The Third Temple and What It Means for Christians

For the first time in 1900 years the religious Jewish leaders in Israel have 4 (four) unblemished red heifers that are of age for the red heifer ceremony (see Numbers 19:2). These will be used for the Third Temple in Jerusalem. This was the final piece in preparation to rebuild the Temple.

The Bible prophesies the building of the Third Temple and that the Temple will be completed by the half-way point of the seven (7) year Tribulation. Upon its completion the Antichrist will declare himself to be God and this is where he has plans to rule from.

The Bible warns us this will happen before Jesus’ second coming and we need to warn others. Most believers are shocked when I bring up the Third Temple and claim it’s not actually in the Bible.

Does the Bible talk about a Third Temple?

The bible does speak about this Temple and I thought it would be helpful to go through a few verses. Daniel 9 is a great chapter to read and it gives a big picture view of this prophecy. Specifically, Daniel 9:27 says that a Third Temple will be built.

“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

As we can see Daniel speaks about the Antichrist and how he will reign from this Temple and would cause sacrifices to cease at the mid point of the seven (7) years of Tribulation.

Further, Jesus referred to this in Mathew 24:15-16.

 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”

Then we see Paul confirming that there would be a Temple in Jerusalem when the Antichrist comes during the Tribulation which is called, The Day of the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 states:

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”

Going back to Daniel, Daniel 12:7 indicates that the Antichrist will defile the sanctuary for “a time, times, and an half a time” which is 3 1/2 years before Jesus comes and the Antichrist is defeated and cast into the lake of fire at the return of Christ.

“And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.”

Lastly, Revelation 11:1-2 says:

“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”

These verses speak of the Temple and that the two (2) witnesses will minister in front of the 3 1/2 years.

Do Christians need the Temple?

The clear and simple answer is no. Jesus died for our sins and that was the last sacrifice that was needed. However, this is Bible prophecy so it must happen and we should know what the Bible says. I am not advocating to support the building of this Temple but we should just be aware that this IS going to happen and there isn’t anything we can do that will stop it.

The Temple Institute is all ready to start building and they can get a temporary structure in place in a matter of hours. They’ve actually had many pieces for some time and just need the ashes of a red heifer to purify it.

We are living in biblical and prophetic times and we should be aware of what the Bible says, so we are not taken by surprise. I believe we should also be ready to answer questions from others when they ask about what is going on. Afterall, souls are at stake and as 1 Peter 3:15 says, we should be ready with a response.