Bible Dictionary
Forerunner
A forerunner is one who goes ahead so that others may follow. John the Baptist went before Jesus in His ministry, while Jesus is called the believer’s forerunner because He entered heaven as the leader and representative of His people.
Definition
A forerunner is one who goes ahead so that others may follow, or one sent in advance as a scout. The term therefore includes both preparation and leadership for those who come afterward.
Biblical Usage
John the Baptist went before Jesus in this character. Christ is called the believer’s Forerunner because He entered heaven before His people as their head and guide, preparing the way into fellowship with God. Unlike the Levitical high priest, Christ pioneers a way His people may follow.
Historical Background
The supplied material notes that the idea of a forerunner is distinctive to the Christian dispensation. The Old Testament high priest was representative, but not a pioneer whom the people could follow into the Holy of Holies.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
John the Baptist went before our Lord in this character (Mark 1:2, 3). Christ so called (Heb. 6:20) as entering before his people into the holy place as their head and guide.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>for-run'-er (prodromos):</p><p>This word occurs but once in the Bible: "Whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us" (Heb 6:20). The word signifies one who comes in advance to a place where the rest are to follow, or one who is sent on before as a scout to take observations. In this sense Christ is our forerunner for He has gone into heaven to prepare a place for His people into which He will eventually lead them. The idea of a forerunner is peculiar to the Christian dispensation. The Old Testament Levitical economy knew nothing of such. The high priest was a representative, not a forerunner: where he led, namely, into the Holy of Holies, the people could not follow. He was not the pioneer of the people; Christ is. Christ goes nowhere but where His people may follow. He is the file-leader (compare Heb 12:2, "the author .... of faith"). He goeth before His people to prepare the way for them, to open the gates of heaven by His atoning blood and priestly intercession. The believer is led into full fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.</p><p>See also JOHN THE BAPTIST; RUNNER.</p><p>William Evans</p>