….. Let’s now look at each of the individual sources (Old Testament, New Testament, Ellen G. White) for the clear evidences of this Elijah and his message to come.
From the Old Testament, we can review Malachi more in depth. Concerning the scripture in verse 4:5, let’s find out what this “great and dreadful day” is. Many around the world, and even many SDA, believe it refers to the day when our Lord will return in the clouds on the last day. But look at Malachi again and see if we can find the answer to what that day is, right within that same book.
(Mal. 3:1-4) explains it very carefully . It says ” Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, who you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming” says the Lord of hosts. ” But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord, an offering in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord, as in the days of old, as in former years.”
From these clear passages we gain much insight. Notice that the “messenger” can only be the promised Elijah . Then we see that this day is one of purging and sifting and refining. In other words, a church purification. Because after that day is described THEN and ONLY THEN shall the worshipping and offering be acceptable to the Lord. This work by the Lord has never been recorded in history yet.
And from the New Testament we learn that John the baptist , was the “first anti-type” of Elijah because Jesus made it clear he would be (Matt. 17:11-13) “Elijah shall truly come first and restore all things, but I say to you, THEY KNEW HIM NOT, but have done unto him whatever they determined, likewise also, shall the Son of Man suffer of them.” Then the disciples understood that he spoke of John the baptist.” The word restore there in that quote, in the hebrew also means to “reconstitute or strengthen.”
The words “knew him not” by our Lord is a big key. The original Elijah was “knew not” because as God’s true prophet, he was ignored by the masses, known as a troubler instead as divine sent. So too, with John. He was the great “preparer” of the way for the Lord, yet the people showed in the end that they knew him not(his significant message) because they allowed him to be thrown into jail and eventually killed. Few came to his defense–they knew not who he was, the preparer. So it stands to reason that the end time Elijah will not be widely known either, as being “the” Elijah.
Apostle Paul gives us further clues. In (Romans 9:27) it says ” Isaiah also cried out concerning Israel: though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” Very clearly this crying out (warning) will be to MANY of Israel, but FEW (remnant) will take heed and thus be saved. The last day Elijah will spread his message ALL OVER Israel (God’s church) but only a few will listen. So this is a clear solemn clue– He will be IGNORED. There has not been a message given to God’s church from God’s people such as this one.
In (Mal. 3:1) we notice that Elijah comes right before the Lord comes to His temple (church) and purifies His church (Mal. 3:2-3) But we know that John’s coming did not proceed the Lord doing this. His purpose was to “prepare the way” for Christ’s first advent. So ONLY in that sense did John fulfill Elijah’s promised return. (Mal.4:5) Therefore another Elijah must come to do that other work of preperation.
So accordingly, from this Old testament promise , we can see that the “future” Elijah’s message is to be one of warning and prepardness of the judgement and execution of judgement upon the living within God’s church. Also, in keeping with the eternal goodness and love of our Lord, He gives us VERY CLEAR instructions to be able to “stand” in this day, in the same Malachi book. It is the two duties from long ago, given by Solomon(Ecc. 12:13). “Fear God” (Mal. 3:16) and “Keep His Commandments” (Mal 4:4)
Let’s now look at prophetess Ellen White’s word concerning Elijah. In Testimonies to Ministers (page 475-476) she writes ” Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: ” Behold , I will send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody IS TO COME in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: “you are too earnest, you do not INTERPRET the scriptures the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.”
The above is VERY important because this inspired message was to be for us a big clue about the identity of the last days Elijah. The single most powerful evidence we have here, is that Elijah will be an “interpreter” of the scriptures for the people. But the people will say he interprets wrongly.
Concerning Elijah’s message of warning she tells us just what Satan and his workers plan to do when this message arrives. (Page 475) “I will also (Satan speaking) have unbelieving ones present who will express doubts in regards to the Lord’s messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them to our ranks at last.”
So according to Ellen, we see that this warning message from Elijah will be countered at all costs by the dark forces. They can’t and won’t let up. They will hover wherever these messages of final days warnings are made. They will be directing the leaders to keep up with the smooth sermons, that all is jolly and fun, no worries. It’s like the titanic, the church is quickly coming upon a hugh iceberg , and the band is still playing the happy tunes.
Let us review now, what we have learned about this end time Elijah up to this point.
1) He’s to come from God’s end time church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church
2) He’s courageous, not afraid to speak the truth to God’s people
3) He’s known as a “troubler” to God’s people
4) He’s zealous and a rebuker of the sins of God’s people
5) He will not be widely known as “the” end time Elijah.
6) He will largely be ignored and countered and his message not heeded.
7) His message will be one of prepardness and warning of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Eight) He is to be known as an interpreter of the scriptures. Yet most of the people will reject his interpretations and will offer there own . Obviously the Elijah must interpet scriptures to show light on the great and dreadful day approaching, for warnings therein are to be brought out.It follows therefore that the leaders therefore will offer smooth interpretations or popular ones .
9) The church (Israel of today) will be widely influenced by Satan and his workers, in regards to this end time message by Elijah. And influenced by him, to reject it.
10) He only goes to his own people (church) for this final message. Not to the heathen in babylon.
Next week in our final part 3, we’ll look at the man, many believe fits ALL the conditions spoken of , as the end time Elijah.
In Christ, Rob
Godsloveandlaw's Blog 
October 22, 2011 at 4:11 am |
Amen, my bro. So right on. Keep ’em coming. His Truth is alive.
October 22, 2011 at 5:06 am |
I surely will bro, as long as there is a God who watches over us, we must be about His business. Praise to Him.
October 23, 2011 at 3:02 am |
This is all very new to me and I want to learn this. I liked how you put it all together. You make it very easy to follow, thanks Rob –Teri
October 23, 2011 at 3:05 am |
Thank you Teri. yes this is not widely known and it’s a BIG message that the people must know in these last days, feel free to ask any questions after the final episode next week, Rob