedication to God. God promises protection for Zerubbabel and the people of Judah, and the establishment of Christ's kingdom. PROPHET HAGGAI messages to the present social issues that the Filipinos are facing today: Pursuit of Justice: Habakkuk 1:2-4: "How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?" Resilience Through Faith: Habakkuk 2:4: "The righteous shall live by his faith." 11. Prophet Zechariah Background: Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, around 520–518 BC, during the reign of King Darius of Persia. This was a time when the Jewish Zechariah was the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, a priest. Chapter 1: Zechariah urges repentance and God's promise of restoration, presenting a vision of a man on a red horse symbolizing God's anger towards oppressed nations, and a vision of four horns and craftsmen. Chapter 2: God shows Zechariah a vision of Jerusalem, symbolizing its future growth and restoration. He promises to protect the city like a fire, call for people to return from scattered nations, and promises to punish those who harm them. God promises to live among them and choose Jerusalem as His special place. Chapter 3: Zechariah sees Joshua, the high priest, accused by Satan. The Lord rebukes Satan, stating His choice for Jerusalem and Joshua. Joshua is clothed in filthy garments, representing the people's sin. The Angel commands him to walk in God's ways and promises authority over His house. The chapter concludes with a prophecy about the coming of the Branch, symbolizing hope, divine mercy, and restoration for Israel. Chapter 4: Zechariah's Bible tells the story of waking from sleep and receiving a vision of a golden candlestick and two olive trees. The vision symbolizes Zerubbabel's rebuilding of the temple, establishing the Gospel church through the Spirit of God, despite opposition. Chapter 5: The prophet receives two significant visions that convey God’s judgment on sin. The first vision involves a flying scroll, measuring twenty cubits by ten (Zec 5:1-2). This scroll symbolizes a curse against those who steal and bear false witness. God declares that this curse will enter the houses of the guilty, emphasizing that His judgment will be thorough and unavoidable (Zec 5:3-4). The second vision presents a woman in a basket labeled "Wickedness" (Zec 5:5-6). This woman represents sin and corruption. Two women with wings lift the basket and carry it to the land of Shinar, symbolizing the removal of wickedness from the people (Zec 5:7-11). Chapter 6: The prophet receives a vision of four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze (Zec 6:1-3). Each chariot is drawn by horses of different colors: red, black, white, and dappled. These chariots symbolize God's judgment and the execution of His will across the earth. The different colors may represent various nations or aspects of divine judgment. As the vision unfolds, the angel explains that the horses are sent out to patrol the earth, carrying out God's directives (Zec 6:5). They report back, indicating that the earth is at rest, suggesting a period of peace, but also implying that God’s justice is still at work. In verses 9-15, the Lord commands Zechariah to take silver and gold from the exiles and to make a crown for Joshua the high priest. This act symbolizes the merging of the priestly and royal roles, pointing to the coming Messiah who will be both priest and king (Zec 6:11-12). The crown is to be placed on Joshua's head as a sign of hope, illustrating that the true restoration and future glory of Jerusalem will come through the anointed one, who is identified as "the Branch" (Zec 6:12). Chapter 7: The people of Bethel send a delegation to inquire of the priests and prophets about the observance of fasting during the fifth month, a practice established during the exile (Zec 7:1-3). The Lord responds through Zechariah, emphasizing that their fasts should not merely be about rituals but should reflect a genuine repentance and a desire for justice and mercy (Zec 7:4-7). He questions whether their fasting was truly for Him or just for themselves, urging them to focus on their moral conduct and relationships with one another (Zec 7:8-10). The chapter emphasizes that God desires sincerity in worship and ethical behavior over empty rituals. In verses 11-14, the Lord highlights how the people had previously hardened their hearts against His message, leading to their exile. As a consequence, He had turned away from them, resulting in desolation. Chapter 8: describes God's love and commitment to His people, promising them a return to Jerusalem and a place of integrity and holiness. He assures them of prosperity and stability, and encourages them to rebuild the temple. The chapter also highlights a transformation, with the people being seen as blessings rather than curses. God calls them to practice truth and justice, and promises to turn fasts into joyful feasts. The chapter concludes with a prophecy about Gentiles who will worship God in Jerusalem, joining the Jewish community and enhancing the glory of the Jewish church. This transformation signifies God's love and commitment to His people. Chapter 9: tells a powerful message from God about judgment and hope for Israel. God warns against the nations that threaten them, including Hadrach, Damascus, Tyre, and Sidon. The cities of Ashkelon and Gaza face fear and sorrow, but God assures them of protection and encamps around Jerusalem. The prophet proclaims the coming of a righteous king, symbolizing peace and humility, who will reign from sea to sea, bringing peace to all nations. God's covenant promises freedom for captives and restoration for the oppressed, encouraging the people to return to their strongholds. In the closing