You asked for it…..Here it is!
By Pastor F. M. Riley
“Prove [test; try; examine] all things; hold fast [embrace; receive; believe] that which is [proves to be] good [wholesome; reliable; truth],” 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Introduction
In my recent study entitled, “The 220 days….,” I made the following statement:
“By God’s grace I can give book, chapter, and verse proving to any
true believer that (1) there will be a Temple in existence during the
Tribulation, (2) that the Lord will accept it as “His Temple” for a
short time, and (3) that the Jews will begin offering animal sacrifices
on the Temple altar again.”One of my readers sent me an email asking for such proof. Gladly!
The Tribulation Temple
The most plainly stated Scriptural proof of a future Tribulation Temple is found in Revelation 11:1-2, “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.”
I would first point out to our readers that Revelation 10 and 11 are one unbroken context from 10:1 right through 11:14.
In 10:8-11 John is told that he must “…..prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Then in 11:1 John is told to “Rise…” It is fascinating that the word “Rise” occurs right at this point in the context. This wordis translated from the Greek word “egeiro.” This Greek word occurs 140 times in the New Testament. The word literally means, “to awaken; to raise; to lift up; to be raised or lifted up.” See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 165, Strong’s No. 1453. Of the 140 times the word occurs in the New Testament, it is used directly or indirectly 90 times in reference to rising from the dead.
What John was being told in Revelation 11:1 was to wake up from the dead and “measure” [lay out the architectural design] the Temple. Get a concordance or Greek Lexicon and check the meaning of these words out for yourself.
John was not dead when he received the vision of the Revelation on the island of Patmos. But here in this text he is told to rise from the dead. This makes it obvious that John would die at some point after receiving the Revelation in 96 A.D. But his future resurrection and restoration to life was prophesied here in Revelation 11:1 even as he was still receiving the Revelation vision.
I would also point out that there was no Temple in existence in 96 A.D. The Jewish Temple had already been destroyed 26 years earlier, and John wasn’t dead. Therefore the Temple John was told to “Rise” and “measure” is the future Temple that is to be built during the first 220 days of the Tribulation. Now if there is to be no future Tribulation Temple, as some claim, then John can’t very well “measure” it, can he?
If our readers want a more in-depth study of this subject, I will be glad to send a copy of my Bible study, “The Future Ministry of God’s Two Witnesses” upon request.
The above text alone proves that there is going to be a Temple in existence during the coming Tribulation, but there’s more…..Daniel 8:9-14 records a vision of “a little horn” rising out of one of the four divisions of Alexander’s ancient Grecian empire. When “Gabriel” was sent to Daniel to give him understanding of this vision, Gabriel specifically stated “…..Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision,” 8:17. Again, in verse 19 it is repeated, “…..Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation…..” See also verses 23 and 26. I am emphasizing this because some “commentators” just can’t seem to place the “little horn” where the inspired Word says it belongs; “at the time of the end.” In other words, this prophecy will be fulfilled during the future Tribulation period at the end of this age.
Now let’s return to the “little horn.” It is specifically said of him in 8:11, “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away…..” In 8:12 it is stated, “And a host was given him against the daily sacrifice…..” In 8:13 the question is asked, “…..How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” Here, in three verses, the daily sacrifice of the Jews is mentioned three times in a vision that Gabriel himself said relates to “the last end of the indignation.” Is there anyone out there who wants to argue with Gabriel who stated to Zechariah, “ I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God…” Luke 1:19, and of whom Daniel said, “…..and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face….”? Well…??
I don’t know how there could be a “daily sacrifice” taking place in “the last end of the indignation” unless there was a Temple and an altar in existence. Do you?Wait! Don’t leave yet. There’s more…..
