Malachi 3:2-3 Part 2 of 2

"But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD."

 

"He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross."

Isaiah 1:24-25  Therefore, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says, "I will take revenge on my enemies and pay back my foes! I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities." (see verses 21-31)

Daniel 12:10  "Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means." (see all chapter 12)

Zechariah 13:7-9

        "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,

            the man who is my partner,"

            says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.

        "Strike down the shepherd,

            and the sheep will be scattered,

            and I will turn against the lambs.

        Two-thirds of the people in the land

            will be cut off and die," says the LORD.

            "But one-third will be left in the land.

        I will bring that group through the fire

            and make them pure.

        I will refine them like silver

            and purify them like gold.

        They will call on my name,

            and I will answer them.

        I will say, 'These are my people,'

            and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "

1 Corinthians 3:12-13  Anyone who builds on that foundation (see verses 10-11) may use a variety of materials--gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. (see verses 10-15)

 

"He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver," 

Psalm 12:6  The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. (see all Psalm 12)

1 Peter 1:7  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (see all chapter 1)

 

"so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD." 

1 Chronicles 23:28  The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of the LORD. They also took care of the courtyards and side rooms, helped perform the ceremonies of purification, and served in many other ways in the house of God. (see verses 24-32)

Psalm 132:9  May your priests be clothed in godliness; may your loyal servants sing for joy. (see all Psalm 132)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.