There are seven examples of the people of God talking back to Malachi. These seven dialogues can be called, "Seven Whispers of a Heart Growing Cold Toward God," because they describe the symptoms of people who have lost a love relationship with God. The mission of Malachi was to restore their relationship with God. Malachi prophesizes the Second Coming of Christ for the faithful, severe judgment for the cold-hearted, and John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for Jesus.