Is the Next Temple the Tribulation Temple or the Millennial Kingdom Temple and should we give money to build it?
In order to understand the next Temple, we need to do a little back-tracking and check out the previous Temples & Tabernacle.
There is a temple described in the vision of the prophet Ezekiel. Ezek. 41:1-43:17 The description of this Temple influenced the remodeling of the Temple by Herod the Great, but the Ezekiel Temple has not yet been built and will not be built until the Millennium. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE TRIBULATION TEMPLE AND THE MILLENNIUM TEMPLE.
The L-rd gives detailed instructions to measure the Temple in Ezekiel, and again in Rev. 11, but in Ezekiel the courts are measured as well as the temple. In Rev. 11, only the temple and the altar are to be measured because the courts are in gentile hands. Even the worshippers are to be counted. Rev. 11:1-14 takes place in the first half (3 1/2 yrs.) of the Tribulation. Apparently when the temple worship is reinstituted, the amount of worshippers will be few enough to be counted. Compare this to the Millennium when the Messiah sits in the Temple and people from all over the earth come to pay homage. Ezek. 43:4-9, Zech. 14:16-21
In Ezekiel the L-rd says his Temple will never again be defiled by idols or sinful men. Compare this to the Tribulation Temple being defiled by the person & image of the AntiChrist (AntiMessiah) in mid-Tribulation. II Thess. 3:1-4; Matt. 24:15
The next Temple to be built will be the Tribulation Temple. It will be built by those participating in a religious system, which is not recognized as true religion by G-d. The L--rd has expressed His distaste for the Tribulation Temple in Isa. 66:1-4:
First He declares His own omnipotence as Creator and the fact that He does not need a house to dwell in. Then He declares what is needed to earn his esteem -- humility, contriteness and respect for His Word. (Without the proper heart attitude, any sacrifice is in vain) He continues, in verse 3, with His opinion of the Temple worship, "Whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man, and whoever offers a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig's blood, and whoever burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways and their souls delight in abominations; so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring upon them what they dread." In verse 6, He says, "Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the Lord repaying His enemies all they deserve."
This chapter deals with the Tribulation, the Temple and the results of the sin of Israel, and it gives the reason why the L-rd brings judgment upon the people. It also ushers in the Millennial Kingdom of the L-rd and the regathering of the nation of Israel. The ultimate holiness of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount is assured.
In light of the L-rd's opinion of the Tribulation Temple built by religious, but not redeemed, people; we should think carefully about our role as believers in contributing to this next Temple. It is not the Temple that G-d has requested to be built for His dwelling place. It is a detestable place in His sight, and will only stand long enough for the man of sin to use it to glorify himself. This Temple will ultimately be destroyed and Mt. Zion will be cleansed and lifted up by the L-rd. The topography of Jerusalem will be totally changed. It will become a huge plateau where the new Temple will be built for the Millennial reign of the King of Kings; Y'shua (Jesus), The Messiah of Israel and the World! Praise His glorious Name forever and ever!
Lura Maiman, Congregation Yeruel, Israel