Answer # 82

Malachi 4:5-6 is a dual prophecy, having two fulfillments. It was first fulfilled by John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ's first coming.

In Luke 1:17 we read: "And he [John the Baptist] shall go before him [Christ] in the spirit and power of Elias [Elijah], to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

The prophecy does not mean that Elijah will be resurrected before Christ returns. Rather it is speaking of someone who has the same spiritual calling and office as the prophet Elijah, the man of God who witnessed with power to a rebellious nation and commanded them to obey God ("if the Lord be God, follow him" -I Kings 18:21).

When John the Baptist began preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness, the priests and Levites came from Jerusalem to ask if he was the prophesied "Elijah." John said no (John 1:19-23).

But Jesus said that John was indeed the prophesied "Elijah" of that day (Matt. 11:7-15). John was the "Elijah" who came to restore all things in preparation for Christ's ministry (Matt. 17:10-13).

But the second stage of this prophecy was to be fulfilled in the last days - "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." This is speaking of our time now.

At the close of this present evil age, another "Elijah" is to thunder a warning message to disobedient Israel and prepare a people for Christ's glorious return to reestablish God's government on earth.

Yes, just before the end of this present evil world the Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached as a witness to all the world (Matt. 24:14). An "open door" of the mass media has been provided (Rev. 3:8).

Jesus said that only those who had "ears to hear" - who were tuned in to God's truth - would recognize the second "Elijah," John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14-15). Likewise, only those who are obedient to God and led by His Spirit will recognize the end-time "Elijah."

Those who do, and who are heeding the message, will be protected by God when the world erupts in the flames of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 3:10).