Christians called to help save the Temple

50 comments so far ↓

• 1 peter // Sep 6, 2007 at 10:24 pm

  Ryan,

  Great article. I absolutely agree about the temple and its setting up.

  There is another verse in Jeremiah 33:18
  “and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to prepare sacrifices continually.’”

  So the Lord’s temple will always continue with the Levitical priesthood serving.

  I did email… as you listed above, but I think sadly Olmert does not care about the public opinion of those in Israel or care about Israel in general hes just another worthless leader.

  Olmert is of the Erev Rav. Look up Erev Rav on google sometime if you don’t know what I am talking about.

  peace
  pete

• 2 AHR // Sep 7, 2007 at 3:43 am

  Listen to an informative interview with Israeli archaeologist Dr. Gabriel Barkay on the Temple Mount destruction at

  http://www.onejerusalem.org/blog/archives/2007/09/why_is_the_temp.asp

• 3 Marsha Carol Watson // Sep 7, 2007 at 3:46 am

  Ryan, thank you for this insightful information. I will pray and get right on it.

• 4 ED in Oregon // Sep 8, 2007 at 12:59 am

  Ryan,
  I totally support Israel building this new temple, but I am not so sure that the Church does not have to removed before the construction. I have discussed this with the editor of Arutz 7 in the past. He told me that the material is all ready to go. It is a matter of getting all the legal works out of the way and over ruling the Muslims. The temple is still in argument as to whether it will be built adjacent to the old temple.

  I would not want to be so confident that the temple will be put together before JESUS pulls the body of Christ out for the tribulation.

  On the regular email letter, Olmerts email address is set up like a web page address. It does not function.

• 5 Ryan // Sep 8, 2007 at 10:03 am

  Sorry about that everyone. I mistakenly made the prime minister’s email address a regular Internet link. It should now work as an email link.

• 6 Angela // Sep 9, 2007 at 3:01 am

  It is imperative that we speak up!
  Such effrontery by the Islamic Trust Organisation must not be tolerated.
  Imagine the outcry if a similar desecration was perpetrated on the site of one of their mosques!
  This wanton destruction is a serious attempt to undermine the Jewish People’s heritage and to further diminish Israel’s right to the Covenanted Land , the indivisible status of Jerusalem and the ownership of its holiest site ..The Temple Mount.
  Furthermore, it is an attempt by the evil one to usurp the Place of The God of Israel.
  While we know full well that such an attempt will ultimately fail it is surely our privilege to make our voices heard as a witness to men and to principalities and powers in honour of the Name of our God.

• 7 Ronald Hume // Sep 9, 2007 at 8:47 am

  Thank you Angela for passing this article on to me and your comment “It is imperative that we speak-up!”. Each of us should do likewise and challenge our Bible believing Christains to support Israel on this and in any other way possible. Lets not be silent as Isaiah 62 exhorts us.

  Ryan with regards to the return of Messiah Yeshua I believe the true Church is caught up to be with the LORD before Jacobs trouble, the Tribulation and suspect that the Anti-Christ will win the Jews favour by causing the Islamic world to allow the rebuilding of the Temple during this period and that he breaks his covenant with the Jews midway through the seven years with the abomination spoken of by our LORD as well as Daniel. I’m no expert on the subject but believe it is all in Adonai’s hands.

• 8 Ryan // Sep 9, 2007 at 8:54 am

  Hi Ronald - thanks for visiting.

  I personally believe that Jacob’s Trouble is already past (more on this in a future post) and that there is no pre-Trib rapture.

  Nevertheless, and regardless of what exactly leads to the Temple being rebuilt, I think we are in agreement on the need to personally stand against Allah’s efforts to erase God’s link to this holy hill.

  I, for one, do not want to have to stand before the Lord one day and explain why I sat back and did nothing while the forces opposed to His will ran rampant over this city.

• 9 Al // Sep 9, 2007 at 3:20 pm

  Ryan,

  I look forward to your post re: Jacob’s Trouble.

  The pre-trib rapture theory is nothing but a fabrication.
  It was created to catch the believers off guard when the Anti-Messiah comes to power and to cause the body of Messiah not to be prepared to stand for Israel and the Jewish people during the reign of the beast. I fear for the Church as much as I fear for Israel during that time because apostacy, not revival, will abound. We need to be alert exactly as Yeshua told His disciples in Matt 24 when they asked him about the end of the age.

  In Messiah Yeshua,

  Al

• 10 Ryan // Sep 9, 2007 at 3:54 pm

  Al,

  I don’t intend to touch on the rapture issue itself in the Jacob’s Trouble article, but my views on a pre-trib rapture are very similar to your. I fear many believers are going to fall away when, as I believe, we are not flown out of here. Anyway, that is a whole giant topic on its own.

  I read recently over at Rapture Ready, where, despite their overriding pre-trib rapture slant, I get along quite well with folks, that a pastor wrote he is “pan-trib” - pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, however it pans out is fine by him.

• 11 Ronald Hume // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:43 am

  Thanks Ryan & Al for your comments. I agree that the bride of Christ is negleting the apple of God’s in not showing solidarity and support. What is sadder is that so many professing Christians are unconcerned about the state of the world and the escalated state of apostacy and like the five foolish virgins are not ready for the rapture, which for very good reasons I believe will haven before the terrible Tribulation.

  Ryan I would be grateful to learn more from God’s Word so if you can enlighten me on your thoughts on Jacob’s Trouble I would appreciate it. You are welcome to email me ronhume @ xtra. co. nz

  Baruch Hashem Adonai

• 12 Nerah // Sep 12, 2007 at 10:14 am

  I wrote up a letter (actually changed the one given on the site) and I e-mailed it and also posted it on a social networking site in my bulletin and blog hoping to get alot of signatures. 2 people commented but they said such things as maybe this has to happen and I am not sure if I am lead to sign it. 1 of them reposted it for others. These are Messianic Jews and gentile believers. It frustrated the heck out of me so i even wrote up my opinion on the matter. Apparently know one gives a hoot. very sad thing indeed. So much for supporting Israel and the Jewish people.

• 13 Nethanel Lam // Sep 12, 2007 at 4:08 pm

  As a christian, i will stand with my brethren in Israel and make our voices heard to stop this destruction of a historical and great heritage. The relics and the artifacts. It’s the findings of both the jewish and christian roots. We really need archaeologists immediately to inspect the area, otherwise the cultural roots of our historical past were be destroyed by the Waqf [Islamic Trust] or worst, they put theirs and propagate a lie to future generation that it belongs to a muslim heritge. Just like now they said Abraham brought Ishmael to the altar of sacrifice instead of Isaac.

• 14 Angela // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:15 pm

  Don’t be discouraged Nerah…. God has observed…
  and HE will be glad for everyone of His Watchmen who do respond in Israel’s interest!
  Our positive actions are a witness to the Truth and are effective weapons of spiritual warfare in bringing down the strongholds of the powers of darkness which are at work here!

• 15 Al // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:02 am

  Nerah,

  It is very discouraging to see the Temple Mount treated with such contempt by the Muslims. Satan must be very nervous to attempt to erase God’s signature on the land of Israel and Jerusalem in particular.

  However, he will fail. It is rumored that the Ark of the Covenant is still located somewhere in the vicinity of Mt. Moriah. Remember what happened when the Philistines (whom the “Palestinians” claim to be descended from by Yasser Arafat himself when he was alive) took possession of the ark. They had thought they had victory over Israel, too. But they discovered how wrong they were when Dagon, their idol fish god and his temple could not contain the ark which represents the Shekinah of YHVH. Today’s Philistines are also in for a rude awakening. The same will happen to Allah, the god of today’s Philistines because the God of Israel will reveal the ark to Israel. When that happens, Israel’s claim to the Temple Mount will be reinforced. I suspect it will cause a great war to ensue, but Israel will reclaim the Temple Mount and rebuild the temple. God will make His presence felt in the last days. Some of the things that will happen will be difficult to watch. But we need to remember Who it is that breaks the Seven Seals and is in control. We need to remember that God will send His two witnesses(”Moses” and “Elijah”) to make a statement to the world. He will set apart 144,000 that have not bowed to Baal. The Messiah is coming again to reign.

  But you are right we need to play our part and show ourselves strong on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, especially gentile believers like myself. The church needs to be roused from its slumber. Its time to wake up.

  In Messiah Yeshua,

  Al

• 16 Angela // Sep 15, 2007 at 12:54 am

  Inspiring comments Al !
  ‘ OUR GOD REIGNS ‘!

• 17 Michael // Sep 15, 2007 at 2:47 pm

  Actually helping Israel to rebuild a temple would be blasphemous and an abomination. Jesus was the last sacrifice made fot ALL men.

  Hebrews 10:10-12;

  10: By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

  11: And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

  12: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  The body of believers whether Jew or Gentile are now the temple of God.

  1 Cor. 3:16;

  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

  God will NEVER dwell in a stone templs made with human hands so therefore, it cannot be the “temple of God” but it would be a building where any animal sacrifice would be denying the finished work of Jesus.

  Acts 7:48 & 49;

  48: Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

  49: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

  Acts 17:24 & 25;

  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;

  25: Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

  Jesus was the cornerstone of the new temple which is now the hearts of believers, not a stone building in Jerusalem. Regardless of what Jews may wish to do, they are still blind to the true Messiah Jesus and no stone building in Jerusalem will be a temple of God nor would it be looked at by God as His dwelling place.

  That being stated plainly by His Word, any building of stone built by men’s hands will NOT be His temple and helping Jews to build it would be a slap in God’s face and a clear denial of just exactly what Jesus did.

  John 2:21;

  But he spake of the temple of his body.

  1 Cor. 6:19;

  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

  Face it people, God has clearly said He WILL NOT dwell in a temple made with hands and neither will He be worshipped with men’s hands so building a stone building would be nothing short of a pagan ritual and blasphemous to Him.

  Not my words, His.

  In Christ Jesus,

  Michael

• 18 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 2:59 pm

  There were MANY sacrifices offered in the biblical temple as commanded by God’s Word that were not for atonement.

  If a Temple is not supposed to be rebuilt, then what are those very detailed plans in Ezekiel chapters 40-48 for? That building has never existed, so unless Ezekiel was just wrong or hearing from a demon rather than from God, then it still needs to be built at some point.

