(OPINION) There is a lot of buzz happening in prophetic circles regarding the preparation of the red heifers for the anticipation of the coming “third temple” in Jerusalem.
This has caused a rift between those who read the Bible and can clearly see the description of a coming temple made of stone and brick while those who hold to replacement theology is that “We are the Temple” therefore, there is not going to be a future third temple be constructed. This is grossly misinterpreted. So let’s bring clarification to this here.
We must recognize according to scripture there is a physical temple of flesh and blood and there is a literal brick and stone temple and we must rightfully divide the Word to understand what we are speaking of here prophetically speaking. Let’s first talk about the flesh and blood “Temple”.
“Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body.” John 2:19-21
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? – 1 Corinthians 6:18-19
In both of these passages above we discover that our bodies are indeed referred to as a “temple” but these are temples of flesh and not of brick and stone. However, notice how the Jews had an understanding of an actual temple that existed and was constructed in Jerusalem in tier day and this is exactly what John the Revelator saw as well in the Book of Revelation regarding a temple that would be constructed in the beginning of the Tribulation period.
“Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.” Revelation 11:1-2
Notice, in this passage above that there is a process of measurements being made with this Temple that will also have an altar included for worship. This temple is described as also having an outer and inner court as well. John tells us that the outer court of this temple will be given over to the Gentiles. This clearly describes an actual temple of brick and stone and not our physical bodies.
So here is the conclusion of the matter. Our bodies are a temple of flesh but there is a physical brick and mortar temple as well and there will be another temple constructed during the tribulation. This temple will ultimately be the headquarters for the future Antichrist to rule from for forty-two months during the Tribulation
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5
