John the Baptist

[Guest]

According to Biblical tradition, Elijah the prophet will reappear before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). In the Greek Testament, Jesus claims that John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:13-14, 17:10-13). However, when John the Baptist was asked if he was Elijah, he denied it (John 1:21). The Gospel of Luke 1:17 tries to get around this problem by claiming that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah. However: a] Malachi predicted that Elijah himself would return, and not just someone coming in his spirit. b] When asked about his identity, John the Baptist didn't claim to have come in the spirit of Elijah -- he claimed no association with Elijah at all. c] The prophesy about the return of Elijah says that he would restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. There is no evidence that John the Baptist accomplished this.

I would really appreciate it if anybody could respond to these claims. Thanks a lot.

Jess Bangel

[Ovedya]

What does this have to do with the fact that the Lord Jesus shed His blood on the cross to atone for your sins? Will you try to explain that one away as well?

In Malachi 4:5 Jehovah promised that Elijah would be send forth "before the great terrible day of jehovah" This is not a prophecy of the Lord's first coming, but of His second coming.

Secondly, when the jews asked "JTB" if he was Elijah, his response was in the context of the Jew's having been expecting the fulfillment of Malachi's prophesy. Since "JTB"'s coming was not heralding the day of Jehovah he did not answer in the affirmative.

Furthermore, Luke 1:17 does not try to "get around" anything. The Lord told the disciples that it is he (John the Baptist) who will go forth "in the spirit and power" of Elijah. This does not mean that JTB is Elijah, but that he goes forth with the authority and the office of Elijah, to proclaim the Messiah's coming.

The fact remains, Jesus - the Messiah - came. He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect human life for about 33 1/2 years, died on the cross, and accomplished eternal redemption for all who believe into His name. This is an indisputable fact.

The question to you is, what will do with the redemption our God has afforded to you free of cost or obligation? Will you receive it and inherit eternal life, or will you reject it and inherit death?

[Guest]

Nobody is discrediting the "blood" "lord Jesus" spilt. There are questions that have to be answered before a person can have faith in a religion. Discrediting the question because "jesus spilt his blood" isn't a good argument. I really do want to know about the Elijah thing.

[Ovedya]

Nobody is discrediting the "blood" "lord Jesus" spilt.  There are questions that have to be answered before a person can have faith in a religion.  Discrediting the question because "jesus spilt his blood" isn't a good argument. I really do want to know about the Elijah thing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

However, my point is that believing John the Baptist is or is not Elijah, is not a requirement for a person to have faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus never said, "Unless you believe that John the Baptist is Elijah you will die in your sins." He said, "Unless you believe that I am you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

I'm afraid that if you place this one thing as your prerequisite for faith in Christ, then you will find another thing later, and then another, and then another, and so on. So the question is, how long will you delay? Tomorrow is not promised, friend. Today is the day of salvation.

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Jbangle,

Nobody is discrediting the "blood" "lord Jesus" spilt. There are questions that have to be answered before a person can have faith in a religion. Discrediting the question because "jesus spilt his blood" isn't a good argument. I really do want to know about the Elijah thing.

If you are looking for a "religion", just pick any one that suits your fancy. They all do the same thing basically and you remain dead in your sins. What you REALLY need to do is develop a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ, who will then lead you unto all truth.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Guest]

I have heard a lot of "you need to believe in Jesus" stuff, and that really is fine. However, I would like to know why I should based on something else other than,"he spilt his blood for you". From what I've heard so far he is a contender in the "greatest man to ever live" contest, but I am really confused as to why most Christians believe he is God. Why don't the mormons of Latter Day Saints people think the same? There has got to be more than, "he spilt his blood for you."

[Ovedya]

As far as the gospel is concerned there is nothing else. The crucial element of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing else can bring you eternal life.

[Guest]

But how am I supposed to believe that? My question was originally about John the Baptists, and it was a simple one, but the only responses I get are "Jesus died for you" I have too many questions that need to be answered before I believe that. Isn't asking questions the way to find the true religion?

[Ovedya]

But how am I supposed to believe that? My question was originally about John the Baptists, and it was a simple one, but the only responses I get are "Jesus died for you"  I have too many questions that need to be answered before I believe that.  Isn't asking questions the way to find the true religion?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Faith is not believing in what you see of hear. Nor is it believing something to be true because somebody said so.

As far as answering your questions, I have already done that. So how many more questions will you need answered to convince you? There is only one single compelling event in world history that was designed to draw all men to salvation. it is to the cross that you should focus your attention.

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings JBangel,

I agree with God-Man. For YOU, it is not possible to give you an answer that would answer all your questions. You see, the answers are right there in the Bible. But until you are "born again" YOU do not have the understanding that the Holy Spirit can give you, and HE is the one who is able to "reveal to you all things", IOW "lead you unto ALL TRUTH". So YOU are handicapped. YOU need to get on your knees as soon as possible, and tell God that YOU seek WISDOM. He will in turn reveal to YOU the person of Jesus Christ. Then when YOU believe and have repented, please come back and ask your questions. The Holy Spirit will then be able to begin teaching YOU.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie