Page 142 - Eschatology - Student Ebook
P. 142
sovereign nation. That same day, the U.S. issued a statement recognizing Israel’s sovereignty, only
hours before a United Nations mandate had expired ending British control. Israel was literally born in a
single day!
Today, Jerusalem is increasingly recognized as the current capital of the nation of Israel, which has been
and still is contested by some.
The enemies of the nation of Israel are becoming more powerful and forceful in their intent to attack
and annihilate the nation of Israel. Iran, together with its proxy terrorist organizations, are flexing their
muscles and growing in power to the point that even other Islamic nations are becoming more afraid of
Iran. The current regime in Iran is intent on destroying Israel.
Ezekiel 38-39 reveal that an allied army from the Arab region will attack Israel and be repelled by God
Himself. Today Russia is allied with Iran, Libya, Syria and Lebanon and they have practiced with
combined war games as to how they would attack Israel. These countries have never been allies before
now. Turkey is turning against Israel and joining the Russian-Arab coalition. Israel’s current spiritual and
political leaders see this development as leading to the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39. This is all happening
in our day!
Jewish Temple Preparations
The nation of Israel must have a completed temple by the middle point of the Tribulation period in order
to have established a pattern of sacrifices which the antichrist will disrupt.
Daniel 9:27 (NIV84)27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the
‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an
abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
Matthew 24:15–16 (NIV84)15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that
causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let
those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (NIV84)3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not
come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to
destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is
worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Renald Showers describe his trips to Israel in order to view Israel’s
preparations for building their third temple. Israel’s first temple was built by King Solomon. Israel’s
second temple was first built by Ezra and then greatly increased by King Herod in Jesus’ day. Israel’s
third temple will be the Tribulation temple. And the Millennial temple will be the fourth.
The current nation of Israel is committed to build a temple in order to worship God and begin sacrifices.
They are convinced it is God’s will for them to build a new temple in Jerusalem as soon as possible.
The “Temple Institute” in Jerusalem has been working for over twenty-five years to make the necessary
preparations. This involves scholars who research ancient Jewish documents in order to discover every
detail about past temple worship. This institute also includes craftsmen skilled in remaking all the
needed items.
141