  Also contained in those chapters is evidence that when the Lord returns, He will fill the rebuilt Temple with His glory. It has never been about God NEEDING us to build Him a house. It is about Him showing His love for us by coming to dwell among us.

  Ezekiel 43:4-7:

  “And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east.

  “So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.

  “…And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile…”

  It is going to happen, Ezekiel makes that very clear. And it is going to happen in the building the Lord described for Ezekiel in such detail, not in the Mosque of Omar.

• 19 Michael // Sep 15, 2007 at 3:17 pm

  Ryan,

  If you would take the time to do an in depth study of the Ezekiel temple it is a spiritual temple that signifies the new temple body in Christ. Study the actual commentaries from the likes of John Gil, Matthew Henry, Keil & Delitzsch who truly undertsood ancient Hebrew and they all agree it is an allegorical spirtual house being described in detail, not a physical temple.

  Just look at the dimensions and that becomes readily apparent as the sides stated in Ezekiel 42:20 it measures out to be 4500 feet in length and breadth.

  God’s Word clearly states there will be no temple made with hands He will dwll in so I’ll take His Word for it, not man’s suppositions. The foundation of studying this is the FACT God has stated clearly He will NOT dwell in a temple made with human hands.

  What ezekiel is describing is the new Jerusalem, which is His spirirtual dwelling place as told us in Revelation 21:21 & 22;

  21: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

  22: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

  The “bride of the Lamb” is new Jerusalm which is comprised of the body of believers. We are the “lively stones” that build this temple. 1 Pet. 2:5, fitly framed into His house, Eph. 2:21.

  God’s Word is quite clear that God will NEVER dwell in a temple made with hands nor will He be worshipped by men’s hands Ryan.

  Men can make all the claims they wish about what they want to have occur, however, I would stick close to what the God of creation says in His Word.

  Israel can build any building they want and dedicate it to whomever they wish, but, God will never dwell in it so therefore it will not be the “temple of God.”

  Again, His Words, not mine.

  In Christ Jesus,

  Michael

• 20 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 3:51 pm

  Michael, the problem is that you are taking His Words and twisting them with your interpretations and those of other men by claiming the passages that don’t fit with your views in their literal sense must of necessity be allegorical.

  I know a great many Bible teachers whose knowledge of Hebrew I can assure you is more solid than those you listed above (since it is in fact their mother tongue) who would disagree completely with your interpretation and that of the men upon whose teachings you are basing your views.

  You can pick and choose which verses you are going to take literally and which you are going to brush aside as “allegorical”, but you run a serious risk of getting things terribly wrong. I believe you are doing so in this case.

  For further reading, I suggest the following:

  Messiah will come after the Temple is rebuilt

  In-depth look at the Millennial Temple

• 21 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 4:29 pm

  For those wanting to read more on why the Temple Mount is figuring so prominently in these end times, I recommend this thorough look at the issue by my colleague Stan Goodenough:

  Why the Temple Mount

  Stan actually has a number of great posts on his site discussing the Temple and Temple Mount. Just use his search form (top right of the page) to search for “temple.”

• 22 Michael // Sep 15, 2007 at 4:42 pm

  Ryan,

  Could you please show me where I have twisted the following.

  Acts 7:48 & 49;

  48: Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

  49: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

  Acts 17:24;

  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;

  25: Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

  1 Corinthians 3:16 & 17;

  16: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

  17: If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

  Hebrews 10:11 & 12;

  11: And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

  12: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  Hebrews 9:24-26;

  24: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

  25: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

  26: For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  Even Solomon understood God would not dwell in a house made with hands as spoken in 1 Kings 8:27;

  But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

  To recap, God has said over and again He WILL NOT dwell in a house made with hands.

  He WILL NOT be worshipped by men’s hands.

  After Jesus sacrificed Himself ONCE FOR ALL He now became the temple as do all spirit filled believers.

  So Ryan, just how am I twisting God’s Word? Show me somewhere how I am twisting the clear truth shown in the above passages. The words penned approximately 600 years after Ezekiel, as inspired by God’s Spirit, clearly state what I have only posted here.

  Jesus’ sacrifice was the last sacrtifice and the temple is now a spiritual temple. Disagreeing with me is not the trouble Ryan, you are denying what God’s Word clearly states.

  Your love and devotion to your Jewish freinds would be better served guiding them to the truth, not supporting them in a fruitless venture.

  The truth is Jesus did away with the need for a temple of stone and the useless tradition of sacrifice. Now, can you show me how I have twisted the above passages?

  In Christ Jesus,

  Michael

• 23 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 4:49 pm

  Michael, in your interpretation of scripture you are ignoring the fact that God never NEEDED a temple built by human hands, ever. Despite that fact, He still filled the ancient temple with His glory and dwelt among His people.

  You are twisting the meaning of those verses by failing to read them in the context of what the rest of the Bible says. Ezekiel says there will be another Temple and that His glory will fill it and that it will be the throne of God on earth. This doesn’t fit with your understanding, so you are brushing it aside as allegorical instead of examining how your interpretation of the verses you listed may be off.

