Steven,
I just wrote you about the fact that I believe there will be no temple rebuilt because I do not believe in the rapture as most Christians do.
Another thought that I have come to is one I would like your opinion on. I feel that all throughout the Bible there seems to be time periods that are closely followed by God. Jonah was three days in the belly of a fish, Jesus was three days in the grave and so on. I was thinking about the timing of the second coming of Christ and I had a fascinating thought. Even though I am well aware that we can not know the time or hour of Christ return, I do think that we can get close, maybe even down to the year. Daniel knew the year of their return to Jerusalem based on the prophet Jeremiah.
What if the house of Israel is to be in the hands of the gentiles for three days also? In other words, what if the requirement of Gods people is the death (death of a nation), then its correction period of three thousand years (three days), and then its resurrection (or reconstitution) into a holy nation? If we take the time of the split of the nation of Israel into two different nations (930 BC) as the start of this three day period, then using a day for a year principle we then know that the three years will be up around 2030 AD.
Interesting thought.
Marten Smith
MYREPLY
Dear Marten,
Thanks for your inquiry and comments. While many Christians have an expectation that a Temple will be built during the latter days, I do see “wiggle room” on this question in the scriptures. It is possible that sacrifices could begin at a Temple site as soon as it is dedicated. This would permit sacrifices to be offered in the latter days at a Temple site before the construction work is actually finished. I’m flexible on how this may unfold in the years ahead of us.
There is no question that God has various prophetic timetables which determine when certain events will occur in the latter days. As you no doubt realize, there are many differing beliefs about prophetic timetables in the various denominations and fellowships of modern Christians/believers. The timetable you suggested is one I have not heard or read about prior to your mention of it. One weakness with that proposal is that the house of Israel was not “under the gentiles” for long periods of time during the millennia since the United Kingdom of Israel split circa 930 BC. Many Israelite kingdoms and empires have existed which reigned over many gentile kingdoms for long periods of time since the time when the ancient kingdom of Israel was split into Israel and Judah. Nevertheless, I will post your suggestion at the website in order for others to consider it.
Steve
