Will a third temple be built during the end times?
Dome of the Rock (Skalní dóm) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Given the significance of Jesus as described in the New Testament, both for Jewish and Gentile believers, the building of a third temple would have no theological, salvific, or spiritual significance. Believers in Jesus accept his word that “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). And they are convinced that the hour has come when the true worshippers “worship the Father neither on this mountain [Garizim] nor in Jerusalem” but everywhere “in spirit and truth” (vv. 21, 23).
Will there be a new temple in the millennium? This is possible, given Ezekiel’s prophecy of a temple, which has not been built. On the other hand, this is not certain given Jesus’ assertion that he is God’s temple, given Paul’s assertion that the Jewish and Gentile church is God’s holy temple, and given the teaching that the church is the messianic people of God.
Schnabel, E. J. (2011). 40 Questions about the End Times. (B. L. Merkle, Ed.) (pp. 149–150). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional.