Page 145 - Eschatology - Student Ebook

The Nation of Israel has also developed the physical plans for the new temple. The cornerstone is
already prepared. And as we learned in section 9, the location of the Temple being in the City of David,
and not on the current “temple mount” means that Israel can begin construction of the third temple
without problems with moving the Dome of the Rock on the site of its original location.

Much work has been done in preparation for the building of the third Jewish temple.

Remaining Challenges
Issues are presently prohibiting the Nation of Israel from building their new temple.

First, Jewish scholars do not agree on the exact location of where the past temples stood. Until some
nd
significant archeological find occurs to indicate the real sight of the 2 temple, the tradition of the
Temple Mount location stands strongly against its reconstruction. Muslim control of the Temple Mount
would obviously have to change, which is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future.

So today Israel faces is the control issue of the Temple Mount. Ever since the Jews gained control, in the
six-day war, of the Temple Mount, they have allowed the Muslims to have authority over it up to the
present day. The Muslims do not want to allow a Jew to pray on the Temple Mount. They will not want
to allow any Jewish temple to be built there. How will this get worked out?

We think that Israel will soon discover that the temple was not actually located near the Dome of the
Rock, and construction can soon begin.

Needless to say, there are lots of interesting things occurring in our world today, and especially with the
Nation of Israel. These present-day realities seem to be preparing for the Tribulation period. If that is so,
then the Rapture could be getting quite close!

A valuable source of additional information regarding prophetic issues is the website of the pre-
Tribulation Research Center (http://www.pre-trib.org). Here any student can find a host of excellent
studies on a range of issues related to pre-tribulational and pre-millennial viewpoints.

Conclusion
This study has shown the importance of studying Eschatology. Biblical prophecy is a very important part
of Scripture in which God reveals His sovereignty and power to fulfill His promises. Prophecy still to be
fulfilled has been given to us by God in order to prepare us and to give us confidence in Him and His
ultimate plan.

Prophecy will help us understand what is happening in our world today. Faith and anticipation can
replace depression and despondency.

It is important that we follow the rules of hermeneutics and interpret Biblical prophecy in a literal way.
Even if symbolic language and metaphors are used, God will fulfill the true meaning of His promises in a
literal way. He has already proven that in fulfilling past promises.

Studying prophecy should also motivate believers to live for eternal values as they faithfully and
sacrificially serve the King of kings and Lord of lords. God has revealed this information and has

144