What does the Bible say about Elijah coming before Christ?
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The Bible teaches that Elijah must come first to prepare the way for Christ, as prophesied in Malachi.
The scriptures clearly indicate that Elijah is to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. This prophecy is found in Malachi 4:5, which states, 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.' This prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament with the appearance of John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus confirmed this connection in Matthew 11:14, stating, 'If you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.' Thus, it is foundational to understand that the work of John the Baptist as a forerunner was a crucial part of God's redemptive plan as outlined in scripture.
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