Questions and Answers

Was John the Baptist Elijah?

In Matthew 11:14, not "He is" but "If you are willing to receive it, he is." Indicating not a literal identity but a fulfillment of prophecy.

This is referring to the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6 "Behold, I will send unto you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of Jehovah. 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."

This prophecy has two fulfillments.

First, before the Lord's first coming, John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths.
The second fulfillment of this prophecy is before the second coming of the Lord. This has yet to happen, and at that time it will be Elijah, not one in the spirit and power of Elijah, who will actually come. This is confirmed by the Lord's word in: Matthew 17:10-13.

John the Baptist was Elijah

Matthew 11:14 - He is the Elijah who was to come

John the Baptist was not Elijah

John 1:21 - "Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not"