Reincarnation in the Bible: Elijah was John the Baptist
Do you believe in reincarnation? Whether you do or not, the Bible presents an intriguing connection between Elijah, a prophet from the Old Testament, and John the Baptist from the New Testament. This connection raises fascinating questions about identity, prophecy, and spiritual roles.
Elijah and John the Baptist: The Connection
In John 1:21, when asked, "Are you Elijah?" John the Baptist responded, "I am not." And when asked if he was a prophet, he answered, "No." This seems straightforward, but another passage provides a different perspective.
In Matthew 11:14, Jesus says, "And if you are willing to accept it, he (John the Baptist) is the Elijah who was to come." This statement by Jesus suggests a deeper, symbolic connection between Elijah and John the Baptist.
Why Did John the Baptist Not Know He Was Elijah?
Jesus confirmed that John the Baptist was Elijah, yet John did not seem to remember. Why didn't John the Baptist recall being Elijah? The answer may lie in the complex relationship between the soul and the brain. The soul holds information similarly to how the brain does. Elijah's soul was connected into the flesh of John the Baptist. However, the brain cannot process all the information from the soul, which is connected to the sinus node area of the heart, sending electrical messages to the brain. It takes less than a second for messages to be transmitted from the soul to the brain. John the Baptist did not know he had been reincarnated or had any memory of being in heaven as Elijah was taken to heaven.
Therefore, there may be several people walking upon the earth who were prophets, angels, or other significant figures without their knowledge. You might call them undercover agents working for God.
Biblical Scriptures on Elijah and John the Baptist
John 1:21: "They asked him, 'Then who are you? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the Prophet?' He answered, 'No.'"
Matthew 11:14: Jesus says, "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."
Malachi 4:5: "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes."
Luke 1:17: "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
2 Kings 2:11: "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind."
Interpretations and Reflections
John the Baptist's denial of being Elijah could be understood in the context of his humility and his unique role. He may not have seen himself as literally Elijah reincarnated but rather as someone fulfilling a similar prophetic mission. Jesus' identification of John as Elijah can be seen as acknowledging the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5, where Elijah is to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
This relationship between Elijah and John the Baptist highlights the continuity of God's plan and the importance of prophetic roles in preparing the way for the Messiah. It also encourages believers to delve deeper into the layers of meaning within the scriptures.
Conclusion
The connection between Elijah and John the Baptist offers rich insights into the themes of prophecy, identity, and divine purpose. Whether or not one believes in reincarnation, the Bible presents a profound narrative that underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the preparation for the coming of Jesus.
As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded of the intricate and purposeful design of God's plan, encouraging us to seek a deeper understanding and connection with our faith.
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
Michael in the Bible:
Jude 1:9: "But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'"
Michael contends with the devil over Moses' body.
Revelation 12:7-9: "Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."
Michael leads the heavenly forces against the dragon (Satan).
Michael in the Quran:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:98: "Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael, to Allah, is an enemy to those who reject Faith."
In Islam, Michael (Mikail) is one of the archangels and is believed to have important roles, such as providing nourishment for bodies and souls and leading the angels in worship and obedience to God.
Thank you for this insightful presentation. It has always seemed biblically clear to me that John the Baptist was Elijah reincarnated. Tradition also says that Elijah was “dropped from the heavens” with no mention of mother or father and that according to scripture he did not die but was returned to the heavens in a “fiery chariot “.