GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 381 July 20, 2011
TEMPLE REBUILT
"Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (return of Jesus) will not come unless apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction," 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
The hope of Christianity is the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. However, we see that two things must occur before our hope is realized. Before Jesus comes again, two events have to happen: 1) First, an apostasy (falling away) and 2), the man of lawlessness revealed (man of sin).
With those two points understood, Paul gives us some information about the man of sin. He "...takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God," 2Thess. 2:4. Since, the man of sin is seated in the Temple of God, we have proof that a temple must be built and serviceable; all before the Second Coming. Otherwise, there is no meaning to this verse of Scripture. Therefore, before Jesus returns, there will be a temple built. However, this issue of the GoodNewsLetter is to show that a temple will be rebuilt; not to prove the time of the Second Coming.
In the past, the Temple subject has been fascinating to me. It's interest, over the years, has not waned, either. Israel is the most interesting nation that has ever existed. She is to always exist, as well. To get an idea of what I mean, read A STATEMENT BY THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE IN JERUSALEM, which I took from the web: "Jerusalem is the light of the world...and who is the light of Jerusalem? The Holy One, Blessed be He." (Bereshit Rabbah 59.8) (Rebuilding the Temple, by L. Dolphin).
The article goes on to say: Jerusalem. No other city is known by so many names to so many people: Eternal City, City of Peace, City of Gold - and no other city is referred to as the "City of God"... a place of unique sanctity. Jerusalem is the focus of the spiritual energies of a large segment of mankind, and at its heart lies its greatest secret - the enigma of the Holy Temple.
The article goes on to say: Jerusalem. No other city is known by so many names to so many people: Eternal City, City of Peace, City of Gold - and no other city is referred to as the "City of God"... a place of unique sanctity. Jerusalem is the focus of the spiritual energies of a large segment of mankind, and at its heart lies its greatest secret - the enigma of the Holy Temple.
And, from this article, 'Rebuilding the Temple,' we read of varying ideas that come from the Israeli faithful. The writing states: Not a United Front by Any Means---"Two Jews Equals Three Opinions."
The Editor, L. Dolphin, tells how Israel has approached rebuilding the temple. In l982, after years of disagreement about methods of approach, three groups of devout Jews, The Jerusalem Temple Foundation, To the Mountain of the Lord, and The Faithful of the Temple Mount combined their forces to plan for and build the Third Temple. More recently The Temple Institute has begun to build the sacred vessels to be used in the Third Temple. One yeshiva (Yeshivot Ateret Cohanim) is presently located in the Old City in the historic Torat Haim Yeshiva building. Prior to the Arab riots of 1936 this area of the Old City was a thriving Jewish community. The yeshiva's location places it not far from the spot the Holy of Holies (Kodesh Hakodoshim) once stood on the Temple Mount.
Historical and Biblical records show that two previous temples existed, beforehand. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586. The second temple destroyed by the Romans in A. D. 70. And, concerning this temple of 2Thessalonians, we are confident that it will be built. After all, there are so many Israeli's involved in this project.
The Editor, L. Dolphin, tells how Israel has approached rebuilding the temple. In l982, after years of disagreement about methods of approach, three groups of devout Jews, The Jerusalem Temple Foundation, To the Mountain of the Lord, and The Faithful of the Temple Mount combined their forces to plan for and build the Third Temple. More recently The Temple Institute has begun to build the sacred vessels to be used in the Third Temple. One yeshiva (Yeshivot Ateret Cohanim) is presently located in the Old City in the historic Torat Haim Yeshiva building. Prior to the Arab riots of 1936 this area of the Old City was a thriving Jewish community. The yeshiva's location places it not far from the spot the Holy of Holies (Kodesh Hakodoshim) once stood on the Temple Mount.
Historical and Biblical records show that two previous temples existed, beforehand. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586. The second temple destroyed by the Romans in A. D. 70. And, concerning this temple of 2Thessalonians, we are confident that it will be built. After all, there are so many Israeli's involved in this project.
Also, there is a third temple that shall be built for the millenium (The Lord's 1000 year kingdom reign on earth). For a lengthy description of this temple and how God restores Israel, see Ezek. 34:11-31. The prophet Ezekiel tells of why God blesses the land; as well as, the reason that Israel is renewed. "...it is not for your sake, O house of Israel that I am about to act, but for My holy name," (36:22).
What about the third temple? Will the third temple of Thessalonians be the same as the millenium one? Will Israel, with God's approval, merely redo the third temple; which, becomes the one used in the 1000 year reign? Many questions but, we trust in the Lord.
A TEMPLE SYNOPSIS
Let's see if we can bring it together in a short paragraph. In order to build the Temple, Israel will have to come to some terms of peace. Once accepted, the building site where the Dome of the Rock exists, will be turned over for the rebuilding of the Temple. Scholars say that the new building will not have "the court of the Gentiles" and the Temple will fit next to Arab structure. As you view the picture from the web site, 'Rebuilding the Jewish Temple,' don't miss the Dome to the left of the Temple.
It's only an artist's drawing but the idea really catches my interest.