Elias is a prominent and multifaceted figure within the theology and scriptural landscape of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Latter-day Saint thought, Elias is understood in several distinct ways, each contributing to the broader understanding of his role in the divine plan of salvation. His identity and purpose are crucial for comprehending certain doctrinal points in Latter-day Saint scripture and teachings, particularly concerning the restoration of priesthood authority, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the continuity of sacred covenants. The concept of Elias embodies both a specific individual and a title denoting specific roles or duties, depending on the context.

The most immediate scriptural reference to Elias in Latter-day Saint thought is his connection to John the Baptist. In the New Testament, Elias (or Elijah, as he is often called in the Hebrew Bible) appears as a forerunner, preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:14). According to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elias is a title rather than a singular, unchanging identity, and its meaning shifts depending on the circumstances. The term "Elias" is used in Latter-day Saint doctrine to refer to several figures in biblical history, each with a different but complementary role in the work of God.

A pivotal understanding of Elias is that he is the same individual as the Old Testament prophet Elijah, the fiery and dramatic figure known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, his ascension into heaven in a chariot of fire, and his later return, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5–6. In Latter-day Saint theology, Elijah's return is seen as an event that would signal the restoration of priesthood keys in the last days, particularly the sealing power necessary for family relationships to be eternal. This return of Elias (or Elijah) is fulfilled in part through the ministry of the angel who visited Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. In this moment, the keys of the sealing power were conferred upon them, allowing for the binding of families and the continuation of sacred ordinances across generations (Doctrine & Covenants 110:13–16).

However, while Elias is often used interchangeably with Elijah, the Latter-day Saint understanding of Elias includes other figures and roles. According to the teachings of Joseph Smith, Elias is also a title that can be applied to certain others who act as forerunners or prepare the way for the coming of Christ. Thus, Elias is not necessarily a single person but a title used by several individuals at different points in biblical and modern history.

One of the most prominent scriptural references to Elias in the context of the Restoration of the gospel is found in the Doctrine & Covenants. In Section 27, Joseph Smith records a vision in which the Lord speaks of the coming of Elias, who would prepare the way before Christ's second coming. The scripture makes it clear that Elias holds a key role in the restoration of all things, particularly in bringing together the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers (Doctrine & Covenants 27:6). This interpretation of Elias is closely linked with the restoration of priesthood keys and the pivotal role of family in God's eternal plan.

Another important aspect of Elias within Latter-day Saint thought is his relationship to the Abrahamic covenant and the promises made to the patriarchs. The concept of Elias extends beyond the role of a preparatory figure to encompass the idea of one who helps fulfill the covenant promises made to the fathers. In this sense, Elias can be seen as an agent of the Restoration of all things, bringing the gospel to its fullness and helping to reconcile families through the sealing power.

In addition to his role in priesthood authority, Elias has also been understood as having a direct connection to the restoration of temples. As the role of Elias is connected to the sealing power, so too is it connected to the work of gathering Israel and performing ordinances for the dead. In Latter-day Saint theology, Elias is a symbol of the broader work of salvation, especially as it relates to the eternal nature of families and the promise of eternal life. The Prophet Joseph Smith's teachings regarding Elias emphasized that this work would be carried out not just in life but also through the ordinances performed in the temples of God, which would be a necessary part of the preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

The Latter-day Saint concept of Elias encapsulates a rich and multifaceted role within the divine plan of salvation. Whether understood as a specific individual, such as John the Baptist or Elijah, or as a title referring to individuals who perform preparatory work in the establishment of God's kingdom, Elias is intimately connected to the restoration of priesthood keys, the sealing of families, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. The work of Elias continues to be central to the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly in its emphasis on the eternal nature of family relationships and the gospel's power to unite all generations. As the work of salvation unfolds, the figure of Elias serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, restoration, and reconciliation in the divine plan.