Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6, KJV).
ABSTRACT
This article explores Malachi’s prophecy of Elijah’s return as a bold call to repentance, reconciliation, and reform before Christ’s second coming. Drawing from Scripture and inspired writings, it highlights Elijah’s role as a symbol of revival, unity, and practical godliness, urging believers to confront sin, restore relationships, and embody God’s love while preparing for the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
A PROPHECY FOR THE LAST DAYS
Theprophecy of Elijah’s return is a call for repentance, reconciliation, and reform in preparation for the Lord’s coming, highlighting God’s merciful invitation to humanity through scriptural truths and inspired insights that emphasize unity, renewal, and practical living aligned with divine principles. Ellen G. White illuminates these themes, showing how the Elijah message fosters spiritual awakening and communal harmony as we approach the great and dreadful day. Scripture reveals that the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3, KJV). We read also, Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand (Joel 2:1, KJV). The inspired pen reminds us, “John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in these last days, to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ” (Counsels on Health, p. 72, 1923). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answereth by fire” (The Desire of Ages, p. 215, 1898). These elements underscore the urgency of embracing this message today, prompting us to reflect on our readiness for Christ’s return.
The prophecy of Elijah’s return, found in Malachi 4:5-6, holds profound meaning for us across faiths. It foretells a momentous event before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.” This prophecy calls for repentance, reconciliation, and reform, urging humanity to return to God’s principles. But what does this mean in practical terms, and how does it reflect God’s love for humanity? This blog explores the spiritual and communal implications of Elijah’s return, drawing on scripture and insights. Christ calls us to watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matthew 24:42, KJV). Scripture declares, And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The prophet Malachi declares, ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.’ Here the prophet describes the character of the work. Those who are to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ, are represented by faithful Elijah, as John came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Christ’s first advent” (Counsels on Health, p. 72, 1923). In Prophets and Kings we read, “The reformation begun by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha had led many to inquire after God. The altars of Baal were being forsaken, and slowly yet surely God’s purpose was being fulfilled in the lives of those who chose to serve Him with all the heart” (Prophets and Kings, p. 254, 1917). This exploration invites us to consider our role in this divine plan, leading us to ask: how does Elijah symbolize the reform and renewal we need today?
ELIJAH’S REFORM RALLY
The prophecy declares, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5, KJV). This raises an essential question: Does this refer to Elijah himself or something greater? Sr. White clarifies in Testimonies for the Church that this prophecy symbolizes a movement of reformers (Vol. 3, p. 62). Like Elijah, these reformers confront spiritual decay, guiding others to God. John the Baptist exemplifies this spirit. His life of simplicity, symbolized by a diet of locusts and wild honey, and his bold message of repentance mirrored Elijah’s mission. John’s role, as described in Luke 1:17, was to prepare hearts for Christ’s first advent. This mirrors the work reformers must undertake today: calling humanity back to righteousness, modesty, and God’s enduring principles. We are reminded that this call is not about new revelations but about reviving truths long forgotten. God commands that ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left (Deuteronomy 5:32, KJV). Scripture affirms, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17, KJV). A passage from The Desire of Ages reminds us, “The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. As God’s representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation” (The Desire of Ages, p. 220, 1898). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The childhood, youth, and manhood of John had been characterized by firmness and moral power. When his voice was heard in the wilderness saying, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight’ (Matthew 3:3), Satan feared for the safety of his kingdom. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men trembled” (The Desire of Ages, p. 224, 1898). This timeless message urges us to embrace revival in our own lives, prompting the question: how does this spirit foster repentance and reconciliation among us?
REPENTANCE RECONCILIATION REVELATION
Malachi’s prophecy highlights reconciliation: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6, KJV). This healing of relationships reflects God’s love and desire for unity. Sr. White explains that Elijah’s work addresses idolatry and spiritual decay (Vol. 3, p. 62). Similarly, the modern Elijah message calls for mending familial and societal bonds. Reconciliation requires humility and self-examination. In my life, I have seen how restoring broken relationships brings healing. As a community, we must ask: Are we fostering unity in our families and churches? Are we addressing the fractures in society with compassion and action? The Elijah message invites us to reflect on these questions and align our lives with God’s ideals. Christ teaches us to be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32, KJV). Scripture illustrates, And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21, KJV). The inspired pen notes, “Without repentance, and reformation, he is just as guilty, morally, as if he had not been pardoned” (The Atonement, p. 119, 1874). A prophetic voice once wrote, “By repentance, I understand simply a change of purpose, whether applied to God or man; and by reformation, conversion, or the fruit of repentance. Hence the apostle Peter says, Repent and be converted; that is, repent and be reformed” (The Atonement, p. 177, 1874). This profound invitation challenges us to pursue genuine healing, raising the query: in what ways does this reveal God’s love to us?
