Endtimes Temple?

[RandyK]

This was posted on another forum, which I answer below. I thought I would share....

1st question... Will the 3rd Temple be re-built before, or after, the rapture?

2nd question... why doesn't Israel just go ahead and mow down the dome of the rock and get on with rebuilding already? Are they that scared of the surrounding muslim nations? One would think from their victories over larger armies in the past it would produce more confidence in pursuing their destiny, no?

Thanks

I just finished answering a question about this elsewhere. Looking at a number of references to the temple and its furniture in the Revelation I concluded that the Temple in Heaven John saw was like Ezekiel's Temple, which presented the Temple of Law but only in the form of a vision.

Therefore, we are not looking at a literal Temple to be bult for the worship of God as the Temple of Solomon was. The building of the Tabernacle, and the building of the Temple, as well as its rebuilding, were supported by a number of relevant Scripture passages. But we see nothing in the Scriptures about the rebuilding of yet another Temple.

In fact, we have Scriptures, particularly, Hebrews, which speak of the dissolution of the old Temple system, rendering any NT Temple virtually impossible. If another Temple is to be built at all, it will not be sanctioned by God.

I know the orthodox Jews want to build a new Temple, but what a disaster that will cause in the midst of the Arab/Muslim world! Will a temple be placed on the Temple Mount dedicated to God that serve either Jews or Muslims and provide a place for Antichrist to take his seat in? Perhaps. 2 Thes 2 seems to suggest that...

 

[Hidden In Him]

Therefore, we are not looking at a literal Temple to be bult for the worship of God as the Temple of Solomon was. The building of the Tabernacle, and the building of the Temple, as well as its rebuilding, were supported by a number of relevant Scripture passages. But we see nothing in the Scriptures about the rebuilding of yet another Temple.

Hey Randy!

I think the 3rd temple will have to be literal/ physical. If not, you have to spiritualize 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, and that was written with a literal temple in mind without question. So I think the same message is still true today.

As for the second question, the Jews have plenty to fear in being surrounded by Muslim nations on all sides. They will try to exterminate the Jewish race some day.

 

[RandyK]

Yes, I was having the conversation initially with my brother, who is much more language oriented than theology oriented. And he held my foot to the fire, I think inclining to what you're saying.

And I concur--it sounds like the temple Antichrist will sit in was intended by Paul to be a literal, physical temple. I have not thought so in the past, but I'm certainly thinking this the more likely scenario.

But both of us are somewhat exasperated by the lack of corroborating Scriptures. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[for_his_glory]

The cornerstone for the new Temple was brought to Jerusalem on May 21, 2009 and still remains on the street. "Jerusalem Day" in 1967 was to celebrate the liberation of the Temple Mount, but there is a problem there as the Doom of the Rock sits on the Temple Mount. Baruch Ben-Yosel , chairman of the Movement to Restore the Temple, made it clear that the Temple had to be built in the exact spot where the Dome of the Rock sits.

There will never be a third Temple built by hands, Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24. When the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom after Jesus gave up the ghost, Matthew 27:50, 51, this symbolized that the sacrifice of Jesus and the shedding of his blood was now made for the atonement of sin and that all, Jew and Gentile, can come before Him as He is the only way to the Father, John 14:6.

There is no more veil for the Priest to enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for Israel's sin nor is there any more animal sacrifices as we are no longer under the Old Covenant nor the preaching of the law, but are under a new and better covenant of Gods grace through Christ Jesus as our High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus prophesied of the Temple being desolate and that no one will see Him again until His time comes meaning when He returns on the last day, Matthew 24:1, 2; Luke 13:34, 35, John 6:40.

God no longer dwells in a Temple made by hands and this is why God left it desolate all these years when it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Now the Dome of the Rock sits on part of the Temple Mount and was built around 692 AD. The Muslims will never give it over to Israel, plus the Dome of the Rock is being refurbished for the son of perdition (not a Muslim man) to come and sit on his throne and will cause a great falling away from truth, Isaiah 14:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.

Jesus fulfilled everything the temple stood for being the last sacrificial lamb taking away all the sin of the world. God no longer dwells in a temple made by hands, Acts 7:48-50; 17:22-31; Hebrews 10:7-18

Malachi 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

John 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The church, (body of Christ) is the temple where God dwells by His Holy Spirit, Zechariah 6:9-15 (prophecy of coming Messiah); 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:19-22, Galatians 3:19-29.

