Why Bible Prophecy Matters! “The 3rd Temple of Jerusalem Rebuilt”. Part Two

As I concluded part one of this new series I asked a couple very important questions: Since 70 AD there has been no Temple in Jerusalem, and why does it matter if a third Temple is built in the Holy City on the Temple Mount? Does anyone care, whether Jew or Gentile or even Christians?

So, lets address the first question, “why does it matter if a 3rd temple is built in the Holy City”? Firstly, it is prophetic that a 3rd temple must be built, and the prophets foresaw it and provide great detail of its design and importance to Israel as a Nation and the world as it is completely tied to the Messianic Age. Isaiah 2: 2-4, 4:5, 11:9, 25:6-10a, Jeremiah 33: 14-18, Ezekiel 40-48 (incredible detail is given to the 3rd Temple and it will be huge), Daniel 9:27. For many religious Jews for the last 2000 year they have longed for Jerusalem and the Temple since it will be their Messiah who will rule and reign from it and bring complete salvation to the nation.

Jesus validates that the 3rd Temple will be built as does the Apostle Paul and John. Matthew 24:15, 2 Thes. 2:3-4 and Revelation 11:1-2. Now this is where the story gets interesting and the plot thickens. Jesus and His Apostles tie the 3rd Temple to Daniels prophecy of a FALSE Messiah making a covenant with Israel and authorizing its rebuilding (Daniel 9:27).

This will happen in Daniel’s prophetic 70th week at the mid-point of the Great Tribulation. The Antichrist (False Messiah) will break his treaty with Israel, enter the Temple and declare himself God and demand complete worship. This will trigger a devastating period for the Jews called “Jacob Trouble” and the Antichrist will attack and destroy millions of Jews. This period will also cause many Jews to be awakened spiritually and repent and embrace Jesus as their TRUE MESSIAH (Zech. 12:10). Jesus will protect our Jewish brethren who have turned to Him and who flee into the wilderness as He instructs during this horrific period (Matt. 24: 15-22, Rev. 12:1-6).

So, lets transition to the second question: “Does anyone care, whether Jew or Gentile or even Christians?” The answer is DEPENDS of who we are talking about. In 1987 the Temple Movement began preparations for the rebuilding of the 3rd Temple. This movement is completely by Orthodox Jews, and secular Jews have no part in this project. The passion of these Orthodox Jews also caused them to re-establish the Sanhedrin in 2005 to supervise the (Halachi) legal requirements related to the 3rd Temple. I believe God has put in their hearts the prophetic vision and conviction that a 3rd Temple is completely necessary for the redemption of the world and will usher in the Messianic Age. Other major steps the Temple Movement have completed to bring their vision to pass.

• They have re-established the Aaronic Priesthood with the Sanhedrin oversite.
• They have reproduced the priest garments, Temple altars and utensils for sacrifice and worship.
• They have secured a red heifer as outlined in Number 19 for the purification of the Priests for the Temple service.
• They have discovered the dye in Israel (from the eggs of the crimson worm) that is necessary for the Priest garments and the huge currents separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
• Training and practise have been authorized by the Sanhedrin to re-enact Temple ceremonies by the Priestly class known as the Kohanim. This includes practising burnt offerings on a newly constructed altar.
• The Sanhedrin have taken steps necessary for reinstating future Temple service by planting a Biblical forest to serve the agricultural needs of the 3rd Temple.
• In mid-November of 2016 the Sanhedrin sent letters to President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin asking help for the building of the 3rd Temple.

However, not all religious Jews support the idea of a 3rd Temple, as they have adopted a Diaspora mentality and have spiritualized away the necessity of a future Temple. They are also content with the current situation in Jerusalem with the Muslims controlling the Temple Mount. The Jewish leaders of the Temple Movement strongly oppose their views and believe many Jews are not living on a spiritual level as God has intended.

From a Gentile perspective, the Islamic authorities officially deny the Temple ever existed at the current site. Of course, this is completely false as historic records and archeological digs though very limited have proven otherwise. Also, the majority of UN Nations are completely against Israel as a Nation and have proven this over and over by their incessant attack on the legal rights of Israel to exist and defend itself.

As far as the Christian Church, again it depends on whom you are speaking of. There are many Christian leaders and Biblical believers who have provided strong support to Israel as a Nation and deeply love the people (I am one of them). But, sadly there are many who have taken a very anti-semetic worldview propagating a replacement theology which is a complete lie (I addressed this in one of my early blogs). Those who bless Israel with be blessed and those who hate Israel are under curse by God Himself. I prefer God favor myself and chose to believe the Bible as true and literal and I recommend you do the same!

So be assured the Third Temple will be built, the stage is being set for the coming world ruler who will deceive Israel by initially approving the project and making a false agreement with the Nation. I believe we are getting very close to a severe global financial crisis due to the crippling massive DEBT Nations, corporations and individuals have taken on. A mega crisis is necessary which will certainly include war, economic depression and global conflict. We are seeing today over a dozen’s countries currencies collapsing and debt defaults will surely follow. A storm is brewing! As Jesus and the Apostles warned us, be AWAKE spiritually, discern the times and be in intimate fellowship with Jesus and with committed believers. If you are sleeping as a Christian leader or follower of Jesus, repent and wake up! The time is getting short to prepare spiritually, mentally, physically and get your financial house in order and stock up on some essential provisions.

Next week Lord willing I will start a new blog, “Jesus Christ Second Coming as King and Lord”. I was blessed to have taken a couple week holiday with my wife, and the last few days with one of our daughters and grand-daughter. It is important to get away for a season in our lives fairly regularly to recharge and enjoy God’s beautiful creation and I hope you will do the same.

From a friend, Bill W…if you have found these studies insightful and encouraging pass them on to a friend! Maranatha…Our Lord, come!