Overview
Malachi prophesied that Elijah would return before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Jesus identified John the Baptist as fulfilling this role—not as a literal reincarnation, but as one coming in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare hearts for the Messiah's arrival.
Key Scriptures
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes" (Malachi 4:5, ESV). Jesus said of John: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who was to come" (Matthew 11:14, NIV). John himself testified: "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'" (John 1:23, NIV).
Application
Just as John the Baptist prepared people's hearts through repentance for Christ's first coming, believers today should live in readiness and call others to repentance in anticipation of His return.