A DISPENSATIONAL CHANGE CHANGES AND EFFECTS. (PART 11) Consider the ministry of John the Baptist as a clear pattern of dispensational change: MATTHEW 3:1–3 "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." John began his ministry preaching, "Repent, for the Messiah is coming!" Repentance meant a complete change of mind and direction. For six months, John proclaimed this herald message. Then, midway through his ministry, his message shifted. He announced, "He is standing among you now!" Shortly thereafter at the River Jordan, John changed his message once more, declaring, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" John placed the Messiah directly before the people. Those ...