Once again the soup is boiling up around Jerusalem’s Third Temple. Now red cows have already arrived for the “prescribed” sacrificial service. Protests are becoming louder for fear of escalation. However, there is no discussion about the meaning, purpose and, above all, abundance of another temple.
Inhalt / Content
Flawless animals for temples – provocation?
Is there a lot of work going on again at the so-called third temple in Jerusalem? The discussion about the construction of a third temple flares up again and again in an almost endless loop. The equipment for priestly service according to traditional specifications has long been on site. A temple with an altar is a place of sacrifice and sacrificial animals were also required for this, also according to the given regulations. One of them is a red heifer according to Numbers 19:2:
“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:“
So a flawless animal that was not used for any work. Such animals have now arrived in Israel from breeders in the USA. Not Jewish breeders, but Christian breeders, as the Catholic magazine “katholisch.de” reported (Source). Apparently, they want to get serious now. Actually, “only” the temple was missing.
Protests against plans by “fanatics”
Clear notes of protest can be heard against the construction of a third temple in Jerusalem. According to the magazine, a delegation of leading Christians from the Middle East and other parts of the world, as well as former Patriarch Archbishop Michel Sabbah, Jerusalem Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali, former World Council of Churches President Olav Fykse Tweit and former Lutheran World Federation President Munib Younan, signed a petition against the “fanatics’ plans” to build a “third Jewish temple”. In the petition, the signatories condemned the plans of the “Temple Institute” and the “cynical game of the Christian Zionists.” In doing so, they turned Jerusalem into an “apocalyptic playground,” according to the reasoning.
There are fears that the already tense situation will escalate due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Such a temple construction could provoke two billion Muslims to revolt. For the planned construction of the temple, the Al-Aqsa Mosque currently standing at the intended location would have to be torn down or at least relocated. Hamas, of all people, made it clear in its justification that this was much more than an “absurd whim of religious fanatics.”
Two precursor temples and the mosque
The first temple was built by King Solomon between 967 and 960 BC. In 586 BC, this temple was completely destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. The construction of the second temple took place on the foundations of the first temple with the inauguration in 516 BC. In 70 AD, the second temple was destroyed by the Romans under the leadership of the general Titus. In subsequent history, the Muslims conquered Jerusalem and built the Al-Aksar Mosque on the former site of the two temples, opening in 1035 AD
Muslims fear escalation
The objections to the construction of a third temple are clearly based on fears of an escalation between religious fronts. There is a risk of escalation far beyond the Israeli region. What is conspicuously missing, however, is the indication, especially from Christians, that a third temple is not only completely unnecessary, but also directly denies Jesus Christ and His work of salvation. Although the report does not mention which denomination the Christians who sent the red cows to Jerusalem belong to, it still strongly suggests so-called evangelical Christians. The idea that the “Antichrist” will one day appear after the Christian community has been brought to safety through an “ominous” early rapture is particularly widespread in evangelical circles in the USA.
According to the fable, this “Antichrist” will be enthroned in this third temple. The truth is, the Antichrist has been sitting in the (spiritual) temple of God for a long time (Info). And that’s exactly what needs to be distracted from.
Probability of a third temple
What are the chances that a third temple will ever be built? Anyone who believes the Bible knows that the chance is zero. For Jesus Christ said it clearly, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matthew 23:38). The temple of which Jesus Christ Himself spoke is the spiritual temple of the church, Jesus Christ being the cornerstone. Paul explained it, Ephesians 2:19-22:
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.“
Special role of the Roman Church
Not recognizing or ignoring this is not surprising given the obvious ambitions to build a third temple. The Roman Catholic Church plays a special (as usual) role here. For the church itself is this temple of Christ. However, this church itself proves that it must be a completely different “Christ” than the one in the Bible through its practice of re-sacrificing Jesus Christ countless times using the Eucharist (Info).
Neither a third temple nor the “Holy Mass” of the Roman Church can be reconciled with the Gospel. Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death was unique and everlasting, Hebrews 10:12-14:
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.“.
Does the “eternal” tussle over the Third Temple, which is slowly threatening to escalate, look like a deliberate provocation in order to finally ensure peace with the intervening, appeasing and saving hand from Rome? In contrast to the clear announcement of Jesus Christ that there will no longer be a temple, the possibility of a theatrical performance (with real sacrifices among the people) would still remain speculation. But you think you can already see clear outlines.
The structure of the former tabernacle, the forerunner of the temple – here.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Matthew 27:51
Bible verses from King James Version
