Tag Archives: John

Revelation

Revelation 10

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In the previous chapter, 9, we entered the end time stage known as the Great Tribulation, a time of troubles never before seen on earth. We will now learn about more events which will take place during this testing period.

(Revelation 10:1) And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

God is sending His angel scout to earth to survey the conditions and what has happened so far. God has the ability to do anything and everything Himself, but He chooses to use His faithful servants as much as He can, just as He has since the beginning of time, because it is an honor to serve Him.

The angel scout is bathed in the glory of God and accompanied by God’s consuming fire, and as impressive as this is, it pales in comparison to the presence God Himself. However, this event will not be perceptible by those here on earth.

(Revelation 10:2) And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

This little book has the events of the seven thunders written within, which means that they are already predetermined by God, and this angel is aware of what is written, but for whatever reason they are shared with John, though he is not supposed to tell anyone else. It may very well be that they can be deduced from throughout the Bible, and will be before they happen, but there will be very few that will know and recognize these, and rest assured these people would also not share them with everyone else. This knowledge is also likely contained within the golden oil piped to the elect from the two witnesses, who arrive just before antichrist, about which we will read in the next chapter of Revelation, 11.

The scout angel was sent down to earth in person to observe all that will be taking place halfway through the tribulation and he is even to wonder among the people (the sea) and observe that the conditions are right for the next step to begin.

(Revelation 10:3) And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

With boldness, the angel is proclaiming that it is time for the events of the seven thunders to be proclaimed for John’s benefit, at which time these events had not happened. We can determine that these events had not yet occurred by the time the 6th trumpet had sounded. They are events that will take place after the 6th trump, in the second half of the tribulation.

(Revelation 10:4) And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

These seven thunders are signs which are not to be recognized until after they have happened, just as we do not hear thunder until after we see the lightning. By the time we observe the sound of the thunder, the lightning has already struck and done its damage. This is the reason these things are not written, because they are not to be known ahead of time. We are foretold all things, and if we study the Bible honestly and in prayer, we will know what things are about to come. The seven thunders, however, are those things that the rest of the world will look back on and realize they should have known what was to be, only they hadn’t read. The unlearned of the Bible will be kicking themselves, but will only have themselves to blame. Remember, hindsight is 20/20.

Also, lightning can be seen from very far away, which is how the coming of Jesus is described:

(Matthew 24:26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

(Matthew 24:27) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

(Matthew 24:28) For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

If we do not see Jesus Himself immediately upon His return, it is not Jesus, but the antichrist instead. Everyone will know instantly when He returns. By the time, the rest of the world sees Jesus’ second coming, it will be too late for repentance. We will then enter a period of discipline and correction for those who were not prepared.

(Revelation 10:5) And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

(Revelation 10:6) And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

In the name of God, the scout is confirming that it is the right time for the final stage of the flesh age to begin, in which satan, as antichrist, and his fallen angels will be cast by the archangel Michael down to earth to test everyone alive at that time. The world, as we now know it, is coming to an end.

(Revelation 10:7) But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

It is at this time that the last of God’s servants, his elect, are sealed with the complete knowledge of all the events that are imminent. This seal is both a protection against being deceived by satan and receiving his mark of the beast, and to ensure that God’s servants know and complete their mission to the end.

(Revelation 10:8) And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Now, John is instructed to receive the knowledge in this book from God’s scout.

(Revelation 10:9) And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

To eat a book or a scroll means to consume its knowledge. Once he does this, the contents of the book will enlighten John, but at the same time, it will make him literally sick and cause anxiety because of the gravity of what it contains. This is common when someone is given deeper understanding of God’s Word. It can be both a blessing and a curse, but God’s servants can handle it and welcome it. This is why it is given to only a select few that are strong enough for the responsibility. Note that John is told to take the book. It isn’t handed over by the angel because we are to take an active role in learning what is written therein.

Are you strong enough?

(Revelation 10:10) And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

John has the intestinal fortitude to get the job done.

