Discuss John 1 Page 20

The author of every book in the Bible is God himself.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Principles of Bible study and interpretation:

The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:

> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14

> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21

> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34

> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13

The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.

Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).

God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.

King David was called a man after GOD's heart, GOD loved & honored King David even after his adultery & muderous cover-up, attempt. 2Samuel 11, 1Kings 11:4, Acts 13:22,

Psalms 38, Psalms 40, Psalms 51, David sought after GOD

However, David didn't get away with anything, without consequences: 2Samuel 12, because of the severity of his sin as stated by Nathan in 2Samuel 12, the "sword did not depart" from his house._._

The punishment for adultery Old Testament was death 2Samuel 12:13, but GOD spared David's life

GOD doesn't take delight in death but that everyone should turn from unrighteousness! Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 18:32, 1John 1:9,

Malachi 2:13-16, Proverbs 5,

Hopefully these are helpful

Mark,

A person can only be saved once. If a born-again (saved) believer sins, that believer does not lose their salvation. If that were the case, we would lose our salvation quite frequently (if that were even possible).

Once a believer sins against God, that believer needs to confess their sin and ask for forgiveness. The believer is still saved but they have broken fellowship with God by committing sin against Him. The relationship with God will never change. It's the fellowship that has been broken. But by confessing that sin and asking God for forgiveness, He alone can restore the lost fellowship (not lost salvation).

Now, "Will the LORD show mercy and forgives his sins?" 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So the answer is yes!

If a true (born-again) believer continues in sin, God is going to deal with them, and sometimes His discipline can be pretty harsh, but He will never take away their salvation.

Salvation is spoken of in scripture as present tense. A person who has been born of God's Spirit has eternal life. Something that is eternal cannot be broken, or lost and re-gained!

Hi Verleen innis,

I will give my understanding,

Your first question; is there anywhere in the heavens or the earth that God cannot be, Psalm 139:7-10 Proverbs 15:3 Jeremiah 23:23-24 Hebrews 4:13 Isaiah 6:3. But is the universe, the earth, and everything on the earth a manifestation of God? NO that is Pantheism and is forbidden in the Bible as idol worship, if everything is God it can be worshiped.

His dwelling place is in heaven that is above heaven (universe) and earth, beyond and outside of the physical universe, 1 Kings 8:30 1 Kings 8:43 2 Chr. 20:6 Psalm 11:4 Daniel 2:28 Matt. 5:16 Matt. 6:9. God gave His only begotten Son to die for us, John 3:16 God by the Holy Spirit can dwell in us if we accept Jesus as our savior we are cleansed by His blood, Romans 8:9-11 1 Cor. 3:16

God can see everything and take action anywhere, Prov. 15:3 Heb. 4:13 but God is everywhere at once? He is in that he is aware of everything in the physical universe both past, present, and future, and he can turn his attention to anyone or anything at any time.

Has anyone seen God? Moses came the closest, God showed him His backside, Exodus 33:12-23. No man in the flesh can see God's face and live, John 1:18 John 4:12 1 Tim. 6:16. We will see His face after the resurrection in our immortal and incorruptible body, Rev 22:4.

How can one Know that God exists? The Bible: He has revealed things to us, and the evidence is convincing if anyone is willing to consider the evidence. History also confirms many things that were prophesied in the Bible long before they happened. The word of God is the truth, and the Holy Spirit will reveal it to those with an open mind and open heart who honestly want the truth.

This is my understanding in love may it help, search and pray for yours.

God bless,

RLW

Leviticus Chapters 21 & 22 Legalism continued

Having come to this false conclusion, then one could reason, like the Scribes and Pharisees that it was one's own works that made himself righteous. It was this attitude that the Lord said characterized His opponents. Jesus used the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying to God to illustrate that the attitude of self-righteousness does not justify anyone.

The Scribes and the Pharisees were wrong on two accounts. First, they were wrong to think that they were righteous ( Mt. 5:20; 7:15). Secondly, they were wrong in attributing righteousness to their own efforts. They thought their righteousness was the results of their efforts to obey the commands of Leviticus Chapters 21 and 22.

Then what did God intend to teach the priests by giving them these commands to avoid any outward corruption or defilement in these chapters? He was teaching them that He is the one who makes them holy. " I am the LORD who sanctifies you?" God said this 6 times. It was God who set the priests apart, sanctifying them. The priests did not sanctify themselves. God commanded the priest to avoid outward defilement because He had already made them holy. They were told to avoid the things that would make them unclean not that avoiding these things would make them clean.

