KONSEP HARI TUHAN DALAM KITAB ZEFANYA DAN RELEVANSINYA BAGI IMAN KRISTEN MASA KINI

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of the Day of the Lord in the Old Testament, specifically based on the Book of Zephaniah. The Day of the Lord is understood not merely as an eschatological event in the distant future, but also as God’s real and historical judgment, where He expresses His wrath against sin, idolatry, and the unfaithfulness of His people. The Book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah, in the context of the moral and spiritual decline of the nation of Judah, which had been influenced by the wicked reigns of previous kings. Zephaniah warns of the coming Day of the Lord as a day of great judgment, but also offers the hope of restoration for those who repent. This paper also explores the relevance of the Day of the Lord concept for contemporary life, including the importance of exclusive worship of God, the call to repentance and introspection, involvement in social ministry, and hope for salvation and restoration from God. Thus, Zephaniah’s message remains relevant in encouraging believers to live faithfully, justly, and obediently amid various challenges of the present time.