THE TENTH CHAPTER

"REINCARNATION AMONG THE CHRISTIANS"

In this episode, we will present the Biblical texts and what is doctrinally established in Christian literature, as well as the views and positions of some of the authoritative Church Fathers. In the texts found exclusively in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, expressions and formulas appear that follow the pattern of the Old Testament (the Torah) and branch out from it. In both Testaments, they do not explicitly declare embodiment (reincarnation), but rather point to a pre-existence with God—Exalted is His Might.

In the Gospel of Matthew: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come" (11:12-14). "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."

Jesus—Exalted is His Might—replied: "To be sure, Elijah comes first" (17:11). These texts are a spiritual invocation of the words of Malachi in the Torah: "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes" (Malachi 4:5). This supports the embodiment and reincarnation of Elijah.