  As I noted, God didn’t need Israel to build Him a temple 3000 years ago any more than He does today. Despite that very clear fact, He instructed Israel precisely how to build a temple and then filled it with His presence and glory. In Ezekiel, He has again provided detailed instructions for the building of a new temple, and has yet again promised to fill it with His presence and glory.

  For more on this, I again point you and everyone else to Stan’s excellent article on why the Temple Mount should matter to us: Why the Temple Mount?

• 24 Michael // Sep 15, 2007 at 5:13 pm

  Ryan,

  You have not addressed my question and what has been plainly stated. You are dancing around what God’s Word says and denying the finished work of Jesus.

  Explain how there will be a “temple of God” based on the above verses and if there will be a stone temple on earth for God’s presence, then why since Jesus, does He state emphatically He will NOT dwell in a temple made with hands?

  Personally I could not care what Stan Goodenough says. What I care about is what God says and the truth of it. Stan may be a nice guy but, he is just another man drawing a paycheck for reporting what he knows people like to hear.

  Explain how God needs a stone temple on earth for His presence when He says in 1 Peter 2:5 and goes on in the passage to explain how Jesus, the chief conerstone which has become a rock of offense to Israel.

  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  The body of Christ is the temple. If God needs a stone temple here on earth, why then does He say He will NEVER dwell in a stone temple made by hands? Also if what you say is true, then explain the following from Revelation 21:22;

  And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

  Again, instead of showing me Biblically where I am “twisting” Scripture, you make suppositions and ignore my request to answer your accusations.

  God’s Word is clear in that He will NOT dwell in a building made with hands, hence , no stone “temple of God.”

  In Christ Jesus,

  Michael

• 25 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 5:46 pm

  Michael,

  I have responded to your assertions time and again. I can’t help it if you refuse to accept the scriptures with which I am responding. It is your choice whether or not to accept those parts of God’s Word when forming your interpretations and views.

  Unfortunately, you have made the whole discussion moot, and I am compelled to ban you from posting on this site any further for another reason.

  In your last comment you unjustly attacked Stan Goodenough by suggesting he is one of the teachers spoken of in II Timothy 4 that says whatever he thinks will tickle the ears of others. You made this assertion without knowing Stan, without knowing his heart, and apparently without knowing that he teaches what he does without making a cent. He draws a paycheck from no one - he and his family have lived off the Lord’s direct provision for the past 7 years now.

  That kind of judgment is wrong and I simply will not tolerate here, especially against someone who is a close personal friend whose heart I know to be pure before the Lord. Remember and be warned - as you judge others, so shall you be judged (Matthew 7:2).

• 26 David // Sep 15, 2007 at 5:58 pm

  Michael and Ryan,

  I would like both of you to answer the following questions from Rev. 21:22:

  Is there a temple there or not?

  If there is not a “temple” there, then the Father and the son are not there, because it states that they are the temple.

  Is there a “house” there or not?

  Is it possible that the word translated in various places (Ezekiel and Zechariah included) as “temple” should actually be “house?

  If there is no temple, and it has been stated the “we are the temple”, then are we (the “body of Messiah”) there or not?

  If the returning Yeshua (Jesus) builds the house or “temple”, then was it built with man’s hands?

  Think and humble yourselves before the One True God, YHWH, for His answers.

  One cannot see or hear without humility…including me.

  David

• 27 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 7:14 pm

  David - I absolutely agree that our best course of action is to humble ourselves before the Lord and seek His truth. As we make ourselves fully available to serve Him, we must always keep in mind that, as Paul told us, we are seeing things through a glass dimly.

  My view on the temple issue is that while we are indeed the temple of the Lord, there will also be a physical temple - which, as you alluded to, should actually be translated as “house.” The Lord will have a physical house on earth, or more correctly, a throne room.

  The messiah dwells in us, but he will also be physically present to reign and rule over the earth from his throne room (Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 25:6-11).

• 28 John // Sep 15, 2007 at 7:17 pm

  Michael, you are absolutely right. There is absolutely no endorsement in the New Testament that a third temple is yet to be built. The new Testament is absolutely void of any such reference and as you so well pointed out New Testament Scripture actually refutes the notion.

  Those who insist that God has prophesied that one will be built in the latter days have no scripture verse to go by except to read their beliefs into it. Their claim that Ezekiel is their voice on the matter have missed the show and are still looking for what they believe is an unfullfilled event. Example in point, Ezekiel is told to tell the priests that they who led their people astray will be no better than gate-keepers and those who were faithful up to the time of the exile would be positioned back in the rightful place of a priest of the temple of God. These men were named and were in fact still living after the return from exile. Ryan and others ignore this fact and instead say that these are still in a future time.

  Truly an abomination unto the Lord would be enacted if a third temple were to be built. Not an abomination because of some ficticious man of sin who sets up an abomination of desolation (already past) but that the building of a temple in and of itself is an abomination unto the Lord and a spit in the face of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

  This is very serious and too important to be wrong about. If one believes God has foretold a third temple then it certainly must be ratified in NT Scripture but instead just the opposite is a fact.

  David, the question should be, when was John given the vision? What is your source that John received it after the temple was destroyed by Rome? Does it come from the same man who simple stated that “That which was seen (meaning the written revelation and not John)” ? And from the same man that said Jesus died at the age of 55?

  Was his name Ireneus?

