John 02 - Understanding John the Baptist

In support of John"s (Apostle) opening hymn he details the reason for John's (Baptist) ministry. John Baptist is the voice of God, inspired, announcing the coming of Messiah. At the same time he implies that the cultic practices of the Law are ending. The truth of the Law is that it was designed to illuminate one's hopeless sinful condition. Beyond the Law was repentance which pointed to the coming sacrifice of Christ which satisfied the Law and completed repentance in a new life in Christ.