Daniel was given a vision in Daniel 9 that is commonly referred to as the vision of Daniel’s 70th Week. Daniel 9:26 speaks of a coming “prince” [Roman] whose “people” would destroy the city of Jerusalem and the Temple after the crucifixion of Christ. But without any break between the two Scriptures the next verse, 9:27, states, “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.” It is obvious that while verse 26 is speaking of events that were fulfilled in 30 A.D. and 70 A.D. respectively, verse 27 goes forward in time some 2,000 years directly to the final 70th week [7 year Tribulation] that will consummate this age. At the middle of this final 70th week we are told that this future Roman “prince” will “…..cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease….”
Folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that in order for him to cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, such activity has to be going on. And in order for such activity to be going on, there has to be a Jewish Temple in existence at that time. But there can’t be a Jewish Temple in existence unless the Jews build one. Is this too hard to see?Then there is the plainly stated passage in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
The man being talked about here is obviously the Antichrist, the same “little horn” and [Roman] “prince” that Daniel saw in his visions. In writing to the Thessalonians, Paul, by divine inspiration, plainly tells us that this “man of sin” is going to sit in the “temple of God,” apparently at the middle of the Tribulation as predicted in Daniel 9:27, and proclaim himself to be God.
It should be obvious to every reader that this prophecy cannot be fulfilled unless there is a future Temple built for him to sit in. Isn’t that a profound observation?
Again, if any of our readers want a more in-depth study of Daniel’s prophecy I will be glad to send my study entitled, “Pardon Me! Your Slips are Showing!” upon request.
Now let’s go to…..The Temple of God
It is taught by many prophecy teachers today that Almighty God would never accept the Tribulation Temple as His Temple. Oh, is that so? Well, let’s just see.....
In Malachi 4:5-6 the Word explicitly states, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
In Matthew 17:11 the Lord Himself said, “…..Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things.” See also Mark 9:12.
These three passages clearly state that “Elijah the prophet” is going to be sent back to Israel, and he is coming back for the specific purpose of “restoring” the ancient form of worship given to the Jews by the Lord through Moses. “Judaism” is not that ancient worship. Judaism is a corruption palmed off on the Jewish people by the wicked Pharisees and Sadducees after the Babylonian captivity.
Since it is explicitly stated in Malachi that “Elijah the prophet” will be sent back to Israel, and since the Lord Himself stated that “Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things,” what makes some think that God will reject the very work He sends Elijah back to do? Well…??
The Scriptures are just as explicit that John is to “Rise” from the dead and “measure the temple...,” Revelation 11:1. The word “measure” is translated from the Greek word, “metreo.” This Greek word literally means, “to measure or mete out; particularly in laying down God’s standards and principles of righteous judgment.” The Lord gave John “a reed like unto a rod” for the purpose of doing this measuring. The Greek word translated as “rod” is the word, “rhabdos.” This word occurs 12 times in the New Testament, and literally means, “a rod or sceptre of authority.”
What this all means when carefully studied is that John will be raised from the dead and given a “rod” [a sceptre of God’s authority] for the purpose of directing the rebuilding of the Temple and helping Elijah restore the ancient worship of the Jewish people. And some think that Almighty God will not then accept as His own the very thing that He sends Elijah and John back to do? God have mercy on such ignorance.In 2 Thessalonians 2:4 it is explicitly stated that the “man of sin” will sit in “the temple of God…..” In Revelation 11:1 John is told to “measure the temple of God….” Neither of these two passages refers to the Temple as “the temple of the Antichrist” or even “the temple of the Jews.” Both passages expressly refer to the Temple as “the temple of God.” Do you believe God’s Word? Well…??
Now, are some who read this going to tell Almighty God who inspired His Word that He was mistaken in calling it His Temple? That the Tribulation Temple will not really be His Temple? The very Temple that He sends Elijah and John back to oversee the rebuilding of, to make sure it is rebuilt according to the Lord’s own specifications? You, puny man [or woman], are going to tell Almighty God how wrong He is? Go ahead! Be my guest! Tell the Lord what a mistake He made in His Word. But don’t stand close to me while you are doing it. I love the Lord, but I also fear Him. I want far away from you when you start correcting the Lord.