(Revelation 10:11) And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Now John will be given yet another vision to convey to those who will receive it.

Do you want to have a role to serve God and His plan in the events of the end of the flesh age?

God bless.

Revelation

Revelation 4

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Previously, in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, we were given the letters that Jesus dictated to John, which apply to the seven Christian mindsets in this last generation. We were told what pleases Him in us as Christians, and we were told what, frankly, disgusts Him. Now we will move onto the prophetic portion of the book; this is the portion that will tell us what we need to be looking for that will be shortly coming to pass. Are you a watchman? Or will you let the coming of Antichrist, and the coming of Christ overtake you as a thief in the night?

(Rev 4:1) After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

John looked up and saw this door open in heaven and this means that his spiritual eyes are being opened to many things that Jesus is going to show him, and he in turn would share these things with us. Jesus called John up to heaven in the spirit for John to be shown the events of the end times.

(Rev 4:2) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

As soon as he heard this voice, he was transformed into his spiritual body, because flesh cannot possibly enter into heaven as heaven is not contained within the third dimension. Once he got there, John observed God’s throne, and He was sitting on it.

(Rev 4:3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

In the breastplate of the High Priest in old Israel, each of the twelve tribes had its own stone (Exo 28:15-21). The first of the stones was Sardius (a red stone) for Reuben, and the last was Jasper (a green stone) for Benjamin. However, there are two things going on here: this person that John was looking at was Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, so these stones that John is mentioning represent the first and the last. However, possibly more interesting is the fact that the last stone was mentioned first and the first stone was mentioned last.

(Mat 20:16) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

What this verse means is that those who were the last to stand for God, and last to stand for satan, in satan’s rebellion, were the first to be born in the flesh. And the first to stand for God, and the first to stand for satan are living in this last generation (those who didn’t really take a stand were simply spread through out the generations, but especially in this last one). Those who were the first to stand for God in the rebellion are the 7000 predestinated elect in the end times, and it is these who receive the deepest understanding of God’s Word. This mentioning of the Sardius and Jasper stones is to point out that there are a lot of deeper truths to be taken out of this book of Revelation, and it is to say that the one on the throne here is Jesus Himself, the Firstfruit.

The light that emanates out from Christ, as He is on this throne, is light of all colors. This light is often described as a rainbow of color, and this light is the truth of God that can be blinding and goes out in all directions.

(Rev 4:4) And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

In biblical numerics, the number 24 represents the priesthood. These elders are 24 of God’s elect that have been given a special role. Elders always signify those with the deepest understanding of God’s truth, and have nothing to do with age. The most popular educated guess as to the identity of these 24 elders is the 12 Israelite Patriarchs and the 12 Apostles. One thing is for sure, we will know soon enough. God’s elect will serve in the Millennium, among other roles, as kings and priests under Jesus, and these would be the highest seats in this nobility.

These 24 elders are wearing white clothing that is made up of their righteous acts on earth (Revelation 19:7-8), and that is washed clean with Jesus’ blood. And of course they have crowns on their heads representing this kingly role under Christ.

(Rev 4:5) And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

This is a throne of authority, and the seven lamps represent the 7000 predestinated elect as well as the angels of the seven churches. These seven Spirits of God are also represented by power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.

(Rev 5:12) Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

(Rev 4:6) And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

This sea of glass is the mass of those people who overcame the beast during the tribulation and were made pure by being tried by fire–glass represents purity.

These four beasts are the zoa who replaced Lucifer, after his rebellion against God, in guarding the mercy seat. They are the cherubim who do not have free will, as they are predestinated to follow and serve only God. These many eyes that they have mean that they have full understanding of the mysteries of God, and it is most likely that they have the ability to travel and see anywhere in time, hence eyes before and behind. And of course, these beasts are always vigilant.

