Joseph Smith was neither Elias nor Elijah, for these were real men and prophets. But there is also a calling, or gospel role that is called “Elias,” which means “forerunner.” A forerunner in the gospel prepares the way for a prophet, or even for Christ. Thus, John the Baptist, who was a forerunner preparing Israel to receive Christ, was fulfilling the calling of an Elias. So was Joseph Smith, who was the first prophet of the restoration of all things, during this last dispensation of time when we are preparing for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:15-17 says “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Matthew 11:13-15: “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Matthew 17:10-13: And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah truly is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.