• 29 Al // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:14 pm

  Michael,

  If, as you suggest the temple in Jerusalem has no value whatsoever, then how do you explain Shaul’s actions recorded in Acts 21 verses 15-27?

  Luke writes that Shaul reports to Jacob(James) and the elders in Jerusalem the things God has done among the Gentiles through his ministry. They respond to Shaul by informing him that there are thousands of Jews who believe and are zealous for the law (Torah). They also tell him there is a false rumor being spread about him. According to this rumor, while Shaul is ministering to the Gentiles abroad, he is also telling any Jews living among the Gentile nations that they no longer need to follow Moses’ teachings such as circumcision, as well as other customs. To demonstrate this rumor is a lie, the elders advise Shaul to do the following: four men from among the believing Messianic community have taken a Nazarite vow. Shaul is to participate with them in the fulfillment of these vows. (See Numbers 6 verses 1-21 for a detailed description of what is involved in the Nazarite vow.) This event takes place after Yeshua’s death, burial and resurrection. It takes place after the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the believers.
  The fulfillment of these vows can only happen at one location: the temple mount in Jerusalem.

  This same temple succeeds the Tent of Meeting mentioned in Numbers 6.
  In Deuteronomy 12 Moses instructs the nation of Israel that there is be a place the Lord God Himself will choose to put His Name. All sacrifices and vows are to be consummated at this location. Why? It is because His Name is associated with that place.

  To suggest the Temple Mount or the temple in the last days no longer has significance shows disrespect to the very Name of God. It is a physical testimony to the world that He is still the God of Israel and that He alone is God. Zechariah writes in chap 14 when Messiah establishes His Kingdom on the earth, the nations will come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This cannot happen if there is no temple. All of the feasts of the Lord were to be celebrated at the temple mount. Their ultimate fulfillment is also associated with the area of the temple mount. Yeshua fulfilled the Passover near the temple where He was crucified. The disciples on Shavuot-Pentecost were at the temple when the Holy Spirit was poured out in tongues of fire. Likewise Tabernacles will be fulfilled when both Israel and the nations celebrate the feast with the reigning Messiah. His Kingdom and the temple mount go hand in hand.

  If we truly desire to see His Kingdom manifested on the earth (as Yeshua taught His disciples to pray), we need to pray for the restoration of the temple mount to a Jewish people that have been reconciled to the God of their fathers thru the Messiah and are filled with His Spirit. It will not happen any other way.

• 30 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:24 pm

  The NT does in fact speak of a future temple:

  II Thessalonians 2:4:

  He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

  This verse speaks of the anti-christ. Several times in the same verse the Greek word for God recognized as referring to the Almighty is used, including in the portion that calls the building “God’s temple.”

  Now, for this verse to come to pass, either there will be another temple to the Almighty, the Lord God of Israel, built in Jerusalem, or the anti-christ is going to set up his throne in our hearts, the hearts of those who make up the Body of Messiah.

  I want to also offer a link to this article on Ezekiel’s temple, a building which clearly has never existed before, and if all prophesy is to be fulfilled must be built at some point:

  A look at Ezekiel 42-43

  If you scroll toward the end of the article, you will see a list of numerous prophetic passages that speak of blood sacrifices during the millennial reign of Messiah.

  The author notes that blood sacrifices even in the OT never removed sins, they were always a foreshadowing of what Messiah’s sacrifice would do, and in the millennium will continue to be offered as a memorial. Also remember that not all temple sacrifices were for atonement.

• 31 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:27 pm

  I second that Al. To suggest that the Temple Mount is no longer of importance is the true slap in God’s face. He Himself placed His name there, and when He did so He said it was FOREVER. How in the world does man think we have the right to brush that aside and suggest it is no longer of importance?

• 32 John // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:44 pm

  I wonder why Michael would be banned because he supposed something wrong about your friend, Ryan? I believe if Michael uses Scripture to point out his beliefs, as you do, is it not fair to allow him to continue? I sincerely doubt he has anything against your friend.

• 33 John // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:47 pm

  Ryan, would I be allowed to respond to Al concerning Acts? And may I respond to you, Ryan, concerning Thess 2? I ask because it seems that if you don’t agree with a view that you ban the participant. Is this what will happen if I submit my view?

• 34 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:58 pm

  John,

  Michael was not banned because of his views. He posted numerous other times on this site, always with an alternative view, and was never banned for that.

  He was banned for spreading a lie about a fellow believer and judging that person’s heart despite the fact he does not know him personally (though it would be wrong to judge even the heart of one he does know personally). As a personal friend of that other person, I will not allow my site to be used as a platform to spread lies about him.

• 35 Al // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:11 pm

  John,

  Michael was banned because instead of addressing issues he prefers to attack people personally whom he disagrees with. I know this from personal experience with Michael on another blog on this website. See August article “The days of Noah” to see what I mean.

  If Ryan does not have a problem with your questions, I’ll be happy to exchange ideas with you on any topic. I promise to be civil. But I will be direct and straightforward. These issues are too important for people to just state an opinion and ignore the big picture, that God’s kingdom is coming to the earth and He that He seeks to dwell with His people, both Jew and Gentile.

