The Divine Plan of the Ages by Charles T Russell - Jehovah's Witnesses

[ScottA]

@ScottA You believe that this prophecy (Malachi 3:1 & Malachi 4:5) was fulfilled in John the Baptist, but when he was asked if he was Elijah, or some other prophet he answered, “I am not,” “I am not,” “No” (John 1:19-21).

(Your first problem to overcome!)

Rather, he testified that he was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:21,23) as prophesied in Isa 40:3.

In Matthew 11:14, Jesus testified of John the Baptist, “And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come.” Check out also these passages:

Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13.

Now did Jesus ever tell us that John the Baptist is the Elijah of Malachi 4:5?

John the Baptist said he was not.

Did Jesus contradict him?

This can be understood when we read Luke 1:16-17.

John was NOT sent in the person of Elijah, but ordained by God to prepare the way for Jesus at his FIRST COMING in the spirit and power that Elijah possessed.

This does not deny that Elijah himself will actually come again in his physical presence when Jesus returns to earth, but is rather a partial fulfilment.

In Christ’s day most of the Jews rejected him (many not the restoration of all!) while the Gentiles accepted him

The mission of Elijah is to prepare for the SECOND COMING of Christ, before “the great and terrible day” . Elijah’s preparatory work will be to prepare the Israelites for their Messiah, to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” in its totality (i.e restore all things). When Jesus reveals himself to them, they will “look upon him whom they have pierced and mourn for him” (Zechariah 12:10).

And you know the irony in that day - is the Jews will now accept him, while most of the Gentiles will reject him!

You are manifesting that rejecting spirit in your posts and you dont even realize it.

F2F

Note: the people couldn't even see John the Baptist as an Elijah pattern rejecting him and the one he came to prepare the way for - you wait until they see the real Elijah in the earth to purge the dross from Israel!

John was not a witness for himself [John 5:31]--is that your defense, your reason not to believe Jesus' witness of him?

When and if you recover from that grievous error, I am happy to walk with you on the correct path.

 

[face2face]

John was not a witness for himself [John 5:31]--is that your defense, your reason not to believe Jesus' witness of him?

When and if you recover from that grievous error, I am happy to walk with you on the correct path.

It's clear you don't understand the Scripture before you. Let's take a break there's a lot to digest concerning Christ's teaching on Elijahs work.

 

[ScottA]

Take a break Scott and spend time in prayer and meditation of these facts...take it up tomorrow with a clear mind.
God be with you.

In Mark 9:4

Then Elijah appeared before them along with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

Why Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus? What's the significance you think in God raising up these two faithful in the mount of Transfiguration?

Let's see what the Spirit reveals to you God willing.

F2F
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Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain that by "two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." That matter being the End and the Beginning, whom is Christ: That Moses who had put before Israel life and death which Christ was now also doing with the church, would see the finish, and that both life and death had now come upon Israel; and Elijah, that he being prophesied of would see that double portion returned to him among the gentiles beginning at Pentecost.