Folks, the rebuilding of the Tribulation Temple will be supervised by Elijah and John. I can, with a little sanctified imagination, almost see Elijah praying the dedicatory prayer and the “fire of God” falling from Heaven to light the altar fires. And then the Jews will once more begin to offer…..Animal Sacrifices
Oh no! “This can never happen,” I am told. “The Lord would never accept such sacrifices again. This would be a blasphemous betrayal of the blood of Christ.” Oh! Is that so?
One of the things that really breaks my heart is the lack of real Bible knowledge by so many today who claim to be “Christians.” Why oh why don’t God’s people [those truly saved] get their priorities right and seriously study God’s Word? In my entire life I have never previously seen so many “professing Christians” who are so Biblically illiterate. They have time for everything else, but no time to study God’s Word. God have mercy!
Folks, have you never read David’s prayer of confession in…..Psalm 51…?
It is generally believed by God’s people that Psalm 51 is the Psalm of confession to the Lord that David wrote after his sin with Bathsheba. Let’s examine this Psalm…..
Verse 1 and 2 are a petition for “mercy” from God. In verses 3 and 4 David confesses his sin to God. In verse 5 he acknowledges his own fallen sin nature. In verse 6 he exalts the “holiness” of God, honestly admitting that he knows what God wants, and that God only places wisdom in the “inward” man. In verses 7 through 15 David again petitions God to cleanse him, forgive him, and do for him what only God can do for the repentant sinner. In verses 16 and 17 David sets forth his understanding that it is not animal sacrifices that God wants, but rather a “broken and contrite heart.”
But then in verses 18 and 19 David makes petition before God for his nation and people, “Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.”
Folks, this is too plain to be explained away, and it is really not hard to understand. King David, after making his own petition to God and having his prayer answered, then prayed that God would do a similar work in the hearts and minds of His people; the children of Israel. David knew that once such a work was done in their hearts and minds, then they would be able to offer animal sacrifices to God in “righteousness” as God Himself commanded them to do in the Law that He gave to Israel. And such will come to pass whether people want to believe it or not.
Now let’s move forward into the books of prophecy.
Isaiah 19In Isaiah 19:21 we read a passage dealing with Egypt. If our readers will carefully study the entire chapter it can easily be seen that verses 18-25 have to do with God’s judgment upon and redemption of the Egyptian people at the end of this age. Verse 21 states, “And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and, the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it.”
The word “sacrifice” in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word, “zebach.” This Hebrew word literally means, “a slaughtered animal.” See Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon, page 238, Strong’s No. 2077. Here is then a verse that predicts that even the Egyptians, when they come to “know the Lord” in the future, will then offer animal sacrifices to the Lord. There is no indication in these verses that the Lord will reject those sacrifices, but rather the 25th verse clearly states that “…..the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people…”
Now let’s look at…..Isaiah 56
In this chapter the Lord admonishes the Jewish people to, “Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed,” 56:1. Then in the following verses the Lord pronounces blessings upon those who heed His admonition, both Jew and Gentile. In verse 6 and 7 the Lord explicitly states, “Also the sons of the stranger [foreigner; Gentile], that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant; Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”
This passage plainly states that even Gentile believers will offer “…burnt offerings and….sacrifices…..” at “…My holy mountain…” [Mt. Zion in Jerusalem] during the Kingdom age, and that those “burnt offerings and sacrifices” will be “…accepted upon Mine altar…”
Is there any of our readers who want to tell Almighty God who gave His Word that He is mistaken in this passage? Well…??
This same truth is confirmed again in…..Jeremiah 17
In verses 24-26 of this chapter the Lord tells the Jewish people that “…if ye diligently hearken unto Me….Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes…..bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the Lord.” There isn’t the slightest indication in this text that the Lord would reject such offerings from those who “…diligently hearken unto Me…” Rather, the statement implies that the Lord would be well pleased with such offerings.