(Rev 4:7) And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

These four animals are the animals that represent the four tribes that were the protectors of the camp of Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. The lion represents the tribe of Judah, which had a large part in the later establishment of Germany; the calf represents the tribe of Ephraim, which later established Britain; the man represents the tribe of Reuben, which later France; and the eagle represents the tribe of Dan, which later established Denmark. This protection extends to these zoa which, as we said earlier, are to protect the throne of God.

(Rev 4:8) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

The zoa have 6 wings because these wings represent the protection of God, and the number 6 represents man, which is because, as we are told in Ezekiel 1:4-11, they have the likeness of a man. They are full of eyes and they never rested from watching over God’s throne or praising Him.

(Rev 4:9) And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

(Rev 4:10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

(Rev 4:11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

These 24 elders are humbling themselves before God and giving Him praise themselves. They may be some of the wisest of God’s children, but their wisdom is like foolishness to God, and they are wise enough to know this and know who it is that really has all the power and authority and wisdom.

This chapter has set the tone for the rest of the book of Revelation. It lets us know that we will need to use our spiritual eyes to truly be able to see what we are being told about the things that will be happening very soon on earth. It also reminds us who is in authority always, and that although the world may seem to be chaotic or evil at times, this will not last forever, and it is all according to God’s plan, and it has a significant purpose that, ultimately, all will come to understand.

As you read these chapters, pray for wisdom from God to truly understand and get a feel for what we are being told.

God bless.

Revelation

Revelation 1

The Book of Revelation was the last glimpse we were given by Jesus into the events that will lead up to His return, and beyond. Through John, Jesus revealed many secrets that had never been divulged to that date, and in many ways, this is our guide through the Tribulation. As with every book of the entire Bible, Jesus intended us to read it and understand it completely, as each book is one component of the whole story. Just as with a jigsaw puzzle, it cannot be complete without every piece. Let’s take a look at one of the most controversial books of the Bible.

(Revelation 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

These things are revealed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to John, to warn His dedicated servants of what will happen over a relatively short period of time at the end of days and leading into the Millennium. These servants are those who are His ambassadors of the Gospel, especially God’s elect, who will understand the deeper meaning of what Jesus would reveal in this book.

(Revelation 1:2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

John was shown these things to reveal them to anyone who would read this book. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to reveal or uncover what is written in its pages. These are not meant to be hidden or kept secret, except from those who wouldn’t care enough to study them.

(Revelation 1:3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Those who study what is written in Revelation will be blessed, or rather well-off and happy, because the things that will be happening in the near future will not come as a surprise. Those who decide it isn’t important to know what is written here will be taken as if by a thief in the night because they will not know the signs of the times.

(1Th 5:1) But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

(1Th 5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

(1Th 5:3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

(1Th 5:4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

(1Th 5:5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

(1Th 5:6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

(Rev 3:3) Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

If we do not watch, He will come on us as a thief in the night. However, if we do what He tells us, and watch, He will not. We are to be children of the light (truth). Those who do not study, are children of the darkness—both because darkness represents lies, and they will not be able to tell the truth from the lies if they have no studied the truth, and because when you don’t know the truth, you are said to be “in the dark.” We are supposed to look for these signs given in Revelation and in prophecy throughout the Bible.

(Mat 16:2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

(Mat 16:3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

(Revelation 1:4) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

These seven churches would represent the seven types of Christians in the end times. Only two of these seven are acceptable to Jesus Christ. We will find out the details of these seven churches in the next two chapters, where Jesus will dictate a letter to each church.

(Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

(Revelation 1:6) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

These verses are clarifying the credentials of who is dictating the letters that we are about to read—it is Jesus Christ, the One and Only.

(Revelation 1:7) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

When Jesus returns, He will come exactly as He left, “in the clouds.” This is a euphemism for something else we will discuss at another time. Every eye will see Him and know that He has returned instantly. There will be no guessing and we won’t be seeing news reports on tv or hearing rumors when Jesus has truly returned. At that moment, every knee shall bow, even satan. We will, at that same time, be transformed into our spiritual bodies, as the flesh will be done away with.