Salvation-cleansing from sin-is a work of God alone. Keeping ourselves pure is our duty enabled by the Holy Spirit so we do not defile what God has cleansed. That is why the Apostle John tells us that if we sin, we are to confess our sin, and God is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). We are to seek to stay clean, not to make ourselves clean. Only God can do that.

Holiness is not contagious. We don't acquire it from others. It cannot be transmitted by us to others nor by contact with "holy things". But defilement can be caught, and this God warns the priests about coming in contact with unholy. Holiness only comes from God.

It looks as though we don't believe in the same Jesus. All those verses you presented are either talking about those who were never saved, or who profess to be saved. Nothing shows that they lost their salvation. You've been getting the wrong interpretation.

I'll hopefully end it with this: 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins he is just to forgive us our sins, and to clean us from all unrighteousness.

We are all sinners, saved or unsaved, we all fall into sin in one way or another. It's are nature to sin, we were born with it.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us: that's in (verse 10).

We all sinned and come short of the glory of God. None of us deserve salvation, it is a gift from God to those that confess their sins and believe, from the heart the name of the Lord, thou shalt be saved.

Once you are saved God, the Holy Spirit, comes down and lives inside us, we become the temple of God.

His spirit is strong, but our flesh is weak, and remains weak. You can lock yourself up away from the outside world and still fall into sin. It's everywhere we go. Once saved our whole life becomes a spiritual battle, that's why prayer is important. Asking God to help us fight off that battle.

Believing that you can lose your salvation must bring a lot of anxiety to those that believe that. Constantly backsliding and giving up with worry because sin just seems to come in, no matter how hard they try. Constantly putting them in worry.

Hebrews 9:27: As it is appointed unto men "once" to die. Just as Jesus only had to die "once," after this the judgement. I'm sorry but if you want to go through life fighting a never ending battle for a sinless life then have at it. I can assure you, Once saved always saved. That's one of the things you must believe to be saved. I hope this helps you. God bless.

Luke 23:23-43,

If we break it down :

1st Jesus asked for their forgiveness: Luke 23:34, John 17, John 6:37-40,

2nd He outwardly confessed & believed Jesus Luke 23:42, John 3:16-18, John 6: 47,

3rd confessed his sins Luke 23:41, 1John 1:9,

4th he showed Jesus mercy & compassion when the crowd, rulers, officers, & others were not: Luke 23:40,

Matthew 25:31-46,

Hopefully these are helpful in your discussion & study

1John 1:9

Romans 7:8-25, Revelation 3:17, Ezekiel 33:11-20,

2Chronicles 7:14, Romans 6,

1John 1:9, Matthew 6:14,

Hopefully these are also helpful

Hi Mara, it's because that's what the Bible says. For example, the Word is Jesus and John 1:1 clearly says the Word was God. Scripture says he's always existed and is a creator among many other powers.

The frequently asked questions page has this as one of it for lots of scripture references on this topic:

Link

God bless.

Yes , I agree . Many these days seem to equate Godliness with gain . We must try to remember Jesus's warning about the deceitfulness of riches .

Agreed,

Scripture to back you

Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:5-20, 1Timothy 6:6-12, James 1:27, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 13:5, James 3:17,18, Jude 1,

Hopefully these are helpful

Unfortunately, many believe that to "produce good fruit" means to gain financially and/or gaining a large flock around them. I believe that by producing good fruit is increasing your love for God and showing that in both one's personal and public life whether it is meant to be seen by everyone or not. "Producing Good Fruit" or "Show One's Fruit" can twist and turn many minds and can lead to intense debates.

Also, to go along with what you said concerning John the Baptist of the revelation of who Jesus The Christ was before any miracles were performed. Even before John laid his physical eyes upon Jesus, it says in Luke 1:41 that the baby John leapt in his mother's womb at just the presence of Christ also in the womb in his mother's womb. This revelation only comes from the Father and His will and design.

John 1:5 conclusion. When we read John 13:30; we see Judas Iscariot going out "immediately" after given the "sop" which was given traditionally to an honored guest. The narrative continues into John 14 and 15 all the way to John 15:16 which mentions the Disciples being called; chosen AND ordained (sans the traitor). The "fruit production" comes to those God has enabled to do this.

