Malachi 3:18 (KJV): “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

ABSTRACT

This article examines the profound biblical truth of two distinct classes coexisting within the faith community—the righteous and the wicked—until the final harvest of judgment, as revealed in Malachi 3:18 and the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:24-30. Drawing from the King James Version of the Bible and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White, it uncovers the urgent call to vigilance, the necessity of Christlike character, and God’s merciful patience amid this spiritual duality, resonating deeply with our shared journey toward eternal separation based on heartfelt devotion rather than mere association. As a verse capturing this concept’s essence, “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not” (Malachi 3:18, KJV) underscores the irrevocable finality awaiting us all.

A TIME TO DISCERN

This article explores the profound truth found in Malachi 3:18 and the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30), examining the coexistence of good and evil within the church until the final judgment. We delve into the implications of this duality for us in the community, exploring how this concept resonates across different spiritual perspectives. We use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and insights from Ellen G. White’s writings. A mixed multitude accompanied the children of Israel out of Egypt, illustrating how the faith community often includes diverse elements from the outset (Exodus 12:38, KJV). In Homeward Bound we read that both the parable of the tares and that of the net plainly teach that there is no time when all the wicked will turn to God, for the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest (p. 257.4, 2000). A prophetic voice once wrote that the conflict is not yet ended, and it will continue to the close of time as divine and satanic forces clash amid the harvest field (Christ Triumphant, p. 236.3, 1999). Such truths prepare us to face the gathering process of the gospel, but how does the parable of the net reveal this mixture in action?

THE REALITY OF TWO CLASSES

The Bible paints a realistic picture of the church: it’s not a perfect collection of saints but a mixed multitude. Malachi 3:18 declares, “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” This verse speaks to a future separation, a time of discerning between those who truly serve God and those who do not. The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates this vividly. The field represents the world, and the good seed represents the children of the kingdom, while the tares are the children of the wicked one (Matthew 13:38). This imagery proves powerful; it shows good and evil growing side by side, much like weeds in a garden. Through inspired counsel we are told that human judgment risks uprooting the genuine alongside the false, since in the parable of the wheat and the tares, we see the reason why the tares were not to be plucked up; it was lest the wheat be rooted up with the tares, as human opinion and judgment would make terrible mistakes and would do great harm (God’s Remnant Church, p. 30.2, 1950). The inspired pen further cautions that if the servants of God could have felt the force of our Saviour’s lesson in the parable of the wheat and tares, they would not have undertaken the work they did to root out those whom they supposed to be tares (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 114.1, 1875). Among the faithful, a mixed multitude stirred unrest and complaint, revealing how such elements can infiltrate and challenge unity from within (Numbers 11:4, KJV). Angels will ultimately sever the wicked from the just at the world’s end, ensuring precise divine discernment (Matthew 13:49, KJV). This truth can prove disheartening, like finding a rotten apple in a basket of good ones, yet it remains a reality we must acknowledge—but what further parable casts light on the gospel’s inclusive yet discerning draw?

THE NET AND THE HARVEST

The parable of the net cast into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish (Matthew 13:47-50), further emphasizes this point. The net represents the gospel, drawing people from all walks of life into the church. Yet just as a net gathers both good and bad fish, the community contains both those truly serving God and those not genuinely converted. This can prove a source of frustration and even pain, like finding ourselves surrounded by people who claim faith but whose actions contradict their words. Through inspired guidance we grasp that the casting of the net represents the preaching of the gospel, which gathers both righteous and wicked individuals into the church (Christ’s Object Lessons, 122). Nations will gather before the King, where He separates them as a shepherd divides sheep from goats, highlighting judgment’s focus on inner allegiance over outward ties (Matthew 25:32, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote that the parable is given by Jesus Christ in regard to the field in which it was supposed had been sown pure wheat, but the entrusted ones slept, and the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 265.2, 1923). In the closing conflict, a thematic insight from the writings reveals that the parable of the wheat and tares presents the servant as saying to the husbandman, Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? how then hath it tares? Did not Christ sow the good seed? ‘Yea, Lord,’ they say, ‘but while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way’ (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897), Ms 84, 1897, par. 3, 1998). It proves vital to remember that the presence of these individuals does not invalidate the truth of the gospel, raising the question of what truly endures beyond mere association?