(Act 1:9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

(Act 1:10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

(Act 1:11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

(Isa 19:1) The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

(Mat 24:26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

(Mat 24:27) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

(Mat 24:28) For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

(Mat 24:29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

(Mat 24:30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(Mat 24:31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(Php 2:9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

(Php 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

(Php 2:11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Jesus has always existed and has always been part of God. Jesus is one part of the Godhead, which illustrates the three roles of our one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is God Almighty.

(Joh 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(Joh 1:2) The same was in the beginning with God.

(Revelation 1:9) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John is our brother in Christ, and he is a companion to us in the Tribulation because he has written all these things that teach us what to expect and help us keep our faith as we enter into it and go through it. At the time he was given and wrote Revelation, he was in a prison colony for his Christian faith, but Jesus’ words live on through his writings until the end of this flesh age.

(Revelation 1:10) I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

John was taken to the Lord’s Day, the future time at the end of days, all the way to the return of Jesus and beyond. In order to be taken out of this third dimension, a person may not be in the flesh, because flesh exists only in the physical dimensions. John was taken in the spirit through the fourth dimension, which is independent of time, to be able to move through time. This is why flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is eternal and therefore is not dependent upon time as it exists in those higher dimensions. In order to enter into (or back into) His Kingdom, we must take on a different form than what we currently have.

(1Co 15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

(1Co 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

(1Co 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

(Revelation 1:11) Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Jesus is about to begin His dictation for John to write to these seven churches.

(Revelation 1:12) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

These seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches. The fact that they are golden represents that they have the truth of the Gospel, however, they also can determine what they will do with this Gospel and the responsibility they have with it in Christ.

(Revelation 1:13) And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

In the center of this arrangement of candlesticks was the Son of man, Jesus Christ. He is the center of the seven churches, as they are all members of the body of Christ, however, they are not all very good at following His instructions. This garment with which He is clothed is made up of His righteous acts, which are far more righteous than any other soul that has ever lived, so His garments are far more white and pure and beautiful.

This golden girdle is the belt of truth mentioned in Ephesians 6 and is part of the Gospel Armor we are all supposed to put on. Also this belt or girdle covers His chest, “paps”, and this represent His righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness is another part of the Gospel Armor.

(Revelation 1:14) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

His hair is representing the helmet (or hair) of salvation, because He is the author of salvation, and this hair is white with His purity. His eyes were as flames of fire because God is the Consuming Fire and no iniquity can exist in His presence—it will all burn up—and the eyes are the windows to the soul.

(Revelation 1:15) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Fine brass represents a something that is hardened and won’t be misshapen because it is so hard and this fine brass is highly polished. This means that He is firmly rooted in His Gospel of peace, therefore He has no need to be further prepared by having His feet shod with the Gospel of peace mentioned in Ephesians 6:15. He is the Gospel and is always in His truth. His voice is like the sound of many waters because it is a loud authoritative voice when He is speaking to John. Jesus means business.

(Revelation 1:16) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

These seven stars in Jesus’ right hand represent the seven angels of the seven churches to whom these letters will be addressed. They are in the right hand because the right hand signifies power and action. These seven angels are under the direction of Jesus Himself.

The twoedged sword is the Word of God which comes from the mouth of Jesus and is another part of the Gospel Armor, and this item can be used for offense and defense. Jesus Shines like the sun (only brighter) because He is made up of the truth of God and it is brighter than any other thing, especially the darkness of the lies and deception of satan.

(Revelation 1:17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

When John saw Him, he had no other desire or inclination than to bow down and worship Him because that is how we react when we see Jesus as we don’t feel worthy to be in His presence. But, Jesus reassured him—John was there for a reason, and under His authority.

(Revelation 1:18) I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Again Jesus is giving His credentials so there is no question from John, or from us, who He is. Jesus is the key to eternal life, and to the Book of Life. Those not found in this book, will end up in the Lake of Fire at the end of the Millennium—they will receive the second (spiritual) death and will cease to exist.

