While the ministry of the coming “Elijah” will be powerful and effective, there is also the possibility of refusal to “turn.” This was a reality in the ministry of John the Baptist. While his ministry was effective in bringing many people to repentance (Matthew 3:6), there were also those whose hearts refused to heed the call to repentance and reformation, though they claimed Abraham as their father (Matthew 3:6–9).
It is with a view to this refusal that the Lord issues the final warning of this prophetic book: “lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”