• 36 John // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:45 pm

  Al, I believe it would be hard to make a case that simply because of accusations against Paul by Jewish Christians that this would be your defense for proof that a third temple must be built. I respect your willingness to honor God above all things but we who hold to an opposite view to yours have the same in mind. We simply hold to the whole of the Bible as our legitimate voice for our reasoning and not just bits here and bits there. We who hold to a spiritual fulfillment in Christ are just as sincere as you who do not seem to by requiring a third temple.

  Concerning Acts 21 we see the accusation against Paul. We are all blest to have on record Paul’s inspiration from God as to what, in Christ, is required of all believers on His Son. James speaks of the rumor but we do not know if the rumor was true or not. Paul neither confirms it nor denies it. Instead, what we do find is what Paul has already said concerning the Law of Moses. Paul does address, for example, the matter of circumcision concerning Gentiles but he does not concerning Jews (after all the practice was already ongoing with them). Gentiles have not been required to be circumcised and within Jews it is already practiced. But what Paul does say and very clearly in Romans 14 that some Jewish believers kept one day holier over another and abstained from certain foods and others in the church don’t. There is no doubt that he is referring to the Jewish and Gentile segments of the church (Jewish christians held onto the law ie., keeping the Sabbath and so forth but the Gentiles did not). Paul simply said that every man must be persuaded in his own mind. This tells me volumes concerning the obligation to the Law of Moses for us now under the new covenant. Pauls seems to give liberty to the Jews as well if they wish.

  A side note,the Nazarite vow did not require purification.

  I could add more but my point is that this point of reference you want to use, Al, does nothing to support your view that therefore a 3rd Temple must be built.

• 37 David // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:48 pm

  Ryan,

  I submit this for consideration by you and others on this site. I ask only that any rebuke or correction be accompanied by Scripture references. I am a man capable of making mistakes, but I have a heart to know the ways of YHWH and His Truth.

  Your posts # 30 and 31 finally begin to get to the real issue for me. We have all been blinded and deafened to a certain degree (Is. 6:9-10). It is only by repenting and humbling oneself, followed by earnest seeking of the One True God, YHWH, that one can BEGIN to understand the Mysteries of His Eternal Plan (yes ,there are still mysteries - Rev. 10:4).

  “Christians” and “Jews” alike have been deluded by the traditions of men. We must seek the Father and His Word alone, not the voices and opinions of men. He will allow Himself to be found (Is. 55:6).
  His ways are marvelous, and the work of Messiah is not fully complete…He sits at the Right Hand of the Father, waiting for the appropriate time to go forth for the final phases of the Father’s Plan. We cannot know it ALL, because the Messiah Restores ALL things (Acts 3:20-21). If we know it ALL, then what is there for Messiah to restore? But, the Father has revealed much to us…we just do not see or hear as He desires us to see and hear. Read His Word from cover to cover, again and again, with a humble heart, seeking to only know Him and His Wisdom.

  The Messiah will return. He will build the House of YHWH (Zec. 6:12-13). The New Jerusalem will come DOWN from heaven (Rev. 21:2). There will be a temple there…the Father and the Lamb (Rev. 22). “Christains” who truly seek YHWH will be led to Him by grasping the garment of a Jewish Messiah (Zec. 8:23). “Jews” who are truly looking for Messiah will finally see Him (Zech. 12:10, Rom 11:22-27) and be led to the Father as well. The two sticks of Ez. 37 will be rejoined into one stick (see Eph. 2:12-18 also).

  We must understand that the “New Covenant” is only fully described in one place in all of Scripture (Jer. 31:31ff). Hebrews quotes this passage. Looking at this passage carefully, one can see that the “new” covenant is simply the “old” covenant written in a different place, and providing for the complete removal of sin (Jer. 31:34). This is where the perfect sacrifice of Messiah comes in to the picture.

  The Houses of Judah and Israel (re-joined into one stick) will be in this New Jerusalem. Those who believe in Messiah are grafted into Israel (Rom 11).

  The perfect instruction from the Father can NEVER be revoked, particularly by Messiah (Deut. 18). He only came to speak the Father’s words (John 8:28, 38, 12:49-50, 14:10). He did not come to abolish, but to fulfill (Matt. 5: 17). Just because He fulfilled, it is not done away with…consider baptism (Matt. 3:15 - same word). So, it is obvious that most of us are diluded, myself included. True believers in Messiah are to provoke the “Jews” to jealousy (Rom 11:11). Are we?

  David

• 38 Ryan // Sep 15, 2007 at 10:15 pm

  Amen, David. Very well said.

• 39 Al // Sep 16, 2007 at 1:35 am

  John,

  When I referenced the passage from Acts 21, my focus was the importance of the temple mount in general, not specifically to the 3rd temple, although I do believe there will be a future Jewish temple that will be desecrated by the antimessiah prior to Yeshua’s return. My point was simply that the temple mount was not made insignificant by Yeshua’s atoning death. If anything it reinforces the significance of the temple mount. I do believe His sacrifice is the only one for all time that provides atonement for any sinner: past, present and future. We see the first disciples interacting on the temple mount numerous times throughout the book of Acts. The fact that they did so would indicate that it meant a great deal to them which should not surprise anyone since they were Jews. They were doing so in obedience to the Torah and had all the more reason to do so in celebration of what the Messiah had already done for them during the Passover, First Fruits and Shavuot-Pentecost.