In 70AD the second temple was destroyed and put an end to the temple made by hands and the sacrifices made there. The Temple of God now dwells in all who are Spiritually born again and indwelled with the Holy Spirit, John 3:5-7; Romans 10:9, 10.

 

[Elijah7777]

The cornerstone for the new Temple was brought to Jerusalem on May 21, 2009 and still remains on the street

The idea of setting up a tabernacle on the Temple Mount and beginning sacrifices quickly is something that has been discussed by groups advocating for the restoration of temple worship. According to reports, the necessary utensils, priestly garments, and trained priests are already prepared for such an event

 

[JLB]

I know the orthodox Jews want to build a new Temple, but what a disaster that will cause in the midst of the Arab/Muslim world! Will a temple be placed on the Temple Mount dedicated to God that serve either Jews or Muslims and provide a place for Antichrist to take his seat in? Perhaps. 2 Thes 2 seems to suggest that...

The outer court can contain the Dome of the Rock.

But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Revelation 11:2

 

[Elijah7777]

But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Revelation 11:2

What is the 42 months? Does this have to do with people who trample the things of God, and all the time thinking we are magnificent in what we are doing?

 

[JLB]

What is the 42 months? Does this have to do with people who trample the things of God, and all the time thinking we are magnificent in what we are doing?

The great tribulation.

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:15-21


I will repost again below without the non essentials -

Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),..
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

The great tribulation is associated with temple and sacrifice according to Daniel.

 

[Elijah7777]

The great tribulation.

You passage talks about Jerusalam when the temple was tore down. Today we are told that there will be a time of tribulation at the end of the Church age. Some say 7 years of tribulation as the current world is tore down and then the new world or the Kingdom age begins 7 years later.

 

[RandyK]

The outer court can contain the Dome of the Rock.

But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Revelation 11:2

That's true, though I'm not really sure what this prophecy means? I don't personally believe it refers to the literal temple in Jerusalem, though it probably still stood in the time John wrote this.

John knew the temple was to be destroyed by the Romans. He likely saw the prophecy, therefore, in a symbolic way, indicating that the temple represents the Church, and the outer court represented pagan challenges to the civilization in which the Church is to be planted.

John did not yet see a State Church. But a temple with a trodden over outer court describes, I think, the destruction of the external edifice of the Church, just as Israel was overrun by pagan Rome.

 

[Marilyn C]

The Third Temple - Where?

To be categorically exact regarding Israel's function as the "Catalyst for the Countdown", one further event was specified as a prerequisite. This was the temple with its inner sanctum, The Holy Place"; according to the signs predicted by Jesus (Matt 24:15) and Paul (2 Thess 2:4).

Many commentators have relegated this to the obscure future, because they consider the temple has to be constructed on Mount Moriah, the site of Herod's temple. The insurmountable object of course, is that the Dome of the Rock, the second most holy place of Islam, already occupies that position.

This is an entirely false premise, however, that has created confusion. The Temple built by Solomon, the Temple frequented by Jesus and His Disciples were both built on Mount Moriah.

Ezekiel predicts that another will be constructed on the same place after Jesus returns in Glory.

Every reference to all three Temples on this site was a translation of the Greek Word "Hieron".

Any "Temple" erected elsewhere was invariably from the Greek word "Naos". This word is frequently rendered "Meeting Place", "Dwelling" or "Synagogue". It is the later word "Naos" that is used by Paul (2 Thess 2:4) in reference to the Temple used by contemporary Israel. It has absolutely no connection exegetically with the site on Mt. Moriah. In fact there is no prerequisite for it to be built there. To the contrary, in line with Greek usage, it must be constructed elsewhere.

The Embassy of Israel advises that on August 1982, in the Presence of the Prime Minister, Menachem Begin, Members of Cabinet and many other notables, the Jerusalem great Synagogue was dedicated. It is situated in King George Street, and is constructed from the same local stone as was Solomon's Temple. The central feature is a high tower containing five magnificent stained-glass windows, topped by two tablets of stone, bearing the Ten Commandments.