They have promises therefore of inheriting eternal life and the glories of heaven ( John 14:2).

The cost of being a disciple of course was soon to be revealed; namely in Peter's fall. In Luke 22:32 the word "converted" is used in order to describe what would soon happen. Christ knew all; of course that Peter was one of His own (as He would give nicknames to emphasize characteristics of the Apostles). In John 1:42 Jesus said that he would be called Cephus or the rock; later on in Matthew 16:16 we see that Christ was revealed to Peter as to who He was. Therefore the word converted here would mean to be restored spiritually after the fall; but it showed the effects of true repentance. Peter until this point was impetuous and immature in many ways as a child in his walk; so the meaning here is when Peter's outward behavior would represent a radical transfomation and involved dying to self. This made him ready after the Resurrection to take on what he knew would end up in martyrdom ( John 21:18). It also gave him boldness in the Book of Acts despite a realistic fear of his own persecution.

Let us therefore take heed; that we are slow to speak as well as swift to hear and slow to wrath (mixed up interpretation of James 1:19). We need to look out for false teachers as well; who self identify as believers; but show no evidence of true faith and producing good fruit.

John 1 verse 5.

Somewhere I have discussion here on the entire book of John focusing on Predestination. I thought this particular verse needed emphasis. This verse shows how those who are in darkness spiritually can't understand the Spirit and how Christ is distinct from the world in Holiness as well as being its Creator. Therefore; the standard set is according to man's interpretation of a "righteous man or a Prophet" ( Matt. 16:15). Such a question this late in the game really boggles the mind; and it is clear early on with John the Baptist ( John 1:33) that the Spirit revealed to him who Christ was. Keep in mind this was BEFORE any miracles were performed by Christ Himself at the onset of the ministry. Jesus went immediately to the wilderness to be tested of the Devil BEFORE His onset of public outreach. This should reveal to us all those world powers and principalities that rule in high places and how hard the enemy will fight those who are potentially dangerous to his world system ( Eph. 6:12). It is interesting to examine this in light of our salvation experience; it seems rare that people take on a fast immediately after conversion but we see Paul for instance in a forced fast after his blindness ( Acts 9:9) after God struck him down.

We need to ensure that the light in us isn't darkness ( Luke 11:35). Satan comes as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14). This is why we are to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Hence the verse of the day ( John 15:16) demonstrates that we are chosen AND ordained to bear fruit. This is slightly different as to Judas Iscariot who was called and chosen but didn't bear good fruit. In God's presence miracles would happen but he was only interested in how it benefited him. This should be a warning to anyone attempting to do good works in their own strength. True fruit only comes from above as the Spirit abides in a man ( John 15:4). We must therefore abide in Him (see Romans 8:16).

Dear Ruben, greetings and Happy New Year. Ruben, I have prayed for you to be restored to the Lord, but only you can confess your sins to enter back into His will, 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Simple as that. Once you confess your sins, you should repent from them--that is, do not repeat them, and if you do, confess again. Draw closer to Him with daily devotions, studying the Word, serving others, and tithing.

God bless!

Hello WhiteWalkDawg. There have been several interpretations of this verse, so you might get other views. For me though, I believe that 1 John 5:6 speaks of Jesus' inauguration to His Earthly Mission and then finally His completion of it. Therefore, the Water signifies His baptism by John, to which the Holy Spirit was witness, by His descent upon Jesus ( John 1:32,33). And the Blood signifies His shed Blood at the Cross, where Jesus said "it is finished...and gave up the Ghost" (or, released His Spirit), John 19:30.

So, not only in the Gospel of John, but also in this his first epistle, we read of the Holy Spirit's witness & involvement; which witness could not be disputed, unlike some in John's day who were trying to dispute the truth of Jesus' Person & Work. In 1 John 5:6, the Spirit of Truth bore witness to Jesus' start & completion of His Work. In 1 John 5:7, we read of the Triune God bearing record in Heaven, and then in verse 8 (on Earth), three bear witness to Jesus' Mission.

We do well to "receive the witness of men" & we are likely to be convinced. But "the witness of God is greater" ( 1 John 5:9), which must give us no room for any doubt & a certainty that all that Jesus has accomplished for us is fully accepted by those to whom the Spirit of God has been given.

