The Departed Saints...Who Spoke with Christ
Ivor Powell
Luke 9:29-31
This is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible; it describes how two immortal saints from beyond the grave appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration to converse with the Savior. It was the only occurrence of its type, and it left many questions unanswered. How did the awakening disciples know the identity of the two messengers? Luke states they were Moses and Elias, but since the beloved physician was not present when this happened, he had to be informed by someone who was there. When Peter, James, and John listened, did they hear the Lord addressing His heavenly friends by their earthly names? Or, after the event had taken place, did Jesus state He had spoken with Moses and Elias? Maybe the patriarchs' appearance suggested their identity. It is safe to assume that if they knew the visitors so shall we, and if we shall recognize people whom we have never seen, it should be easy to know loved ones whom we have seen.
Luke stated that Moses and Elias "appeared in glory"; that is, they were like the Savior whose garments were "white and glistering." There was no problem regarding Moses, for he had died and was buried by God (see Deut. 34:5-6). His mortal body had put on immortality. Clothed with an incorruptible body, Moses stood with the Lord. The same could not be said of Elijah, for he had been caught up to heaven in a whirlwind (see 2 Kings 2:11). Furthermore, it is believed he will be one of two men who will witness to the Jews during their time of tribulation. They will be killed, raised to life, and caught up into the presence of God (see Rev. 11:3-12). If this be true, then Elijah will have a mortal body, for otherwise, how could he die?
That presents an unanswerable question. When the prophet was taken into the presence of God, he went as a human being and for thousands of years apparently has remained unchanged. That would necessitate an unprecedented miracle that only Go ...
Ivor Powell
Luke 9:29-31
This is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible; it describes how two immortal saints from beyond the grave appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration to converse with the Savior. It was the only occurrence of its type, and it left many questions unanswered. How did the awakening disciples know the identity of the two messengers? Luke states they were Moses and Elias, but since the beloved physician was not present when this happened, he had to be informed by someone who was there. When Peter, James, and John listened, did they hear the Lord addressing His heavenly friends by their earthly names? Or, after the event had taken place, did Jesus state He had spoken with Moses and Elias? Maybe the patriarchs' appearance suggested their identity. It is safe to assume that if they knew the visitors so shall we, and if we shall recognize people whom we have never seen, it should be easy to know loved ones whom we have seen.
Luke stated that Moses and Elias "appeared in glory"; that is, they were like the Savior whose garments were "white and glistering." There was no problem regarding Moses, for he had died and was buried by God (see Deut. 34:5-6). His mortal body had put on immortality. Clothed with an incorruptible body, Moses stood with the Lord. The same could not be said of Elijah, for he had been caught up to heaven in a whirlwind (see 2 Kings 2:11). Furthermore, it is believed he will be one of two men who will witness to the Jews during their time of tribulation. They will be killed, raised to life, and caught up into the presence of God (see Rev. 11:3-12). If this be true, then Elijah will have a mortal body, for otherwise, how could he die?
That presents an unanswerable question. When the prophet was taken into the presence of God, he went as a human being and for thousands of years apparently has remained unchanged. That would necessitate an unprecedented miracle that only Go ...
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