The topic of building a “third” temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is a complex and politically explosive idea that has caused problems for millennia. I will not go into a detailed discussion of all the texts and history that gets involved, but I would like to comment on a few.
First, an introduction to the topic. David wanted to build a temple for God. Remember, that God didn’t really want one. He was satisfied with a tent, the tabernacle, but He granted that David’s son, Solomon, could build one. What function did it serve? It was a tangible place in this world where the visible glory (the Shekinah) of God could be observed. Even more so, it was a type (a physical prophecy about something in the future). This temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, because of Israel’s disobedience.
When they returned from Babylon, the Jews were allowed to rebuild a temple (sometimes referred to as Zerubbabel’s temple–the Second Temple). It was a disappointing scale model of the first. King Herod, of the time of Jesus’ birth, had remodeled that temple to its former glory (Temple 2b). This temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD. Jesus spoke of this event as a judgment on Israel.
The idea of a third temple on the same spot has been a desire of some within Judaism ever since. In fact, some attempts have been made, only to fail. One even seemed to have a supernatural end. Certain Old Testament texts can be interpreted to suggest that this will happen. Both Jews and some Christians take it to be a sign of the “Messianic Age”.
Here is where you have to get back to God’s idea of a temple and its purpose. God is really not that interested in a physical building here on Earth. The detailed description of a temple in Ezekiel 40 to 48 could have very well described Temples 1, and 2b. It is really given to Ezekiel to describe the theology of the temple and not so much offer an architectural plan. In the end, there is a promise for something that includes at least some of the Jews. As you get more to the end of this section, you morph into a description echoed in Revelation 21 and 22. This is the New Jerusalem. There is no temple in that city:
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
Revelation 21:22 (ESV)
The lack of need of a physical temple precedes the arrival of the New Earth. It does come in the Messianic Age. It comes with Jesus.
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
John 2:19 (ESV)
That Jesus’ body is the actual, foretold, anti-type of Solomon’s temple fits with this passage:
12 And say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’
Zechariah 6:12-13 (ESV)
Jesus raises His body. He is both King and Priest. His incarnate nature leads to a “counsel of peace”. How does it “branch out”?
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
While 1 Corinthians 12 does briefly use metaphorical language, our being a part of the body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, is not a metaphor. God dwells and works through us. We are not waiting for someone to clear the Temple Mount, purify the priesthood, and restart animal sacrifice. The sacrifice has been made and has been accepted. That much is done.
Many remained intrigued with Daniel 12:11 on this topic.
11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.
Daniel 12:11 (ESV)
This has its first fulfillment when the Greek leader, Antiochus, profanes the Temple in 167BC. That taints Temple 2a. Temple 2b gets it in 70AD.
15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
Matthew 24:15 (ESV)
Jesus is warning his disciples of the relatively near future to get out of Jerusalem before then. Finally, what about this?
3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV)
I would not jump to the conclusion that this reference to a temple is now a physical building. At least not after our bodies have been proclaimed to be part of Christ and the Temple. There will be many anti-Christs. The worst will arise among Christians. This final man of lawlessness will assert himself among Christians claiming either to be the embodiment of Christ or some other manifestation of God. When Jesus actually physically returns there will be no doubt as to what is happening. Ignore all other claims.
Giving Christ 