BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7

By

Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF MALICHI

Jesus Christ endorsed the authority and inspiration of Malachi the prophet, by quoting Malachi 3:1, and applying it to John the Baptist:

24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(Luke 7: 24-28 NKJV).

Notice that our Lord quoted Malachi 3:1, and applied it to John the Baptist. Obviously, Jesus accepted Malachi as an inspired writer or he would not have said, “It is written.” The phrase “it is written” is equivalent to saying, “The word of God says.” Therefore, our Lord received Malachi’s writing as the inspired word of God and Malachi as the author of the book which bears his name. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7”