(Revelation 1:19) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Jesus is about to give John, and us, 21 chapters of prophecy that will suffice until His return…and beyond.

(Revelation 1:20) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Beginning with the next chapter, and on to the third, we will learn about what Jesus thinks of each of these seven churches and what their fate will be. Pay attention because the uncovering of these truths has just begun.

John

John the Baptist Identifies Christ John 1:18 to 1:34

John 1:19:  And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

Again we are talking about John the Baptist.

John 1:20:  And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

What does Christ mean?  I am glad I had time to edit this because when I first began to answer this I found the answer growing and growing until I realized that I need to cut that out and post a separate study on the topic.  I will finish that up and post it soon (God willing).  So for sake of brevity let’s just pull up the word Christ.

G5547  Χριστός  Christos  khris-tos’
From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: – Christ.

Anointed or “the Christ” meaning The Anointed One.”  Or simply Messiah.

John 1:21:  And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Are you Elias or  better known to us Elijah? No.  But why were they asking him that?  We know they were looking for the Messiah, but Elijah?

Malachi 4:5:  Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Malachi 4:6:  And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

These are the last verses given to us in the Old Testament and I will tell you a little secret.  We are still looking for the day of the Lord.  John the Baptist wasn’t Elijah, he couldn’t have been any plainer.  So we know that we are still looking for that prophet.

John 1:22:  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

People never change.  Anyone starts to do a work for God and instantly the Pharisees want your creds.

John 1:23:  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

Now how did John answer?  Did he make stuff up?  Did he tell them he had a dream?  No he quoted scripture and don’t let a false prophet today let you over look that fact.  A prophet of God uses God’s word and if what he says doesn’t jive with His word then tell him to shove off.
And what scripture did he quote?

Isaiah 40:3:  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:4:  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Isaiah 40:5:  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

I want you to sit down and read that whole chapter and try to absorb it.  Some critics will tell you that this chapter of Isaiah to the end of the book was written by a different author.  Why? Because they don’t have the love of our Father from which all wisdom comes.  Think on this.  Isaiah has 66 chapters.  The bible has 66 books.  Chapter 40 tells us of John the Baptist.  The book of Matthew is the 40th book in the bible.  So naturally chapter 40 on forward would sound different.

John 1:24:  And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

We started this post with verse 18 where it said who was sent so why are we getting told again?  Because God does not want you to over look the fact who sent these guys.  It wasn’t those who seek after God.  It was the Pharisees.  We are going to nail down just who these Pharisees are when we get to the eighth chapter.

John 1:25:  And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
John 1:26:  John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:27:  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

John does a pretty good job of explaining why doesn’t he?

John 1:28:  These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Bethabara means: House of the ford and Jordan: descender.  Note: John isn’t just splashing water here.  He is in a river and getting submerged.

John 1:29:  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Remember John didn’t have to guess.

John 1:30:  This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

John 1:31:  And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

Now why would John say he knew him not?  Remember from the other Gospels we know that John and Jesus were cousins.  They knew each other.  John lept in the belly when Christ was conceived.  But let’s not forget.  Mark 6:4:  But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

John didn’t know who Christ was until the Holy Spirit came down and God claimed him.

John 1:32:  And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Remember when we learned that the dove is symbol of the Holy Spirit?

John 1:33:  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
John 1:34:  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Listen up, John was told what to do, by someone.  Was that an Angel we don’t know, but that same entity told him what the sign will be.  How was John to know he wasn’t being deceived by a lying spirit?  We know from, Acts (which was quoted from the book of Joel) that we will dream dreams and see visions.

Acts 2:17:  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18:  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

So how will we know if we were just having a dream because we saw a TV show our subconscience mind wanted to spend the night toiling over?  For one, it will not contradict God’s word.  Second take a look at Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 18:21:  And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
Deuteronomy 18:22:  When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.