Note.—The result of the test by fire which followed on Mt. Carmel, can be read in the remainder of this wonderful chapter. There was a great turning to God, the people saying, “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.” Verse 39.
10. What was the burden of the message of John the Baptist?
“Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matt. 3:2, 8.
11. What was the result of this message?
“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Verses 5, 6.
Note.—There was a genuine work of repentance and reform. John was not satisfied with a mere profession of religion. He told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, to “bring forth fruits” answerable to an “amendment of life.” He wished to see religion in the life, the heart, the home. Thus he prepared a people for Christ's first advent.
12. But when, according to the prophecy, was Elijah to be sent?
“Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Mal. 4:5.
13. How is this great and dreadful day described in this same prophecy?
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Verse 1.