But there’s more…..Jeremiah 33
In verses 14-18 of this chapter the Lord restates His promises to “…the house of Israel and to the house of Judah,” 33:14. In verse 16 the Lord states, “In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” This is obviously a reference to the coming Millennial Kingdom. In this context the Lord says, “For thus saith the Lord; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.”
Now did the Lord mean this or did He not? Does this not indicate that animal sacrifices will be offered to the Lord during the coming Kingdom age? Well, don’t hem or haw around. Just answer the question. Does it or doesn’t it…??Ezekiel 40-48
Any true believer who is serious about studying God’s Word should know that these chapters contain a detailed account of the Millennial Temple which will be built following the end of the Tribulation. Over and over and over again in these chapters the Lord gives specific details about the animal sacrifices that are to be offered to Him on the Temple altar. There are so many Scriptures detailing this that I don’t have time or space to quote them all in this brief study. Study these chapters for yourself, and believe what you read. Folks, this is God’s own inspired Word. Are you going to tell Him that He is mistaken; that animal sacrifices will never be offered again? Well…??
Zechariah 14
In this chapter we are given a detailed account of the Lord’s return to this earth at the end of the Tribulation, and the defeat and destruction of the Lord’s enemies. After the destruction is over, “…the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one,” 14:9.
Then in verse 16 we are told, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.” If you want to know what was required by the Lord at this feast then study Leviticus 23:34-36 and 39-43. Here in this verse it is plainly stated that the Gentiles who survive the Tribulation will go up to Jerusalem each year to observe this “Jewish” feast.
This means that thousands of people from all over the earth will converge on the city of Jerusalem each year bringing the required sacrifices and offerings with them. This is why verses 20 and 21 specifically state, “In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite [trafficker; merchant] in the house of the Lord of hosts.”
Folks, when these thousands of Gentile believers converge on the city of Jerusalem each year, it is going to require all “the pots” in the city of Jerusalem just to “seethe” the abundance of meat from the animal sacrifices that they bring as an offering to the Lord. Glory! Praise the Lord!A Question?
Folks, every one of the Scriptures presented emphatically point out that animal sacrifices are to be offered on the Temple altar during the coming Millennial Kingdom. And each of these Scriptures also indicate that the Lord will “be pleased” with such sacrifices. Read Psalm 51:18-19 again.
Since such animal sacrifices are to be offered during the Millennial Kingdom, and the Lord will “be pleased” with them, then why wouldn’t He “be pleased” with such sacrifices offered on the Temple altar during the Tribulation? Especially in view of the fact that the Lord Himself sends Elijah and John back to Israel to supervise and oversee the rebuilding of the Tribulation Temple? Well…??But the Scripture says…..
That Christ was the perfect sacrifice, Hebrews 9:12-14. Therefore no more sacrifices are needed. Over and over in the Old Testament, and in the Book of Hebrews, God rejected the sacrifices of the Jews. See Isaiah 1:10-14, 66:3, Hebrews 10:4-10, and other similar Scriptures. So why should the Jews offer such sacrifices again during the Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom?
I’m so glad you Asked…
Folks, over and over again throughout the years, I have emphasized the need for God’s people to harmonize God’s Word. Any genuine truth will always harmonize with the total revelation set forth in the Word. It was the Lord Himself who said, “…the Scripture cannot be broken..,” John 10:35. In other words, the Scriptures never contradict themselves. All Scriptures are a harmony working together to arrive at the ultimate truth that the Lord wants His people to know and understand. Praise the Lord!
Now let’s do some serious thinking. Who commanded Israel to offer animal sacrifices to begin with? Almighty God! Read Exodus 12 and the whole Book of Leviticus, and numerous other passages in The Law where God Himself commanded the Jews to offer animal sacrifices. Then the Lord must have wanted Israel to offer those animal sacrifices, since He was the one who originally commanded them to do so. Have you ever thought of that? Well…??
