Old and New Testament prophecies concerning the coming of Christ are in view, today, such as Malachi 4: 5-6 and Luke 1: 16-18, KJV. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using “cosmo” as their ID (Level 7 with 114,460 points, a member since September 05, 2006) attacked with the following:
In Christian mythology, what does it mean that John the Baptist (a real, historical person) is Elijah (legendary prophet) who is to come?
Does this mean that Christian mythology includes reincarnation?
Didn't Elijah already exist centuries before?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1: 19-29, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)
“cosmo”, here are a few points to consider that have helped many Christian believers avoid error, foolishness and spiritual confusion:
(1.) Christian belief appears as the product of exchanges, interactions, and operations among, upon and within multiple aspects of a person’s spirit content. Conviction that results through the active presence and person of divinity can not be correctly and completely understood using finite, material or mechanical academic disciplines and tools such as history, intellect, logic, philosophy, and science. There must be sacred (not secular) knowledge that is not derived from abstract analysis, labeling, and experimental manipulation.
(2.) Using language from literary criticism and scholarly study, both Elijah and John the Baptist are types (i.e., figures and symbols that identify a peculiar class or concept appearing throughout the holy writings). The idea of “reincarnation” with a changing, eternal continuation of ones existence does not appear at all in the Scriptures. Yet, there are resurrection from the dead for judgment; rebirth through baptism, repentance and sanctification; as well as translation from life to eternal life without the occurrence of death.
(3.) Among the many things you may not know, Elijah performed several miracles (we say, sacred events), and was taken up to GOD by a chariot of fire, yet, also appeared with Moses to Jesus before the Lord’s crucifixion. The destruction of Jerusalem with captivity and exile saw a break in the line of priests and prophets that had gone forth from those who left Egypt. John the Baptist, who received the Holy Spirit before he actually was born, was the first to appear among the Jews in more than 400 years that met the criteria for both priests and prophets recorded in the holy writings—an abiding spirit from GOD. Similarly, in addition to prophet, Jesus demonstrated the anointing as High Priest, judge, king, redeemer, and savior.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The stream of prophecy is essential for the sacred operation of revelation whereby created beings and living creatures are given an experience of continuing consciousness from GOD, who is immutable, invisible, unchanging spirit and can not be apprehended using only sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotion, and mental functions. Jesus Christ appeared as an incarnation of GOD in the earth to fulfill and validate the revelation documented among those in covenant with divinity, and provide further assurance that all the many proclamations from GOD definitely will be carried out and completed.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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