Hi Michael. It is my belief that 1 John was written to believers. Maybe as a general epistle sent to the churches in Asia Minor, sent to teach, encourage & warn them. References such as 1 John 2:1,12,13,18,28; 1 John 3:17,18; etc, show that John is addressing those who are in the faith (his little children), some of those may be immature in faith. Certainly, there were unbelievers amongst them, since a part of this epistle was to warn the believers of false teaching ( 1 John 2:18,19,26; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 4:1-3) making inroads into the Church.

In reference to 1 John 1:8-10: one aspect of gnostic teaching was that God was not entirely perfect (pure); that both good & evil existed within Him. Not only is this belief reprehensible, it also led to diminishing any sin (even the principle of sin) as of no consequence, since God remains unconcerned about it. But John stated that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5): God is altogether holy/pure - no darkness or evil can be found in Him. Therefore, if it be said that "we have no sin (i.e. the principle of the existing sin nature in us), we are simply deceiving ourselves". We ought not to believe those false teachers who deny this & by extension, "that we have not sinned (i.e. experientially)" (v10). But John is reminding them that we are sinners by nature & performance, but if we recognize sin for what it is & come to God in confession of it, 'he is faithful and just to forgive us & cleanse us entirely' (v9).

Even another striking false teaching is found in 1 John 4:2,3: the denial of the deity of Christ as the gnostic (docetic) teaching was that deity could never unite with anything material. Their claim that this Jesus was just a man endowed with a special anointing; or another teaching: He didn't have a body & was just a spirit, hence He could not die on the Cross; and probably many others beliefs that would take away from the demonstration of God's Love in the sacrifice of His Son.

1 John 1 was the apostle addressing as yet the unconverted where he shares with them what he knew to be true. Why has this not been taught more wide-spread? Confusion stems from twisted truths and I believe if the twisted truth of 1 John 1:9 being written for the converted was put right then many would be set free from sin consciousness as the gospel was intended to do.

Hello Javier. That's a good question. It is my understanding that Jesus became Jesus (i.e. given this Name) at His Birth ( Matthew 1:21). I don't believe Jesus was known as Jesus prior to His incarnation, rather, the Bible (in the NT), speaks of Him as God's Word ( John 1:1-14). As you know, God is One ( Deuteronomy 6:4); God cannot be divided up into many gods. Yet God can do something that we humans can't: He can send out His Word & He can send out His Spirit. So we don't get three gods, but the One Holy God manifesting Himself in other forms (for our sake). We can't do this; I can speak or write my thoughts for another to heed, but in the end, they are only words. And I certainly can't send out my spirit to do a work on my behalf - even if I could, I would then be spirit-less, therefore, dead. But God is wholly a Spirit-Being ( John 4:24) & can do any work & be anywhere as He Wills - something you & I cannot do as our spirits are confined to bodies of flesh.

So, at the appointed time ( Romans 5:6), God sent out His Word for His people (Israel), just as He did by the mouths of the prophets in the Old Testament days. But this time, God clothed His Word with flesh, so that Israel might not only hear from God directly to them, but also witness that this One from Heaven has come to be the supreme Sacrifice for them. Their other sacrifices were only temporary until the coming of God's Sacrifice: Himself (His Word made flesh).

Then to your question: for Jesus (the Word out of God's Being) to live as a man, suffer & die as a man, he would have had to lay aside those attributes of Divinity that could never permit Him an experience of pain & death. Philippians 2:5-8 gives a perfect explanation of how Jesus had to humble Himself, not hold onto His equality with God before men , instead became their servant. Jesus now is God's Son, & as a man with human feelings, would rightly call out, in prayer, to His Father in Heaven; & He will always be God's Son seated beside His Father.

Scripture about an Angels carrying ._. Not "spirit" Luke 16:22, 'your question spirit seeing loved ones on earth', more importantly GOD ALMIGHTY sees us Psalms 139, Psalms 27:10, & Jesus intercedes for us Romans 8,

It's important to understand the Biblical laws of marriage were given to Moses for Israel & "the Children of GOD" John 1:12, also Romans 8, relevant.

These laws are for GOD fearing, believers, a guideline for what's best.

Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:3-12, Matthew 5:31-37, notice it was to test, Jesus. Deuteronomy 24:1-4

1Corinthians 7,

Malachi 2:10-15, John 3:16, Matthew 25:31-46, Jude 1,

Hopefully these are helpful

Samuel,

I do agree with brother Chris' answer. They were "out of towners" so to speak.

