Mal 4:5 | MHM | STEP | v. 5 : God promises to send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord ” . This does not mean the same Elijah will return, but someone like him. Christians understand this to mean John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14 ). John prepared people for Jesus by preaching repentance and calling them back to God. This prophecy also points forward to a final messenger before Christ’s return, emphasizing the need for preparation and repentance before the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.

‏ Malachi 4:5

v. 5: God promises to send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” . This does not mean the same Elijah will return, but someone like him. Christians understand this to mean John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14 ^a). John prepared people for Jesus by preaching repentance and calling them back to God. This prophecy also points forward to a final messenger before Christ’s return, emphasizing the need for preparation and repentance before the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.