I am a Baha'i. Like to know understanding of Christians on Luke 3:3-6, Isaiah 40:3-5

[InSpiritInTruth]

Thank you InSpiritInTruth. I have a deeper appreciation for the verses now. I would also like to add, from what I have understood so far, that SEEing also implies "believing" and "acceptance".

Yes, the Lord often speaks in similitudes, proverbs, and parables. It is written that Jesus spoke to the people all in parables, as it is also written that some seeing might not see, and some hearing might not hear. This speaks of not only believing and accepting the words of God as true, but also understanding them.

Those who believe and receive the words of God are the good soil that receive the seed of the Word sown in their hearts, but not all will come to fruit; as some will be choked out by the cares of the world. Those who understand the words by way of God's Spirit are those whose roots will grow deep into the soil, and be founded and established by faith; not to be uprooted. These also are those who will bring forth many fruits of righteousness. For a tree shall be known by its fruit.

 

[Elin]

I am a Baha'i and as someone who studies the Bible, would like to know the understanding of Christians regarding the prophecies about John the Baptist in the Bible as recorded in Isaiah 40:3-5 and which are referenced in Luke 3:3-6.

Hmmmmm. . .

 

[thebesttrees]

Hmmmmm. . .

I do not know what Hmmmmm..... means! Any further insight would be appreciated.

 

[Elin]

I do not know what Hmmmmm..... means! Any further insight would be appreciated.

Oh, then let me explain.

It's a an American idiom for "wait to see the truth."

I am waiting to see what truth is revealed.

 

[crossnote]

I understand that B'hai is a very inclusive faith embracing most faiths. Besttrees, how do you explain a passage such as...

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Or

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

...Just curious.

 

[thebesttrees]

I understand that B'hai is a very inclusive faith embracing most faiths. Besttrees, how do you explain a passage such as...

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Or

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

...Just curious.

Thank you crossnote for your question. I have opened this thread to increase my understanding of the two specific passages in Luke 3 and Isaiah 40. I still have many more questions in my mind about these two passages. Would you like to open another thread with your question as topic or would you like to message me privately?

 

[crossnote]

I understand that B'hai is a very inclusive faith embracing most faiths. Besttrees, how do you explain a passage such as...

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Or

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

...Just curious.

Fine your choice. I just thought your answer to my question would shed light on your question and if we are even speaking of the same Jesus.

 

[thebesttrees]

Fine your choice. I just thought your answer to my question would shed light on your question and if we are even speaking of the same Jesus.

Please open another thread and I will participate and share my thoughts there. In my estimation, it is a very different topic and will take me away from my main question on the passages in Luke and Isaiah if it is discussed here. So please open another thread.

 

[Elin]

Please open another thread and I will participate and share my thoughts there. In my estimation, it is a very different topic and will take me away from my main question on the passages in Luke and Isaiah if it is discussed here. So please open another thread.

Hmmmm. . .the truth is slowly manifesting.

 

[thebesttrees]

Hmmmm. . .the truth is slowly manifesting.

Love your witty comments!

 

[Elin]

Love your witty comments!

Thanks! . . .

 

[crossnote]

Please open another thread and I will participate and share my thoughts there. In my estimation, it is a very different topic and will take me away from my main question on the passages in Luke and Isaiah if it is discussed here. So please open another thread.

I was only being nice; as this is a public forum people can ask what they want to ask...and you likewise can tell them to open another thread. Different topic? Both passages point to and mention our Lord...just wanted to make sure we are speaking of the same Lord.

 

[thebesttrees]

I was only being nice; as this is a public forum people can ask what they want to ask...and you likewise can tell them to open another thread. Different topic? Both passages point to and mention our Lord...just wanted to make sure we are speaking of the same Lord.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour.

 

[weakness]

Thank you. I believe I will have to be more specific about what I would like to learn. Here are the verses from Luke 3

3And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;​

4As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Here is my question: what is a Christian's understanding of

1. WILDERNESS?
2. MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT?
3. How was EVERY VALLEY FILLED?
4. How was EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL BROUGHT LOW?
5. How were THE CROOKED MADE STRAIGHT?
6. How were THE ROUGH WAYS MADE SMOOTH?
7. How did ALL FLESH SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD at the time of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ?

Thank you.

