Elijah/John the Baptist

Elijah/John the Baptist: It is true that John was the person of Elijah and the church should not have a problem with such a statement as in the past they have stated that this would be an act of re-incarnation but this is absurd as re-incarnation is held one must first die and then return. Elijah did not die but was caught up into heaven. If that of Elijah would be called reincarnation what would it be called if he came back as the second witness? Not only was Elijah predicted to usher in the Messiah but if he did not then God would destroy or smite mankind with a curse instead HE blessed mankind with salvation as Elijah did come and restore all things as predicted in Malachi 3:1-3 and Malachi 4:5-6. We must accept as Christians the whole of God's word and not that which we prefer, either God is truth or we know more than that HE has revealed. There used to be a statement in the Church, God said it I believe it and that settles it, not so anymore. We cater unto the top of the leadership to tell us what is truth irregardless of what God states.
Matthew 11:7-15 (in red meaning the words of Jesus Christ) Christ makes it very clear that Elijah was John the Baptist and to make sure we understood HE repeated it and then the disciples understood, seems all understood except for today's clergy and their spoon-fed flock which they choose to not make aware (see:Matthew 17:9-13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist). The disciples also questioned Christ as they knew the scriptures that Elijah must first come and restore all things (Matthew 17:10).