A new initiative has been established towards the construction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem alongside the existing Muslim Dome of the Rock Mosque. The Jerusalem Post featured the story June 21 describing the plans of the inter-faith coalition, “God's Holy Mountain Vision.” This is eye opening news for those who study Bible prophecy because both the Old Testament and the New Testament describe the rebuilding of the third Jewish Temple.It seems inconceivable that the Muslim and Jewish worship centers could co-exist together side by side in close proximity, but many have seen this idea already portrayed in scripture in Revelation 11.2a: “But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles.” (NKJV) Another unique aspect of this initiative is the emphasis on ecumenism, the joining of different faiths together. When Judaism and Christianity are joined with other faiths and paganism it is referred to in the scriptures as a type of spiritual adultery and apostasy, for example, the "Mother of Harlots" mentioned in Revelation 17.5.
Jesus prophesied of the ultimate desecration of the future rebuilt temple: “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),” (Matthew 24:15) He was referring to the prophecy described in Daniel 12.11. The Apostle Paul described the context of the desecration of the temple:: “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.” (II Thess 2:3-4)
According to tradition and most Jewish Rabbis, the temple may only be built on the very location where the Dome of the Rock Mosque stands. But an article in 2007 in “Tehumin,” an influential journal of Jewish law, offered a different perspective. According to the author, Yoav Frankel, a "prophet" of God may determine a different location for the temple. Who exactly will this prophet be? Will there be any relation to the "false prophet" described in Revelation 16.13, 19.20 and 20.10? This is an end times persona aligned with the false Messiah, the Antichrist, also definitely connected with the new temple.
Many Jewish organizations have been seriously preparing for the rebuilding of the temple. When my wife and I visited Israel, we visited the Temple Institute, and saw many of the utensils and garments being crafted for use in the resumed ordinances. The fact that this present collaboration is described in the Jerusalem Post as a real possibility gives it quite a bit of credibility.
People laughed at the prophecy that Israel would again become a nation, that is, until 1948. People also wonder how the temple can be rebuilt under the existing circumstances. But according to scripture, it will be rebuilt. The main questions are how? Where? And when? It's exciting to see prophecy possibly on the verge of fulfilment.
Thanks for this hopeful post! I would like to point out that the Temple Mount was always meant to be a center for monotheism -- the place where all of humanity would worship the One God. Sure not all Muslims live the ideals of Islam, but Islam is purely monotheistic (see 'The Jewish Approach to Islam'). The new vision for the Temple Mount is suggested for long term study and must originate in our hearts as it is written "and they shall build me a Temple and I shall dwell inside them". For more details see God'sHoly Mountain.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I think it's hopeful in that it implies that Christ will return soon for His Bride, the Church. In terms of the world in general, however, it signifies a time of increased deception and misery (although there may be a false peace for a time).
ReplyDeleteIt is true that there is one true and living God. But this God is not the God that Muslims and pagans worship. There is the "god of this world" who is not really God at all, but a fallen angel.This false god has his false messiah and false prophet and will bring a false peace to the Middle East. They will be key players on the stage of history in the near future as the scriptures have prophesied.
Thanks for you response. I must admit I find your outlook very gloomy indeed. Why assume terrible things must happen to the entire world before things become good (for a few of them)? Why assume that the world is governed by a fallen angel (I take it this is this what you're suggesting)? Why think that Muslims aren't worshiping the One Living God, when that is what they proclaim very clearly? As a Jew, I believe the prophecies to be true, but I have no idea how things will play out. Scripture can be interpreted in may different ways – why choose to believe ones that are so morbid? Especially when this isn't only a matter of our state of mind, it actually effects happens in the world – certainly what we ourselves do and more times than not what others do. If there is no choice, so be it, but if we do have some choice don't we have an obligation to think and act in the best way possible? Isn't this exactly what we learn form the story of Jonah? Better your deeds and you can avert catastrophe.
ReplyDeleteHello Ohr, Prophecies are open to interpretation, I agree. But there are many which are pretty clear and specific. One is that the Antichrist will not be a nice guy. No matter how you slice it you won't find any real positive things on him after he has wooed the world with his false peace plan in the Middle East. Things go downhill quickly after that. This is in the OT and NT for both Jews and Christians.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of pluralism in religion, I guess that's a philosophical question as well. Is there such a thing as absolute truth? I believe this is what the Judaic scriptures and prophecy declare. To say Islam is right in addition to Judaism and Christianity is a step for me and many go even further saying that they are all in complete agreement with Buddhism, etc. Personally, I don't buy it. They contradict each other on fundamentals. They can't be all correct.