1. Wilderness speaks of a deserted and isolated place, not just physically but also within ones self. There were no other ,or few, people around. It was not living in luxury in the worldly sense. I don't know what john did ,probably maybe read, seek the lord in prayer, scripture dosen't say , but it was not a comfortable ,way of the world kind of place. He was speaking to people out of this place, a place of emptiness to the world.3 and 4 In 1 Corinthians 7:20 - 24 Paul talks of abiding were we are called and says if we are called being a servant we are the Lord's free man also if we are free,we are the lord's servant. I think this speaks to filling the valley and lowering the hills. In Jesus we are all in all .Paul also speaks about becoming all thing to all men in order that he might save some. To the poor he became poor, to the jew he became a Jew ,to the gentile he became a gentile ect.That in the lord or in his service all things are smoothed out and we try to not stumble another man or offend them so they lose sight of the Lord. We do not live by the same harsh attributes of the world of how those in power force their will on the weaker.The pride of the world has been taken out of us and we don't see our selves as high or low, But the Lords. Just as Jesus and the Father did. 7. I don't think this necessarily means , at the time of John and Jesus, But ultimately. Although it did have consequences then. But If we look at how things turn out at and by the end. Just my opinion and hope it might stimulate your thinking.

 

[thebesttrees]

1. Wilderness speaks of a deserted and isolated place, not just physically but also within ones self. There were no other ,or few, people around. It was not living in luxury in the worldly sense. I don't know what john did ,probably maybe read, seek the lord in prayer, scripture dosen't say , but it was not a comfortable ,way of the world kind of place. He was speaking to people out of this place, a place of emptiness to the world.3 and 4 In 1 Corinthians 7:20 - 24 Paul talks of abiding were we are called and says if we are called being a servant we are the Lord's free man also if we are free,we are the lord's servant. I think this speaks to filling the valley and lowering the hills. In Jesus we are all in all .Paul also speaks about becoming all thing to all men in order that he might save some. To the poor he became poor, to the jew he became a Jew ,to the gentile he became a gentile ect.That in the lord or in his service all things are smoothed out and we try to not stumble another man or offend them so they lose sight of the Lord. We do not live by the same harsh attributes of the world of how those in power force their will on the weaker.The pride of the world has been taken out of us and we don't see our selves as high or low, But the Lords. Just as Jesus and the Father did. 7. I don't think this necessarily means , at the time of John and Jesus, But ultimately. Although it did have consequences then. But If we look at how things turn out at and by the end. Just my opinion and hope it might stimulate your thinking.

Thank you weakness. Your heartfelt thoughts and feelings are very touching and I can tell you sincerely that they are very moving. Thank you for sharing them with me.

 

[weakness]

thebesttrees I don't know much about Bahi. Could you talk to me about it either here or by mail. I remember a long time ago I knew some and talked with them but can't remember much.

 

[thebesttrees]

thebesttrees I don't know much about Bahi. Could you talk to me about it either here or by mail. I remember a long time ago I knew some and talked with them but can't remember much.

Dear weakness The reason I put in the title of the thread that I am a Baha'i is to let everyone know that I do not have any hidden agenda. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to say that I am not a Christian (which is a lie) or simply not have mentioned that I am a Baha'i. This is a forum to discuss the Bible and I only seek to understand the two passages mentioned. I do not have any other intention but to increase my understanding of the Bible. I would sincerely like to stick to the subject at hand. I will message you some references.

 

[crossnote]

Dear weakness The reason I put in the title of the thread that I am a Baha'i is to let everyone know that I do not have any hidden agenda. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to say that I am not a Christian (which is a lie) or simply not have mentioned that I am a Baha'i. This is a forum to discuss the Bible and I only seek to understand the two passages mentioned. I do not have any other intention but to increase my understanding of the Bible. I would sincerely like to stick to the subject at hand. I will message you some references.

Here is a link from the Bahai about Bahai. Accordingly in my estimation anyone holding to Bahai would be contradicting Jesus' teachings e.g. John 14:6.



The Bah

 

[thebesttrees]

Thank you crossnote. Going back to the subject at hand, as Luke quotes Isaiah, in comparing Luke 3:3-6 with Isaiah 40:3-5 in what ways is Luke 3:6 relevant to Isaiah 40:5?

Here are the two verses:

Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

 

[crossnote]

Here is a link from the Bahai about Bahai. Accordingly in my estimation anyone holding to Bahai would be contradicting Jesus' teachings e.g. John 14:6.

try this link instead...

The Baha'is: What is the Bahá’í Faith?

Are you sure you're not lying when you say you are a Christian?

An excerpt...

"Bahá’u’lláh claimed to be nothing less than a new and independent Messenger from God. His life, work, and influence parallel that of Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ, and Muhammad. Bahá’ís view Bahá’u’lláh as the most recent in this succession of divine Messengers.


The essential message of Bahá’u’lláh is that of unity. He taught that there is only one God, that there is only one human race, and that all the world’s religions represent stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for humanity. In this day, Bahá’u’lláh said, humanity has collectively come of age. As foretold in all of the world’s scriptures, the time has arrived for the uniting of all peoples into a peaceful and integrated global society. “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens,”