Day 245, more insights

Ezekiel's Temple In Ezekiel 40–46, God gives Ezekiel a new temple design for the Jewish exiles in Babylon. There are two views about this new temple. First View: Post-Exile Some Bible scholars believe the plans for Ezekiel’s temple were potential and conditional upon her repentance and complete obedience. In Ezekiel’s record, there are present-day names and instructions (Ezekiel 43:11; 44:15-16). This seems to indicate a near fulfillment for building the temple. Later, during the exile, Israel does repent. Still, many Jewish exiles don’t return to their land, even when given three opportunities. For this, Israel accepts God’s second-best—the rebuilding of Solomon’s temple. Ezekiel’s glorious temple will be built in a future day. We know a temple will be present during the Millennial reign of Christ, and sacrifices will be offered there (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; Zechariah 14:7-21; Isaiah 2:2; 56:4-7; 60:1-7; 66:20-22; Micah 4:1). This is probably Ezekiel’s temple. Second View: Millennial Temple The second, more common, view is that this is a millennial temple, set up when Christ comes back to earth to rule and reign. One might ask if the plans are for a millennial temple, why does God share it with the Israelites now? In Bible prophecy, future hope is often linked with present hope. A present prophecy is partially fulfilled with the hope of future glorious fulfillment. In this view, Solomon’s rebuilt temple serves as present hope, and the plans for Ezekiel’s temple serve as their glorious hope. Israel was in exile and despair. Whichever view is correct, or a combination of the two, the sharing of this plan brings them encouragement. God has not cast his people aside forever, and he has not forgotten them—he is making plans for their future! The purpose of sacrifices If the second view is correct, a troublesome question is, why will there be sacrifices at this temple? These sacrifices would have been appropriate for the Israelites since Christ had not yet come, but why afterward? Didn’t Christ’s one sacrifice on the cross eliminate the need for all animal sacrifices? Yes. The writer of the book of Hebrews says to Jewish believers of the early church, The outer tabernacle…is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation” (Hebrews 9:8b-10, NIV). The writer continues, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4, NIV). Christ's death fulfilled the requirements for a perfect sacrifice. A picture What then could possibly be the purpose of Millennial sacrifices, if all who enter the Millennium, both Jews and Gentiles, are Christians? (Revelation 7:9-17). Those who propose the second view say that the millennial temple will serve as a picture of Christ’s redemption on the cross through the use of animal sacrifices. Although only saved Jews and Gentiles will enter the Millennium, children will be born during that time. As in Old Testament days, the offerings will serve to give them a picture of Christ’s sacrifice. An object lesson Today, we remember Christ’s death on the cross with Communion services. But when he comes back, there will be no more need for communion services—he will be present. How, then, will children learn about the death of Christ and the payment for sin? They will know as the Old Testament saints discovered—by offering sacrifices and observing significant feast days. In the Millennium, it will be tempting for children who grow up in Christian homes in a perfect environment to think they are Christians. However, when the priests slay their lamb or goat and burn it, they can perceive their corruption and the cost of their sin. This object lesson will serve to lead many to faith in the same way the Old Testament saints were led to belief (Galatians 3:24). Salvation has always been by God’s grace through faith, but salvation came at a high cost, and that cost needs to be understood. Do we comprehend the cost of Christ’s sacrifice? Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died for us on the cross, in our place, to forgive all our wrongs and give us hope of eternal life in heaven and on the new earth. Have we in sorrow over our sin, begged God to forgive us? (more...). After Christ reigns for one thousand years, the temple will be done away with. Following that, the world will be rejuvenated. Then a new Jerusalem will come down from heaven, and God will dwell with us forever (Revelation 21). Amen.

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