The temple of the Lord has been in process of preparation throughout the entire Gospel Age. When complete, it will be composed of Jesus and his faithful followers, the little flock. It is to this temple class in the flesh that the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 applies. This text states that the Lord would suddenly come to his temple. In Matthew 11:10 Jesus applies the beginning of this verse; that is, the reference to the “messenger” who would “prepare the way before me,” to John the Baptist. Obviously, then, the remainder of the prophecy began to have its fulfillment at Jesus’ First Advent.

Judgment began with the house of God at that time and has continued throughout the age. (I Pet. 4:17) To speak of Jesus “coming to his temple for judgment” in some specific year is expressing merely a supposition, having no scriptural meaning, while disregarding the facts concerning the time and methods of God’s dealings with those whom he has been calling and preparing to live and reign with Christ.

Outlining further details of the age-long judgment work of the church, the prophet continues, “Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?” (Mal. 3:2) The Apostle Peter speaks of the “fiery trial” by which all the temple class are tested; and Paul wrote, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (I Pet. 4:12; I Cor. 10:12) Malachi adds that the Lord “shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”—Mal. 3:3

The “silver” and “gold” mentioned here may be symbolic of the two spirit-begotten classes which have developed together throughout the age—the “little flock” and the great multitude. They have all been invited to present their bodies “a living sacrifice,” to “offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Rom. 12:1) All of them covenanted to do this. The “gold” class faithfully carry out their covenant, while the “great multitude,” represented by the silver, do not have the same loving “zeal of the Lord’s house” which consumes the little flock. To these, the destruction of their flesh is tribulation. Yet they are purified and in the end are granted a place as servants in the glorified temple.