We also see the word strangers used in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, and also in 3 John 1:5 which says, beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you are doing to the brethren, and to strangers;

Now strangers in the New Testament, they are strange only in that they are unknown to the person that's being hospitable to them. They are strangers in that they are from out of town.

In other words, Gaius didn't ride his rickshaw down by the freeway and pick up strangers hitchhiking. These are strangers or visitors from out of town that were Christians who were traveling in the Lord's work.

And it says the brethren and the strangers. So he even helped the brothers there in the town that he was in.

In Hebrews 13:2, strangers had to do with Christians who were traveling through town, those involved in the Lord's work, who were in town. The inns or hotels were usually full. But even if they weren't, it was a place of prostitution and drinking.



And so when believers came into town, they would inquire if there were other believers in that town that had a room that was vacant.



And that's what this is making reference to. The strangers are people who are foreigners in the city that they're in.



It says, "For thereby some have entertained angels unawares."



In Genesis Chapters 18 and 19, first with Abraham, and then with Lot, they entertained angels unawares. They were not aware of it. And so some people might have an angel in their house and not even know it.

Matthew 1:21-25 kjv, John 1:14kjv, John 8:58 kjv,

Hebrews 13:8 kjv , John 14:6 kjv, Philippians 2:5-11 kjv.

Mark 3:28,29,30, Matthew 6:12-15, 2Chronicles 7:14, Psalms 86:5, Luke 23:34, 1John 1:9,

Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 14:12, Deuteronomy 5:11, Exodus 20:7,

Jude 1,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hey Bulletpencil,

My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.

John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.

The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.



The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11 Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.

Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15 Mark 4:10-13 Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26 John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.

This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.

God bless,

RLW

A woman caught in adultery .

While it might seem this quite remarkable account starts in John 1:1 we should not be bound by the chapter and verse of scriptures which while useful for reference and ease cannot always give a true picture .

For the context of the last verse of John 7." Every man went to his own house" Quite legitimately it has to be said but "Jesus went up to the mount of olives " Sacrificial praying .

There are times and perhaps these days are some of them when needs must ,the people of God need to forsake their beds or legitimate times of rest and seek Gods face and spend time in communion with " Our Father ,who art in heaven "

We then find the Lord early in the morning in the temple teaching .

It is the more likely that the devout and those who " hunger after righteousness" avoiding the clamour of the day that are to be found in the Temple early .and "all the people came unto Him and He sat down and taught them "

Any school teacher or professor knows that to get anything done you need a relaxed but concentrated atmosphere if you want to teach anything with students with receptive minds .

The bare bones of what came next as recorded are of the Pharisees and Sadducee's bringing with them a woman ,saying this woman was caught in the very act of adultery . Moses said she should be stoned to death ,what say you?

If you wish to enter a place where someone is preaching or in public prayer ,you should not just walk into the room much less noisily , but should wait patiently till there is a break or moment when if done quietly you can discretely join the meeting .

It would not be twisting the scriptures nor bending the truth to say that these did no such thing but rather would have ' barged' into that situation without a by or leave and interrupted whatever at that point had been going on .

Set the woman in the midst and demanded ' politely ' an answer to their question.

It is written " we are no debtor to the flesh "

Amen Upendo.

I would go as far as to say when we are truly saved we should "RECOGNIZE" we have become light "THAT HAS BEEN SEPARATED FROM DARKNESS". And we should walk in that light. 1 John 1:5-7.

God bless.

Hi Lollyman7. There are several Scriptures that speak of this 'coming of Elijah'. Those which you quoted: John 1:19-28 and Matthew 11:14. You can also see this in the earlier prophecy of Elijah, found in Malachi 4:5,6, & then we see Elijah with the Lord & Moses in Matthew 17:1-8, with the answer to this dilemma found in Luke 1:13-17. And to quote this in part: "And he (John) shall go before him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah), to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

So, as we consider these Scriptures in entirety, we should conclude that John the Baptist wasn't the physical Elijah who was earlier translated instead of dying & then in those days appeared with the Lord Jesus. But John was the one selected & prepared of God to receive the same spirit that was found in Elijah to speak to the people with prophetical authority & drive & to be the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah)." ( Isaiah 40:3). So, John the Baptist could never say that he was a resurrected Elijah, whom the leaders were expecting, but his message & authority came with the same strength & prophetical voice as that of Elijah.