GOD’S LOVE UNVEILED
The prophecy’s ultimate purpose reflects God’s love. By sending Elijah, God offers humanity a chance to prepare for the final judgment. “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). This patience embodies His desire for all to turn to Him. Sr. White underscores this in Testimonies for the Church: “The work of Elijah was to restore faith and obedience” (Vol. 3, p. 62). God’s love is evident in His willingness to send messengers to warn and guide. Just as Elijah’s message stirred Israel, today’s call to reform reminds us of His enduring grace and mercy. God demonstrates for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16, KJV). Scripture shows, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, KJV). In Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing we read, “Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 114, 1896). Through inspired counsel we are told, “But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He ‘will abundantly pardon,’ He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord’” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 114, 1896). This merciful outreach inspires us to respond, leading to the question: what practical steps can we take to apply this message in our daily lives?
PRACTICAL REFORM POWERHOUSE
What does the Elijah message mean for us? Individually, it calls us to self-examination and repentance. Are our lives testimonies of God’s grace? Are we addressing personal idols—be it materialism, pride, or complacency—that distance us from God? As a community, we must promote justice, humility, and service, reflecting God’s character. I recall a time when my church addressed community needs by organizing food drives and health seminars. These actions mirrored the Elijah message, focusing on restoring physical and spiritual well-being. Similarly, we are called to confront societal issues like poverty, injustice, and moral decay, embodying God’s principles in every action. James urges but be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22, KJV). Scripture directs, He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God (Micah 6:8, KJV). A passage from Counsels on Health reminds us, “The great subject of reform is to be agitated, and the public mind is to be stirred. Temperance in all things is to be connected with the message, to turn the people of God from their idolatry, their gluttony, and their extravagance in dress and other things” (Counsels on Health, p. 72, 1923). The inspired pen notes, “God has shown that health reform is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is with the body. There is nowhere to be found so great a cause of physical and moral degeneracy as a neglect of this important subject” (Counsels on Health, p. 73, 1923). This hands-on approach empowers us to live out our faith, posing the inquiry: how does this become a movement for our time?
TODAY’S MOVEMENT MAYHEM
The modern Elijah message is not limited to one faith or group. It invites people of all beliefs to consider their relationship with God and each other. This universal call emphasizes the renewal of long-standing truths. Sr. White writes, “God calls for a revival and reformation” (The Great Controversy, p. 464). This revival begins with individual hearts and spreads to families, churches, and society. Let us ponder: Are we ready to take up this mantle? Like Elijah, we are called to choose between God and the world. The decision is not just personal but communal, shaping the legacy we leave for future generations. Peter exhorts repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19, KJV). Scripture encourages, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices” (Selected Messages Book 1, p. 128, 1958). A prophetic voice once wrote, “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work” (Selected Messages Book 1, p. 121, 1958). This collective call motivates us to unite in purpose, inviting the reflection: how can we fully embrace this prophecy’s fulfillment?
URGENT CALL UNLEASHED
The prophecy of Elijah’s return encapsulates a message of repentance, reconciliation, and reform. It reflects God’s profound love, offering humanity a path to restoration before the final judgment. As we heed this call, let us strive to turn our hearts and actions toward God, preparing ourselves and others for the coming of the Lord. John testifies he which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20, KJV). Scripture assures, And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV). In Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers we read, “There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before…. The light that Daniel received from God was given especially for these last days” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 112, 1923). A passage from Notebook Leaflets reminds us, “The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood. It does not conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the future” (Notebook Leaflets, p. 96, 1903). This urgent summons compels us to action in these pivotal times.
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SELF-REFLECTION
How can I deepen my understanding of Elijah’s prophecy in my daily devotions, allowing it to transform my character and focus?
How can we present this end-time message accessibly to varied groups, from long-time members to newcomers, while upholding biblical integrity?
What misunderstandings about reform and preparation prevail in our circles, and how can I address them thoughtfully with scripture and Sr. White’s guidance?
n what tangible ways can we as individuals and congregations embody this call to renewal, becoming living examples of God’s grace amid approaching events?
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 
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