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Fulfilled at Return? (17:0)

Some Christians believe that the prophecies foretelling the coming of the Jewish Messiah that were not literally fulfilled by Jesus in His lifetime (most of which Bahá'ís believe were fulfilled spiritually or symbolically) were to be literally fulfilled by Jesus on His return. (17:1)

Note: There is no text in the New Testament to support this view, which is proposed to explain why Jesus did not fulfill all of the prophecies of the Old Testament Physically during His life. The following may shed some light on this: (17:2)

1. Jesus clearly interprets prophecies symbolically when they appear to be literal or physical (i. e. the return of Elijah) (17:3)

2. The Apostles similarly interpret prophecy symbolically: (17:4)

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low" and "all flesh shall see it together (isa 40:4-5) [Luke says that all this was fulfilled by Jesus (luk 3:4-6). It is in the same way in Christ's return that "Every eye shall see Him"] (17:5) see

3. The scriptures are "locked" or "sealed" until Christ returns: (17:6)

A.".. words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.." (dan 105:9) (17:7) see

B. None will be unable to "loose the seals" and open scriptures until the "Lamb of God" appears (rev 5:1-5) (the New Testament was also sealed until Christ returns. Bahá'u'lláh has opened the scriptures as promised. ) (17:8) see

C."Judge nothing before.. the Lord come" (1co 4:5) (Paul said that disputes of doctrine would only be settled by the Return of Christ. ) (17:9) see

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