The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. As God's representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation. He was the lesser light, which was to be followed by a greater. The mind of John was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that he might shed light upon his people; but no other light ever has shone or ever will shine so clearly upon fallen man as that which emanated from the teaching and example of Jesus. Christ and His mission had been but dimly understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices. Even John had not fully comprehended the future, immortal life through the Saviour.

Profeten Johannes var forbindelsesledet mellem de to religiøse systemer. Han fremstod som Guds repræsentant for at påvise forbindelsen mellem loven og profeterne og kristendommen. Han var det mindre lys, der skulle efterfølges af det større. Johannes' sind var oplyst af Helligånden, for at han skulle kunne sprede lys over sit folk; men aldrig har noget andet lys skinnet og vil aldrig nogensinde komme til at skinne så klart over den faldne menneskeslægt som det, der udstrålede fra Jesu lære og eksempel. De symbolske ofre, der tjente som en skygge, havde kun givet et uklart billede af Kristus og hans mission. Selv Johannes havde ikke fuldt ud forstået det fremtidige, evige liv ved Frelseren.