Part 6: The Third Temple

The doctrine of “last things,” or the belief in the “end of history,” is the study of Eschatology. We are about to close out the Dispensation of Grace, or the Church Age. It is this author’s opinion that the next anchor point in God’s scheme of things, is the Third Temple.

I hate to burst any bubbles, but according to Jesus, the traditional Temple Mount is not the Western Wall of Temple #2. I’m guessing it’s a wall of the Antonio Fortress, where 600 Roman soldiers were garrisoned. My Proof? Jesus. In Matthew 24:2, Jesus explicitly declared to His disciples, “… There shall not be one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.” That sounds like total destruction to me [1]. In 70 AD it happened just like Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24. (Go figure. Jesus is right again.) Roman legions under Titus, totally destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.

Back in 2006 I began writing my second book, Back to Eden. I published the title in 2010. I may be the last Christian on the planet with which the Lord shared this illumination, but I care not. He gave it to me in peace-meal fashion during that time of writing that book. I was swimming in His presence. Here is the Scripture that started the revelation.

v2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
v3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [John 14:2, 3 KJV]

I learned that the mansions that Christ talked about… was us, the body of Christ! The Bride. The Bible teaches that we are the third Temple of God with Christ as the Cornerstone. We are the ones that He is preparing. Before the Bride was married, she’d go through a preparation process, complete with Mikvah [2], separation [3], and veiled faces [4]. The separation lasted for a year. Even if they build a Temple, it will just be a building. What about the Antichrist and the Abomination of Desolation? I may have to catch up with you later on that. I’m already over my page limit for you guys. I have another blog I want to insert first. The Mark of the Beast. Anyway:

While writing Back to Eden, other Scriptures followed, like 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Isaiah 28:16, Acts 17:24, which led to Ephesians 2:19-22 and 1 Peter 2:4, 5. God dwelt in not only the Tabernacle of old, but in both Temples. Now, He indwells us. God brought these Scriptures to my remembrance while writing Back to Eden. Anyway:

v16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
v17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. [1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 KJV]
v16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. [Isaiah 28:16 KJV]
v24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. [Acts 17:24 KJV]
v19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
v20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
v21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
v22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. [Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV]

Lord, what an honor it is to be alive in a time such as this. For 78 years, I have watched as your plan has played out. Like Paul, I have just about run my course and I am all but ready to be offered. The time of my own departure is about here. I pray that my course has pleased you, Lord. I have made many mistakes Lord and have let some folks down, not the least of which was the wife of my youth, but I have kept the faith and await the crown of righteousness you have laid up for me and my brothers and sisters. I love you Lord and have tried hard to lean not unto my own understanding. I keep trying to acknowledge you in all my ways so that you will direct my path. You are a lamp unto my feet. My time of preparation is just about finished, and I await the Shofar. In fact, your Bride awaits the shofar and your coming in the clouds. You have showed us much in advance and have given us everything, mainly, your life and Word. You are the Word Lord and I acknowledge you as such. Thank you for being my Savior and I acknowledge you as such. I am not ashamed of the Gospel or of following you. Thank you for your Word, your love, your grace, and your mercy, none of which I (we) do not deserve. Somehow, a thank you doesn’t seem adequate. Thanks for dwelling in us. Thanks for making us your Temple. I am amazed and honored that that was your plan from the Garden of Eden, especially given our contradistinction to you, Lord. I pray this in Jesus name, AMEN.

We are the Temple of God [5].
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[1] At the time, Fortress Antonio was 75 feet east of the Temple and above on Mount Moriah (Araunah threshing floor). Archeologists have found the ruins of the second Temple, right where the Bible said it would be. (2 Samuel 5:7-9). The second Temple was built of the first Temple’s footprint.
[2] A ceremonial cleansing, bath.
[3] It lasted for 12 months and was a sign of fidelity.
[4] During the time of separation, this was a sign to the public that she was taken and set apart for marriage.
[5] 1 Corinthians 3:16