Does An Actual Temple Need To Be Rebuilt In Jerusalem Before Christ’s Return?

2Th 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,
2Th 2:2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (biblical ref. are all from the NKJV)

This verse has been used by many as support for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem before Christ’s Second Advent. After all, the man of perdition, called Anti-Christ, must have somewhere to sit!

Those who support this belief are called Christian Zionists. Christian Zionism can be defined as:

"a movement, largely among Gentile Christians, supporting the right of the Jewish people to return to the Promised Land to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and reinstate Temple Sacrifices"

Some of the people who support the movement are; Grant Jeffery, Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and John Hagee whose combined book sales exceed 70 million U.S. dollars. Tim LaHaye, along with Jerry Jenkins co-wrote the very famous series Left Behind. I make no bones about referring to this set of fictional accounts as, “Truth Left Behind”, and have blogged about it!

Their beliefs are endorsed by some of the largest theological colleges and a significant portion of Evangelical, Charismatic, Pentecostal, and fundamentalist Christians worldwide.

Let’s explore this idea by going to 1 Chronicles. The applicable verses concerning the Temple states:

1Ch 17:11 And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
1Ch 17:12 He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever.
1Ch 17:13 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.
1Ch 17:14 And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever.

Later on, in 1 Chronicles 28, God verifies and reaffirms to David:

1Ch 28:6 Now He said to me, 'It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.
1Ch 28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day.'
1Ch 28:8 Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever.
1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

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This scripture is a wonderful example of what’s called, in theological circles; dual prophecy. Please note, I said dual prophecy, not dual covenant. Dual Covenant teaching is a false teaching which states that the Jews are "automatically saved" through previous covenants (Abraham, Moses, etc.).

Dual Prophecy, on the other hand, is when the same scripture applies to differing times and peoples. Please notice 1 Chronicles again:

1Ch 17:11 And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

This verse applies to Solomon, of course, but spiritually, also to Jesus, the son of David. Jesus was also to build a temple and kingdom that would last forever. This is called dual prophecy. The Christian Zionists seem to forget that the scriptures in 1 Chronicles say something else, something very important; the word “if” abounds!

As we all know, Solomon “forsake” God (along with the people) and the Temple was destroyed. The prophetic application to Solomon (to carry the prophecy to fruition) was forsaken. Next, we move on through history to the Second Temple; the one built by Herod the Great.

Mat 24:1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
Mat 24:2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

and,

Mar 14:58 "We heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.' "

and, this one’s very important

1Pe 2:4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS, AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME."
1Pe 2:7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,"

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It is clear that Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone of the Temple, and we (believers) are his “stones” that are used to build His Temple. When Jesus died on the Cross, the veil in the physical Temple ripped in two from top to bottom, and in 70 A.D. the Roman general Titus destroyed the physical Temple.

A rebuilt physical temple in Jerusalem in modern times would actually be an insult to God and His Word. He and we are the Temple now and His spirit inhabits His stones! (See 1 Peter 2:5)

He is our sacrifice for sins, not some animal. We, the believers in Christ have been grafted into the Jewish nation and are Jews!

Please believe me, I wish all the best to the modern nation of Israel, but I’m so thankful I’m part of the Spiritual Israel!

BTW, who will sit on the throne and proclaim himself God? At the end Satan will possess the human who claims to be the head of the church (the Temple) and commit the abomination that will lead to the final desolation – he will call fire down from heaven and proclaim himself God! With the help of the little lamb he will cause all, great and small, to worship the him – except for those who refuse! Then, after the 1,000 years, the New Jerusalem will return and the His Kingdom will last forever!

The Observer

Grand Funk Railroad - I Can Feel Him In The Morning

Time Once Again for an Oldie but Goodie

The Official Religion of the United States of America

The United States Constitution, Amendment 1, states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In other words, concerning our subject matter, the federal government cannot establish an official religion. Our Constitution also reserves all other rights, beyond those stated, to the individual States. People are sometimes surprised that the States could, actually, establish a state religion and some have done so in the past. Maryland is called “Mary” “Land” because one had to be Roman Catholic to hold or run for public office. Of course, this isn’t the case anymore.