The Temple referred to by Paul is built!

In the interior, marble has been used extensively, especially for the Ark situated beneath the stained-glass windows. This I believe is the Holy Place which will be desecrated by the "Abomination of Desolation" referred to by Jesus (Matthew 24:15)

The countdown is well on the way.

 

[JLB]

You passage talks about Jerusalam when the temple was tore down. Today we are told that there will be a time of tribulation at the end of the Church age. Some say 7 years of tribulation as the current world is tore down and then the new world or the Kingdom age begins 7 years later.

I quoted from Revelation 11 when their will be a temple that is active during the 42 months.

Jesus also taught of a time of great tribulation which involves an abomination of desolation standing in the holy place, and associates this with the prophet Daniel.


Would you care to discuss this further?

 

[JLB]

That's true, though I'm not really sure what this prophecy means? I don't personally believe it refers to the literal temple in Jerusalem, though it probably still stood in the time John wrote this.

So you believe John wrote the book of Revelation before 70AD?

 

[for_his_glory]

The idea of setting up a tabernacle on the Temple Mount and beginning sacrifices quickly is something that has been discussed by groups advocating for the restoration of temple worship. According to reports, the necessary utensils, priestly garments, and trained priests are already prepared for such an event

A new Temple would not be complete without the Ark of the Covenant in which will never be found. The Eastern Orthodox Tewahedo Church claims to have it in their possession keeping it under guard in a treasury near the Church of Our Lady Mary in Zion in Ethiopia, but it is a fake.

Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands

1Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

 

[RandyK]

So you believe John wrote the book of Revelation before 70AD?

No, my mistake. I believe he wrote the book late in the century. Thanks for the correction. I should've said, regardless of whether the Temple still stood John knew that the Temple was to be destroyed.

I know Preterests commonly believe the Revelation took place *before* the Temple was destroyed. I don't. I think the Temple was already destroyed, making it even more likely that John was speaking of the Church, using the Temple symbolically. But it's a difficult prophecy--just like Ezekiel's Temple in chs. 40-48.

 

[Elijah7777]

A new Temple would not be complete without the Ark of the Covenant in which will never be found.

The Ark of the Covenant contained the manna, the stone tablets of the commandments, and Aaron's rod that budded. These items symbolize God's provision, law, and leadership, and their rejection by Israel. I believe the Ark is still somewhere on Earth. This theme was explored in a Steven Spielberg movie, where the Ark was hidden away.

Like in the movie if people do not handle the ark in the way God prescribes they could die.

 

[JLB]

I know Preterests commonly believe the Revelation took place *before* the Temple

Amen to that brother. Amen

 

[for_his_glory]

The Ark of the Covenant contained the manna, the stone tablets of the commandments, and Aaron's rod that budded. These items symbolize God's provision, law, and leadership, and their rejection by Israel. I believe the Ark is still somewhere on Earth. This theme was explored in a Steven Spielberg movie, where the Ark was hidden away.

Like in the movie if people do not handle the ark in the way God prescribes they could die.

IMO, no one will ever find it as God has hidden it away from man. There are a few theories out there, but I do not believe any one will ever find it.

 

[ezrider]

IMO, no one will ever find it as God has hidden it away from man. There are a few theories out there, but I do not believe any one will ever find it.

Couldn't you actually say that Christ is the Ark of the Covenant now? The Ark of the New Covenant.

 

[ezrider]

As it pertains to a third temple, you are that temple. It is written that my father prefers a tent, not a house of stone, which is why they erected tabernacles. You are that tabernacle made without hands, a curtain of flesh, a mansion in a house with many mansions. But there are many who have let their hearts turn to stone.

The First Temple, Solomons Temple was dedicated with the all consuming fire from heaven. That Temple stood for approximately 400 years in duration before the temple was destroyed in God's judgement against them by the Babylonians.

The Second Temple stood for about 420 years or so before it too was destroyed in God's Judgement against them by the Romans. I don't recall the second temple receiving the same type of dedication as the first, as the first Temple was dedicated for all of Israel. The Second Temple was not so, as the northern tribes had already been scattered abroad.

Meantime, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock has stood for more than 1300 years consecutive, more than 3 times the duration of either of the Jewish Temples.