An Unholy Temple? – is the future Tribulation Temple unholy? On a fairly regular basis, I see comments by futuristic premillennialists of all stripes calling the tribulation temple unholy or even a “fake” temple.
Incidentally, I also regularly spot “fake modern Israel” tags from some premils. For some reason – and I’m sorry but this has been my observation – this sentiment has predominantly been expressed by posttribulationists. I have no idea why this should be so.
These folk observe that modern Israel is in a state of unbelief. They’ll cite Paul’s comments regarding what constitutes a true Jew (true Israel). The same folk do it regularly enough that I suspect in some cases there’s an underlying animus driving it. Some will cite people like Steven Anderson and Rick Wiles (avowed anti-Zionists and possibly anti-Semites). Others are somewhat more subtle. But that’s another story for a future axe to grind.
So, is the future tribulation temple unholy? What does Scripture say?
Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains Matt 24:15-16 (see also Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)
….who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thess 2:4
Given the above verses, how can an Abomination of Desolation occur in a fake temple? How can something unholy stand in a holy place – in a fake temple? Can the temple of God be referred to as a fake temple? It can only be one or the other, not both.
Of course, postmil-amil Covenant Theologians who subscribe to Replacement Theology allegorize the temple (naos) as being within each believer. They’ll usually appeal to verses such as 1 Cor 6:19. We’re not doing that here. The fact that Paul referred to each believer as a temple does not rule out a physical future temple.
Anyway, I infer from certain verses that unbelieving Israel will be brought to final salvation through a process. This will occur during a future tribulation, and especially the second half of the 70th Week of Daniel. Perhaps the temple is an indicator of this process. First, Israel will seek God, and later it will recognize its Messiah.
BUT, please, please note that I’m not claiming that sacrifices in a tribulation temple contribute to Israel’s salvation. Salvation is always by grace through faith in Christ. Israel will be saved once they recognize the Messiah Jesus Christ (Matt 23:37-39)
I will return again to My place till they acknowledge their offense. Then they will seek My face; In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me. Hos 5:15
….so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Zech 12:10
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, Mat 24:30
What do you think?
For more on this topic see DR. Randall Price’s book “The Temple and Bible Prophecy.” Chapter 23 “Blasphemy or Blessing – Sacrifices in the Last Days Temple” is helpful.
See also Dr. Price’s website and this article.
Maranatha!
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