  Regarding the accusations against Shaul in Acts 21, the accusers are not “Jewish Christians”. The accusers are non-believing Jews who wish to paint Shaul as a false teacher. The accusation becomes clear later in the chapter after Shaul appears at the temple with the other four men to fulfill their vows. Here is the actual text starting in verse 27 “And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews who were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him. Crying out, Men of Israel, help! This is the man that teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law and this place, and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place”.

  Now let’s ask the question: Is this accusation true or false??
  It has to be false. Why would Shaul speak against the temple, the Torah and the Jewish people when we see him
  a) fulfill a Nazarite vow in accordance with the Torah?
  b) actually visit the same temple to fulfill the vow?
  c) interacting with other Jews, including the cohanim or priests serving in the temple, since only Jews were allowed to enter the temple.

  These accusations continue later in Acts 24:5-6 when he is accused of profaning the temple. Again, Shaul is accused falsely. It was the same accusation against Stephen in Acts 6:13-14 using false witnesses. The truth is both Shaul and Stephen cherished and revered both the temple and the Torah. After all, Yeshua told His disciples that if they truly loved Him, they would obey His commandments, meaning the Torah. In a nutshell, if you against God’s commandments you will oppose His temple. It does not mean that following them will earn you salvation. It simply means you loved the God that saved you by following His commandments. Being in the New Covenant does not mean the Older Covenant is obsolete. Running out of room will continue in part 2

• 40 Al // Sep 16, 2007 at 1:37 am

  part 2

  They are both part of God’s plan for the redemption of the world. The new justifies the old. Jeremiah 31 says that God will write His laws on our hearts. Which laws? The laws He gave through Moses. The same laws that teach we are sinners and need blood atonement for our sin. The idea that we do not have to obey God’s commandments is considered heresy by Yeshua Himself. He taught that whosoever breaks the least of the commandments and teaches men to do so is the least in the Kingdom. Apparently He does not have a high regard for people who teach against Torah since they are misleading others when they do so.

  By the way, the Nazarite vow does include purification . See Numbers 6:9. The word “cleansing” in Hebrew is toworah which means to purify. It involves seven days just like what Shaul and the other four were doing.

  By the way, I also hold to the whole of scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. I just don’t believe in spiritualizing things that shouldn’t be spiritualized. Like the Temple Mount.

• 41 Charles // Sep 16, 2007 at 5:04 am

  Ryan I have been away for a while and I am a little confused , I thought we had this discussion once before . I can not understand why someone would have such an opposition to the Jews that are still practicing the Law , rebuilding the Temple . I am sure that the Muslims are against it as the belief that Israel must rebuild the Temple gives creedence to Israels existence . It has come to my attention that some of the Israeli Government is opposed to the Temple . I guess they do not want to be under the scrutiny of Torah Law Priest. That could be why they want to give away the Temple Mount .

• 42 peter // Sep 17, 2007 at 9:48 pm

  Ryan and Al,

  I believe what both of you have stated has been stated well in accordance to the scriptures.

  I wanted to comment on Acts 21… Paul definitely paid and took and participated in the sacrifices at the temple. Which was after the Messiah.

  Also, there has been verses of God dwelling in Temples made by man. I believe Ryan cleared this up, but this is a simple question to ask yourself. If God does not dwell in Temples made by man… then Why did He in the past, Why did he tell them to and why will he in the future? Did He forget that he dwelled in Temples made by man. Ryan made this very clear. Though he dwells in us it also seems clear that we are even to small of a thing to house God as his believers. I refer this to Rev. Where it says that God is the Temple

  This verse goes even further on the discussion, By the way this verse is qouted from the Tanach this is nothing new:
  Isaiah 66:1 Thus says the LORD, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?
  Rev 7:49
  ‘HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?’ says the Lord, ‘OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE?

  This seems to indicate that God can only fully dwell in Heaven. This does not mean that he cannot dwell in temples and in peoples hearts. Heaven is the only big enough housing for him that is Built by Him.

  This is a Rev 21:22 (Speaking of the New Jerusalem that comes from Heaven to Earth)
  22I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

  I could easily butcher this scripture like many have in other verses and say well look people are not the temple… God is the Temple. But that would be ignorant to say since other verse state otherwise. I want to make a point though. We think to much in a Greek Mindset that once something comes the other is worthless or nothing this is sadly wrong. Although God is the Temple so are we, and so are the ones that God instructs us to build.

  The temple that God instructed us to build on earth throughout all the scriptures is Holy… to say that it is an abomination is a abomination in it self. To call something that is HOLY an unholy thing is Blasphemouy against God.

  Whoever said earlier that the abomination of desolation is the sacrifice has not read clearly.

  Daniel 11

  31″Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice And they will set up the abomination of desolation.

  Notice it says forces will rise and desecrate the sanctuary speaking of the anti-christ forces. Ok, simple logic tells us that it is not desecrated until these forces arise and commit the act and do away with the regular sacrifice. After this Holy sanctuary is desecrated then the abomination of Desolation will be set up. Notice it is not the sacrifices since they have already been stopped.

  peter

• 43 Charles // Sep 18, 2007 at 2:54 am

  Yes I agree the Temple will be rebuilt on this earth The Antichrist will be seen sitting in this physical Temple in the seat of the Almighty God . Revelations 16 verse 10 says that God poured darkness upon the seat of the beast and his kingdom was full of darkness . I could be wrong but I think that scripture applies to the impostor setting in the Temple because at that point people realize who he really is .What a shocker .

