Before the coming of the Messiah, it was prophesied that Elijah would come first (Malachi 4:5-6). The Scribes used this prophecy as evidence against the messiahship of Jesus. But the disciples, having seen Elijah with their own eyes talking with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Read Matthew 17:1-3), asked Jesus, “…Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?” (Matthew 17:10).
To their surprise, Jesus confirmed the Scribes insistence that Elijah must come first before the Messiah. He said, “…Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done
unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them” (Matthew 17:11-12).
The Bible says, “Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:13). Elijah already came, but they didn’t know it, because they were looking in the flesh! There’re many Christians who are like that today.
All they’re dreaming, praying, struggling to be and have in God, they already are, and already have, but they don’t know it. This is why you must know the Word. Through the knowledge of the Word, you’re enlightened as to your identity and heritage in Christ.
Nothing could be greater or better than Christ in you, and you in Christ. You’ve got to come to the full realization that as He is, so are you (1 John 4:17).
You’re His righteousness, the expression of all the perfect things that are consistent with His nature—His goodness, His kindness, His love, His humility, and excellence!
This is why our theme verse admonishes that you renew your mind, because it’s only through the Scriptures, by the Spirit, that you discover what God has already made you and granted you in Christ