Nowadays, I have a real fear we may be headed in that direction again; not because a State has decided to establish a religion, but because our Federal government seems to be establishing one!

Most Americans would be shocked to hear that Federal Agencies and Institutions acknowledge, officially, any religion. The Liberal Left and the Conservative Right would, one would think, be up in arms screaming something about separation of church and state! Yet, both sides are dead silent.

It is a fact that our Federal government officially recognizes a specific religion and only one religion – Roman Catholicism!

CNSNEWS reports that after a year in office, President Barack Obama has not appointed an ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, a position within the State Department, yet on Oct. 2, 2009 he did appoint Miguel H. Díaz Ambassador to the Vatican. Diaz was widely seen as a political appointment to placate Hispanics in America.

In fact, State Department officials and the White House regularly refer to the Pope as; “The Holy See” and “The Holy Father”; both titles being an expression of religious devotion and worship.

You may think I’m knit picking here but how many other religions and churches have an Ambassador appointed to their organizations? You would also be throwing out all Constitutional concerns if this doesn’t bother you.

One can almost understand having an Ambassador representing international religious freedom, a cause stated within our Constitutional framework, but an Ambassador to a specific religion? No! Not at all! It is fundamentally wrong!

Some will argue that the Vatican is special because it’s the only religion in modern times to be both a religion and a state (Islam also?). I couldn't agree with you more! The Bible gives clear warning about a political/religious power who’s head receives a deadly wound and is later healed.

The rule of the Papacy began in 538 A.D. In 1798 Napoleon's general, Berthier took the Pope captive and dissolved the political, secular power of the Papacy – the “head” received a deadly wound. Pope Pius VI died in seclusion. Other Popes came afterward but were not the head of a political/religious power.

This 1,260 year Prophecy from the Book of Daniel matches perfectly.

538+1260=1798

Later, in 1920, that most benevolent, loving man of Fascism, Benito Mussolini, gave 109 acres of land to the Roman Church and reestablished the Vatican. (sarcasm, of course)

Pope Pius XI, in the tradition of latter-day popes, saw hope in the new Fascist state which might secure the secular authentication the Church had always sought. He supported the Fascist regime with certain qualifications, and in 1929 the government of Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty with the Vatican. This reestablished the Church, the Vatican and the Papacy as a Political State!

… the deadly wound was healed!

Do Our News Agencies Follow the Vatican As Does Our Government?

Fr. Jonathan Morris is called a general news contributor for FOXNEWS but is regularly used as a religion expert. His most recent appearance was concerning Pat Robertson’s statements about Haiti. I personally find it odd that FOXNEWS would hire any clergy as a contributor. Having Morris or other clerics on as a guest commentator is perfectly fine, but not as an official news contributor.

FOX has other names that are “famously” Catholic as well. Bill O’Reilly comes to mind, Sean Hannity, of course, and many times Laura Ingraham is a guest. The fellow who sometimes fills in for Glenn Beck is also Catholic. Sorry sir, just can’t remember your name!

Having Catholics on your staff is not unusual, of course, but their seems to be a special emphasis on Catholicism within FOXNEWS. Remember please, this is my opinion – yours may be different. Besides, Laura is more conservative than Bill and Sean anyway! : )

Another set of news makers that appear to be Catholic oriented are NEWSMAX and National Review Online. I have noticed that both groups are very pro-Catholic and NEWSMAX actually has a Catholic Blog. I find this to be very strange for a news agency. Again, one would think; a religion blog perhaps, but a Catholic one? Of course, blogs can be seen as pseudo news agencies, I suppose, although I see them more as personal opinion. After all, my own blog supports Seventh Day Adventist efforts.

The European Union

This blog has already laid out several works in progress concerning the Roman Church and the E.U. Although my subject is on an official American religion, the E.U. and America go hand in hand on many things. Europe is, by far, Catholic or Catholic supporting. Yes, even the Protestant groups!

Our Supreme Court

Of the 110 people who have served on the Supreme Court, 11 have been Catholic. Five of those justices -- Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts -- are currently on the court. As is Sonia Sotomayor, the most recent addition. She becomes the 6th Catholic of 9 Justices of the Supreme Court. ref. article I see this as a consolidation of power. And no doubt, being a conservative myself, this court may rule in my favor on many things. The recent rebuttal of McCain-Feingold is a good example. And I can only hope that Roe vs. Wade will ultimately be overthrown!

