John the Baptist gives us a simple reminder today, which is fundamental to the Christian faith. It is this: what Jesus speaks, teaches, and acts are heavenly revelation. That is, what we read in the Bible is the divine revelation. And what the apostles and disciples of Jesus received from Jesus is divine guidance and teaching.

Does this surprise you? It should not. However, so many biblical scholars treat the Bible as human literature or cultural heritage. And many Christians look for answers to their life not in the Bible nor in the deposit of faith in the Church. Instead, they try all kinds of novel substitutes. They think the Bible is not good enough. They believe the Church cannot provide a guide to modern life. But do they realize they are practically saying Christ is not good enough for them?

What Jesus speaks in the gospels, what the Bible teaches and what the disciples of Jesus received from him are the word and guidance from heaven. That is why we continually study the Bible. That is why we still follow the teachings the apostles received from Jesus. Beyond time and culture, what Jesus speaks and teaches is perennially valid and effective in our life. It is because his words are from eternity.

Therefore, Christ’s revelation is not an option. And St John the Baptist concludes, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.”