Then why did the Lord later reject the animal sacrifices of Israel? If you study the Scriptures in context, it obviously was because the Jewish people had turned away from the Lord in rebellion, and were committing all kinds of abominations and wickedness. The Scriptures are very plain that this was the reason why God rejected their sacrifices and offerings. They were not being offered “in righteousness.” Study this out for yourself.
Does this then mean that the Lord will never again accept the sacrifices and offerings of Israel? It does not! King David himself clearly stated that when God does “good” to Zion and Jerusalem, “Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar,” Psalm 51:18-19.
Folks, it is obvious that when the Jewish people truly repent and turn back to the Lord “with their whole heart,” [Jeremiah 29:11-13] then “in righteousness” they will once more offer the animal sacrifices on the Temple altar that God Himself commanded them to offer, and the Lord will “be pleased” with them. Praise the Lord!But Christ was the Perfect Sacrifice…..
Indeed He was! The Lord Jesus Christ was the “Lamb of God” who was sacrificed to pay the sin debt of all humanity, John 1:29. Praise the Lord! Christ drank the cup of God’s judgment for all, Hebrews 10:4-10. . The Heavenly Father saw the travail of His soul and was satisfied for time and eternity, Isaiah 53:11. All who are willing to personally receive Christ and His finished work at Calvary can now be saved. His sacrifice in our behalf is a finished work that will never be repeated! No further sacrifice is, nor will ever be, necessary to pay for sin. Praise the Lord!
Why then is there any need for further animal sacrifices to be made? May I suggest you ask yourself this question the next you observe…..The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by the Lord Himself in view of His approaching death, Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. We now know that the Lord went on to Calvary where He suffered, bled, and died, as the perfect sacrifice to pay for our sins. This is now history; finished history that will never be repeated!
So why do millions of “professing Christians” all over the world continue to bring up and rehash the death of Christ by observing the Lord’s Supper? Why…??
Why…?? Because the observance of the Lord’s Supper is a memorial. When we observe the Lord’s Supper we are repeatedly reminded of the sacrifice of Christ in our behalf, and of how much love He has for us, and that He is coming again to receive us to Himself, John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 11:26. The Lord never wants us to forget that, therefore He established a memorial to remind us of it. Praise the Lord!A MEMORIAL
In view of this truth about the Lord’s Supper, God’s people [true believers]should remember why God commanded Israel to offer animal sacrifices in the first place. Every one of those animal sacrifices, without fail, depicted [typified] some aspect of the work that Christ did for us at Calvary. In fact, the first animal sacrifice recorded in the Scriptures sets forth a spiritual picture of the sacrifice that Christ Himself would accomplish at Calvary. See Genesis 3:21. If that is not clear enough, then look at the second animal sacrifice recorded in the Scriptures, Genesis 4:4.
Why then is it so hard for some to believe that the Lord will once again require the animal sacrifices, not for our redemption, but for A MEMORIAL to the “everlasting gospel,” Revelation 14:6. Every time an animal sacrifices is made it will remind all future generations of humanity of the supreme sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus Christ, to secure, not only our salvation, but an eternal Kingdom of peace and righteousness for all peoples. Read Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:30-33, Hebrews 12:28, and many other passages which speak about the future glorious Kingdom of Christ. Glory! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Glory to our Heavenly Father!“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:57.
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NOTICE: Permission is granted to any true believer, or to any Bible believing Christian ministry, to forward this study to others, or to reproduce copies of it to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.
This ministry is financed solely by the freewill offerings of those who feel led of the Lord to help us send forth God’s wonderful Word.
All comments, questions, or correspondence should be addressed to:Last Call Gospel Ministry
Pastor F. M. Riley
3900 Clark Lane Lot 178
Columbia, MO 65202Our email address is: fmrglbd5@yahoo.com or fmrglbd5@aol.com
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