I have argued on this blog from the Protestant Reformation viewpoint. That is; the Roman Church is the Beast of Revelation and Daniel and that the end times will see a resurgence of this Roman juggernaut. I still argue this point and in my eyes it appears to becoming truer and truer.

Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. (NKJV)

The Observer

Is America Mentioned In Bible Prophecy ?

This video was presented by Pastor Doug Batchelor of Amazing Facts some years ago. In today's political/religious climate it has become especially appropriate.

It's presented in a question/answer (Socratic) format. Here is a link to the questions and answers.

BTW, Doug Batchelor is very much pro-American; and so am I.

... press Play button to start ...

The Observer

America’s War On Christianity In 2009

The United States of America is slowly becoming an openly anti-Christian nation. The “lamb”, assisting the beast and mentioned in Revelation, just may be America. Her governmental recognition of Catholicism comes very close to a declaration of a national religion! I ask once again; President Obama, Congress; recall our Ambassadors to the Vatican and direct the U.S. State Department to cease referring to the pontiff as; “The Holy Father”. According to the biblical definition, this is blasphemy.

My beloved military is also “in the game”, and is most distressing to me. If you didn’t know, “Tiger” is a military veteran – in fact, an Airborne Ranger, and at one time attached to a Special Forces group.

Our boys and girls in uniform have been subjected to separate Chapels for Muslims (all other religions share military chapels), their Chaplains have been punished for praying to Jesus, and their Generals care more for their own careers than their own troops (Ft. Hood, etc).

Can anyone convince me to trust the U.S. government? With these things occurring, It's becoming tougher to do so!

WND has presented a good synopsis of some problems relating to this subject. The data was compiled by the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission.

From the WND article:

The winners included a wide array of events deemed to insult, injure or marginalize Christianity. They included acts of violence, laws and judgments, actions by schools against students and decisions by the Obama administration to promote causes and leaders at odds with Christian teaching.

1. "The Federal Hate Crimes Bill that attacks religious liberty and freedom of speech."

2. "President Obama's appointment of radical anti-Christians like homosexual activist Kevin Jennings as the 'safe school czar'; pro-abortion advocate Kathleen Seblius made secretary of Human and Health Services; and Chai Feldblum, pro-homosexual and anti-religious liberty judge nominated for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission."

3. "The Federal Department of Homeland Security issued a report entitled 'Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate' that labeled conservative Christians extremists and potential terrorists."

4. "An activist judge ordered a homeschool mom in New Hampshire to stop homeschooling her daughter because the little girl 'reflected too strongly' her mother's Christian faith."

5. "Pro-life activist Jim Pullion was murdered in front of his granddaughter's high school for showing the truth about abortion."

6. "Police called to East Jessamine Middle School in Lexington, Ky., to stop 8th graders from praying during their lunch break for a student whose mother was tragically killed."

7. "The overt homosexual participation in Obama's presidential inaugural events by 'Bishop' Vickie Eugene Robinson, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., and a homosexual marching band."

8. "HBO's program 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' aired an episode where the main actor urinates on painting of Jesus. When confronted HBO would not apologize."

9. "Rev. Fred Winters was murdered while preaching in his pulpit in Maryville, Ill."

10. "Pro-life Pastor Reverend Walter Hoye of Oakland, Calif., was jailed for exercising peaceful, pro-life speech."

The CADC's other stories that weren't voted into the top 10 included the following:

• The ongoing saga of Rifqa Bary, the 17-year-old Ohio convert to Christianity from Islam who fled to Florida because she feared her family would kill her, only to be returned by the courts to Ohio.
• The threat leveled by county officials against a home bible study in San Diego County, requiring the group to stop meeting until they get a permit for religious assembly.
• The "Antichrist" film, reviled as "the most horrific movie ever seen" for explicit and pornographic sadomasochism, violence and occult content.
• The lawsuit filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation seeking to stop Congress from displaying the national motto and Pledge of Allegiance at the Visitors Center in Washington, D.C.

Folks, you must decide if you care about these issues or not! We will all have a choice one day – man, or God.

The Observer