Bible Discussion Thread

Brother Norman and others. Just wanted to share. This prophesy speaks of the arrival of John the Baptist, who was actually Elijah. Christ plainly states in Matthew 11:11-14 and reiterates in Matthew 17;10-13 that John the Baptist was Elijah. Notice the similarity in appearance. Elijah was distinguished as a "hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins" ( 2 Kgs. 1:8). John the Baptist was not a hairy man; however, he had "his raiment of camel's hair and a leathern girdle about his loins" ( Matt. 3:3).

This was not reincarnation, for "it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment" ( Heb. 9:27). However, Elijah never died; his spirit was quickened to be returned seven hundred years later to introduce and baptize the Messiah.

May God bless!

LEON DAVIS,

John was "in the order" of Elijah. John had the spiritual likeness of Elijah, just like Malachi 4:5 will posses.

Centuries before, Melchizedek was in the order of Christ.

No matter how a prophets' death is romanticized, or fictionalized, they die mortal deaths; Enoch and Elijah too.

Brother Norman, God's word states that Enoch did "not see death" ( Heb. 11:5) and that Melchisedec did not have an "end of life" ( Heb. 7:3); therefore, contrary to your statement, neither man died. Also, it is overwhelmingly agreed upon by an endless list of Protestant and Jewish commentators (i.e. Matthew Henry, Jewish Virtual Library, etc.) that 2 Kings 2:11 refers to Elijah being taken bodily into heaven.

Christ plainly stated and confirmed a second time that John the Baptist was Elijah, and that he was the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5 ( Matt. 11:11-14; 17:10-13). Christ made clear, straightforward statements which must be accepted as truth. Also, the phrase "in the order of" is only applicable to priests ( Ps. 110:4), not prophets.

Thank you for the response.