• 44 Nerah // Sep 20, 2007 at 7:22 pm

  Ryan and Al ,Charles, ok everyone,lol
  Is it poosible that there will be 2 more temple’s, ie. one bulit by man then destroyed during trib. and one built by Messiah Yeshua when He comes for the Mellenial Kingdom? seems the scriptures in Daniel show the temple being destroyed and an end to sacrifices.
  {past} Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:{past} {future}and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
  Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. {future}

  This is the lie I recieved form Olmert’s office apparently others recieved the same response.

  We acknowledge receipt of your recent e-mail to the Prime Minister’s Office regarding excavations on the Temple Mount .

  Please be assured that the Israeli Antiquities Authority is closely following the work being carried out on the Temple Mount , and is ensuring that there is no damage to any antiquities unearthed.

  Thank you for writing to express your concern.

  Sincerely,

  Prime Minister’s Office – E-Correspondence

  This is an outright lie, all you have to do is look at the pics, you cannot dig with a tractor and not destroy artifacts to make just one point.

  Also for all those who will not stand up for the Temple Mount irregardless of your beliefs on the future Temple, Adonai’s Temple Mount is a Holy Place and the artifacts from the past are priceless, they are preciuos stories of Adonai and His Torah, His story, His chosen and all that should matter to believers. Get over your theological pride and look at the HEART OF GOD. the muslims have the right to do whatever they want on the Temple Mount and throughout Israel yet a Jew cannot even be a Jew in the Holiest place in the world to them. It should be the same for believers. We also are not even alllowed to pray there yet that abomination can sit spewing hate and satan worship every day.
  asking Adonai to be my all and all,
  Blessings on all,
  תמרה

• 45 peter // Sep 21, 2007 at 4:35 am

  Nerah,

  For sacrifices to take place, all that has to be set up is the altar on the temple mount. They don’t have to build a temple before the sacrifices.

  I know this is definitely up for discussion, but it is my opinion that the first temple described in Ezekial 40 will not be built until the Messiah comes back, due to the huge alterations of the land(earthquake that takes place described in Zechariah)… then after the 1000 year reign the second temple described in Ezekiel is the New Jerusalem that comes down from heaven.

  Peter

• 46 Israel’s government aiding Temple Mount desecration // Sep 23, 2007 at 2:35 pm

  […] couple weeks ago, the Temple Institute in Jerusalem called on all Bible-believing Christians to rise up and aid their Jewish brothers in defending the Temple Mount against the plans of Allah. I think it is time we answer that call, since the needed help is clearly not going to come from […]

• 47 Charles // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:02 am

  Hi Nerah ,
  I thought that Temple construction would have to be started before the Daily Sacrifices could start . Such as the Ceremonial Brick set in place as was attempted in Sharon’s time .

• 48 David in Oregon // Oct 8, 2007 at 6:42 am

  The Father was very particular about the previous builders of His Temples. He chose Solomon specifically to build the first Temple and He stirred up the heart of Cyrus to start the process which led to the building of the second by Yeshua the priest and Zerubbabel.
  Without going into all the detail my point is that YHVH chose who was to build His Temple and His altars etc.
  I know there is an organization in Jerusalem that is working on the furnishings for the Third Temple of YHVH, but does anyone know if there has been direct communication from YHVH that they should start this process and to whom the communication was made? Can these things be sanctified if it is a work of man?
  I have heard, but I have been given no scriptural evidence that when the Ark of the Covenant is found that that would signal the beginning of the Temple construction. Has the Ark been found? Is there a Prophet in Israel who has received the go ahead from YHVH?

• 49 David in Oregon // Oct 8, 2007 at 6:56 am

  Peter: You are correct that all that is needed for the sacrifices to begin is the Altar, however, I have to disagree with you about the earthquake. Scripture says the earthquake at His return will split the Mount of Olives, not the Temple Mount. Since YHVH controls the earthquakes, if He wants, He is able to assure that the Temple Mount or His Temple are not damaged.
  I don’t know for sure when the Temple will be rebuilt and neither does anyone else except Yeshua Himself and The Father of course.
  There is scripture which speaks of the anti-christ setting up his image in the Temple but this can be interpreted many ways. Personally, I do lean toward the Temple being built within the beginning days of the final 7 years and I don’t believe in a pre-trib rapture so I expect that if I live until then, I will see its construction.

• 50 peter // Oct 12, 2007 at 5:43 pm

  David,

  What I think is going to happen is that an altar will only get setup and the temple will not be built until Yeshua comes back. The reason I say that is because Ezekiel describes a huge temple mount and a huge temple. Which the terrain would have to be altered for this to be built. I also say this because it says the Anti-christ sets up a image in the Holy Place… I think that could possibly be on the Temple Mount and not necessarily inside a temple. Also cause wherever they are doing sacrifices it is sanctified and holy so if it is setup in that place where the altar was it would be a holy place.

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