verses, God empowers His people and ensures their security in the face of adversity. Chapter 10: begins with a call to seek the Lord for rain, symbolizing His blessings and provision: “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds” (verse 1). This sets the stage for contrasting God's true guidance with false idols. God expresses His anger towards the shepherds (leaders) of Israel, promising to strengthen Judah and Ephraim, stating, “I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph” (verse 6). He assures the gathering of the scattered exiles, emphasizing, “I will bring them back” (verse 8), and reestablishing them in their land. The chapter concludes with a promise of victory over enemies and a renewed relationship with God, where His people will be empowered: “I will strengthen them in the Lord, and in his name they will walk” (verse 12). Chapter 11: teaches about judgment and the consequences of rejecting God's guidance. It begins with a call for Lebanon to open its doors, symbolizing destruction due to unfaithfulness. The Lord expresses sorrow over Israel's corrupt leaders and declares that He will not be their shepherd, indicating His rejection of those who fail to care for His people. The chapter also foreshadows the coming Messiah, who will be rejected, as seen when the prophet takes thirty pieces of silver, symbolizing betrayal. Chapter 12: promises God's protection and future restoration of Jerusalem, making it a "cup of trembling" for surrounding nations. God promises to defend Jerusalem and warns of suffering for anyone who tries to harm it. During the end times, God will pour out a spirit of grace and supplication, leading the people to mourn for Him, foreshadowing the recognition of their Messiah. This realization brings deep repentance and sorrow for past rejection. Chapter 13: emphasizes themes of cleansing, purification, and the future of His people. It promises a fountain to cleanse the house of David and Jerusalem from sin and impurity, signifying a time of spiritual renewal and forgiveness. God also declares His intention to eliminate false prophets, cutting off their names from the land. The chapter describes a refining process for a faithful remnant, with the Lord bringing them through fire and testing them like gold. The people will mourn for the Messiah, acknowledging their piercing, and look on Him, reflecting their acknowledgment of the Messiah. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of true worship and the rejection of deception. Chapter 14: warns Jerusalem of a major attack, but God promises to protect it. The Mount of Olives splits, symbolizing God's intervention. The Lord reigns as king, and those who oppose Him face judgment. After the judgment, surviving nations worship God in Jerusalem, emphasizing His authority. The chapter concludes with a vision of holiness in Jerusalem. Zechariah’s messages to the present social issues that the Filipinos are facing today: Hope for Recovery: Zechariah 1:16—“I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy” Justice and Accountability: Zechariah 7:9-10 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor." Empowerment Through Unity: Zechariah 8:20-23: "People shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities... and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another." 12. Prophet Malachi BACKGROUND: Malachi was the last of the prophets Malachi’ Book was written in the Fifth Century BC after the temple in Jerusalem was built. The book consists of a series of dialogues between God and the people of Israel. Chapter 1: The Lord expresses His love for Israel, contrasting Jacob with Esau, causing desolation in Edom. He laments the lack of honor and fear due to Him as a Father and Master, accusing priests of offering polluted sacrifices. The Lord questions their regard due to grave sins and calls them to seek mercy. He condemns their profanity and unworthy offerings, labeling them as deceivers and accursed. Chapter 2: The prophet warns priests of curses and lineage corruption due to their failure to honor God. He emphasizes the covenant with Levi, contrasting it with their current apostasy. The priests are reproached for intermarrying with idolatrous nations and practicing polygamy and divorce, which violate the covenant. They face severe consequences, including rejection of sacrifices. The chapter concludes with the accusation that God tolerates evil and lacks justice. Chapter 3: It begins with the prophecy of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, referring to the coming of Christ (Mal 3:1). This day is described as a time of refinement, where God will purify the sons of Levi and restore true worship (Mal 3:2-3). The chapter highlights the unfaithfulness of the people, who have turned away from God’s ordinances and have questioned His justice (Mal 3:7-8). God calls them to return to Him, promising blessings for their faithfulness (Mal 3:10). The faithful are encouraged that their actions will be remembered and rewarded, emphasizing the distinction between the righteous and the wicked (Mal 3:16-18). Chapter 4: It describes this day as a burning oven, where the arrogant and evildoers will be completely destroyed (Mal 4:1). In contrast, the righteous will experience joy and healing, likened to the sun of righteousness rising (Mal 4:2). The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering the Law of Moses (Mal 4:4) and prophecies the coming of Elijah before the Lord’s arrival, signaling the need for repentance and reconciliation (Mal 4:5-6). Malachi’s messages to the present social issues that the Filipinos are facing today: Family and Relationship Values: Malachi 2:14-16 - “The Lord