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER

What matters, then, proves not merely outward affiliation but inward transformation. A passage from Christ’s Object Lessons explains that the presence of false ones can cause some to stumble (122-123). It feels like tripping over a hidden root while walking a familiar path. This presents a serious danger, underscoring the importance of focusing on personal character development. Christ emphasizes character over mere association. It proves not enough to simply be a member of a church; we must cultivate Christlike character. This lifelong process demands constant striving towards righteousness. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—stands against no law, defining true transformation beyond labels (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told that His parable of the tares says that while men slept, Satan sowed the tares among the wheat, leading one to make a statement like this, ‘Daniel has had many more opportunities than I have had,’ and become jealous and envious (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 – 1886), Lt 31, 1886, par. 18, 1990). Guarding the heart with all diligence proves essential, for from it flow the issues of life, shaping our eternal standing (Proverbs 4:23, KJV). The inspired pen reminds us that God permits the tares and the wheat to grow together until the harvest to test and prove His people, illustrating to all the world how divine and satanic agencies are engaged in decided opposition (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900), Lt 176, 1900, par. 3, 1999). Yet how does this mixture ultimately reveal the depths of divine compassion?

GOD’S LOVE THROUGH PATIENCE

These concepts, while seemingly harsh, deeply reflect God’s love. God’s long-suffering and patience shine evident in His allowance of the coexistence of good and evil, offering ample opportunity for repentance. The Bible states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). This shows God’s delay in judgment stems not from indifference but rather manifests His desire for all to be saved. This period of coexistence testifies to God’s mercy, giving every individual a chance to turn from wicked ways. Even the tares receive time to become wheat. This demonstrates profound love extending even to those currently opposed to Him. Through inspired guidance we learn that He does not destroy the wicked, but gives them space for repentance (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 120). God’s goodness leads us to repentance, despising not the riches of His forbearance and longsuffering (Romans 2:4, KJV). Rending our hearts rather than garments, we turn to the Lord who remains gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and full of great kindness (Joel 2:13, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote that we should let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 113.1, 1875). A thematic insight from the writings affirms that the parable is given by Jesus Christ in regard to the field in which it was supposed was sown pure wheat, but the entrusted ones slept, and the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, emphasizing the discernment between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892), Ms 39, 1891, par. 4, 1993). By allowing the wheat and tares to grow together until the harvest, God demonstrates His unwavering love and patience, offering all a chance for salvation—but what sobering finality awaits once probation closes?

A CALL TO VIGILANCE

The parable’s conclusion proves sobering: after the harvest, the separation becomes final. Through inspired counsel we grasp that once the gospel’s work is completed, the separation between the good and the evil will be final, fixing the fate of both classes forever (Christ’s Object Lessons, 123). No second chance exists, no probation after the judgment. This truth should fill us with a sense of urgency. Do we truly live for Christ? Do we allow His transforming power to work in our lives? For us in the community, this serves as a constant reminder to examine our own hearts and motives. Do our actions reflect Christ’s love and character? We must encourage one another to remain faithful, to support those struggling, and to live lives reflecting the light of Christ. Staying sober and vigilant guards against the adversary’s prowling like a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8, KJV). Watching through persistent prayer in the Spirit ensures worthiness to stand before the Son of Man amid coming trials (Luke 21:36, KJV). Yet in this urgency, how do we prepare for the eternal gathering that follows?

THE ULTIMATE SEPARATION

The message of Malachi 3:18 and the parable of the wheat and the tares proves clear: a separation will occur. This separation bases not on church affiliation but on character. As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, we remember that God’s love extends to all, giving us time to choose Him. We strive to be wheat, bearing fruit for His kingdom, so that when the final harvest comes, we gather into His eternal storehouse. This message holds relevance for us all, as it speaks to the universal human struggle between good and evil and the ultimate accountability we face. The unjust remain unjust, the filthy filthy, yet the righteous stay righteous and the holy holy, sealing destinies forever (Revelation 22:11, KJV). God brings every work into judgment, uncovering every secret thing whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14, KJV). In this light, our community shines as beacons of hope amid the final divide.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?