We ask,
then: does the Bible indicate that in the Messianic Kingdom there will be a
temple? And if so, what purposes does
that temple serve?
As we give references to support our answer ask
two questions: 1) Is the passage speaking of a future temple or one that is past
(i.e. the Solomonic or Second temples)? and 2) Does the passage tell us it is
speaking allegorically or symbolically? Be
assured that we believe they speak of a future temple, and that the passage is
to be taken for what it says. But we
encourage you to do this work for yourself as we consider four truths about a
temple in the Messianic Kingdom.
1. There
is a temple in the future earthly reign of Messiah, in Jerusalem (Isa.
2:2-4; Micah 4:1-5; Ezekiel 40-44).
Note: this is not the new
Jerusalem, the holy city described in Revelation 21-22 which is not
an earthly city but descends out of heaven (21:10); and is associated with the
Church, the bride of the Lamb (21:9); and in which there is no temple
(21:22). The new Jerusalem does not preclude the possibility of an earthly Jerusalem even as the eternal,
heavenly Kingdom of God does not preclude the possibility of an earthly reign
of the Messiah. We say this because it
is clearly stated to be the case all over the Scriptures. For 1000 years the earthly manifestation of
the Kingdom of God will be an earthly reign of His Son from Jerusalem, even as
the earthly manifestation of the Kingdom of God these days is the Church, the
Body of Christ.
2. In
that future temple, God will be present there (Ezekiel 37:24-28;
43:1-9). This temple will be the focal
point of worship on earth. And if you
are wondering, this does not prevent the possibility of God being present in
the hearts and lives of believers in that time. In fact the Holy Spirit will indwell believers
(Zech. 12:10; Joel 2:28-32). But it is
describing an earthly situation.
Ezekiel, who described a vision of the glory of God departing from the
temple (Ezek. 8) also describes the future return of God’s glory (Ezek.
37:24-28).
3.
Various feasts of Israel will be celebrated in
the future kingdom (Zech. 14:16-19; Ezek. 45:18-25). Tabernacles
may make sense; but these passages also indicates Passover as well. And, of
course, these feasts originally involved sacrifices. And note that the temple in Ezek. 40-44 is
not any temple but the one in the future kingdom. What is described is not Solomon’s, not the
Second temple, nor a tribulation period temple.
It is a time when Messiah is present.
A literal reading makes this clear, and with some detail.
4.
And finally, sacrifices will be performed in
this future temple (Ezek. 43:13-18; Zech. 14:20-21. This is the question we are asking. The literal answer is “yes”. And we will continue in seeking to understand
the purpose of these sacrifices as we continue our study.
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