is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth... ‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord.” Hope and Renewal: Malachi 4:5-6 - “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” Minor Prophets Contribution to History of Salvation of Israel 1. HOSEA Main theme: God's enduring love and mercy despite unfaithfulness. Hosea's life and prophecies demonstrate God's unwavering love for Israel, despite their idolatry. He marries Gomer, showcasing God's covenant love and forgiveness. Hosea warns of judgment but promises restoration, emphasizing God's mercy. He calls Israel to repentance and loyalty, highlighting the transformative power of God's love. 2. JOEL Main theme: Repentance, divine judgment, and restoration Joel addresses Israel's locust plague as a symbol of the Lord's coming day, warning of God's judgment but offering hope for repentance. He prophecies a future Holy Spirit outpouring, indicating a new era of God's presence and a restoration of Israel's relationship with God. 3. AMOS Main theme: Social justice, true worship, and restoration. Amos condemns Israel's social injustices and religious hypocrisy, warning of judgment if not repented. He emphasizes justice and righteousness in worship and calls Israel to embody God's values. Despite warnings, Amos offers hope, promising a restoration of David's tent and peace, encouraging Israel to pursue righteousness as part of God's Salvific plan. 4. OBADIAH The book of Obadiah deviates from Israel's salvific history, focusing on pride, violence, and suffering. It proclaims God's authority and righteousness, urging Edom to humble themselves. Ezekiel repeats the prophecy that God's people's salvation will triumph over the world's power. Obadiah reveals God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, even if neighboring countries threatened them. The book reassures mankind of protection from God, with Mount Zion as a holy place for those who escapeMain theme: God's justice and faithfulness 5. JONAH Main theme: God’s universal mercy Jonah's story highlights God's mercy and compassion towards repentance, even for those outside Israel. Initially hesitant to preach to Nineveh, Jonah obeys God's command and leads to Nineveh's repentance. This event demonstrates God's grace is available to all, encouraging Israel to reflect on their own repentance. Jonah's experience foreshadows the universal reach of God's salvation plan, urging Israel to be a light to the nations, emphasizing obedience and humility in response to God's call. 6. Micah Main theme: Social justice and covenant faithfulness. Micah addresses social injustices in Israel and Judah, urging Israel to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He also prophesizes a future ruler from Bethlehem who will bring peace and salvation, inspiring Israel to look beyond current challenges to God's ultimate plan for salvation. 7. NAHUM Main theme: God's commitment to justice Nahum, a prophet, delivered a message of God's judgment and salvation to the Israelites during the threat of Assyria. The prophecy, which depicts Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria, reassured the people that God remains King and in control. Nahum also highlighted God's faithfulness and protection, urging the Israelites to stand strong and prepare for salvation. The prophecy emphasizes God's mercy and care for His people, even in times of trouble. 8. Habakkuk Main theme: The sovereignty and righteousness of God in the face of injustice. Habakkuk, a minor prophet in the Old Testament, played a significant role in Israel's salvation through faith. He sought God's answers on injustices and wickedness in Israel, eventually submitting to His sovereignty. Habakkuk emphasized the importance of faith and obedience in God's people, stating that the righteous should live by faith, highlighting God's triumph over injustice in Israel's salvation. 9. Zephaniah Main theme: The Day of the Lord, Human pride Zephaniah, one of the sixty minor prophets in the Old Testament, delivered judgment and salvation messages. He warned of God's wrath due to sin and offered hope for repentance and salvation. Zephaniah 3:17 emphasizes God's presence among Israel, urging them to repent, trust in His mercy, and hope for salvation. This verse highlights God's presence and divine presence among His people. 10. Haggai Main theme: The faithfulness and obedience of God's people. Haggai, an Israelite oraclest, preached to the Israelites about rebuilding their temple after being captured. He encouraged the community to focus on their spiritual purpose and follow the Lord's Commandments. Haggai condemned self-indulgence and failed to improve the house of the Lord, urging the Israelites to repent and follow the Lord's Word. His faith and doggedness restored spiritual life in Israel and the work of the Savior of our souls. 11. Zechariah Main theme: The restoration of Jerusalem Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, played a crucial role in helping the Israelites repopulate Jerusalem after their release from Babylonian captivity. He encouraged the Israelites to keep their spirit afloat by reminding them of God's promises of regeneration, deliverance, and divine blessings. Zechariah's visions included the future coming of the Messiah and the ushering in of the kingdom age. His role in Israel's salvation continues to be a blessing for believers. 12.MALACHI Main theme: The call to repentance and faithfulness amidst spiritual decay. Malachi warns Israel of moral decay and spiritual decay after exile, condemning half-hearted worship, corrupt sacrifices, and unfaithfulness in marriage. He urges Israel to return to God wholeheartedly and promises a future day of final salvation, guiding Israel towards faithfulness and a restored relationship with God.