The Third Temple: Are We Witnessing the Fulfillment of Prophecy?

 “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8 (KJV)

For centuries, the idea of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem has stirred the hearts of believers who eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s prophetic word. As fundamentalist Christians, we stand firm on the Holy Bible, in the King James Version, as our trustworthy guide, relying on its sacred verses to reveal God’s plan for the past, present, and future. Scripture declares that the Temple is not just a relic of history—it plays a key role in God’s redemptive purpose, especially in the last days. Today, as of July 22, 2025, with preparations for a third Temple moving forward, many of us wonder: Are we seeing the stage being set for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s explore the Scriptures and examine the signs.

A Biblical Foundation: The Temples of History

To grasp the importance of the third Temple, we first need to look back at the Temples of the past. The first Temple, constructed by King Solomon around 957 BCE, was a magnificent sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt among His people (1 Kings 6:1-2, KJV). It housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the heart of Israel’s worship—until the people’s sins led to God’s judgment, and the Babylonians destroyed it in 587 BCE (2 Kings 25:8-9, KJV). Yet, even in His wrath, God’s promises remained.

The second Temple rose after the Babylonian exile, led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:10-11, KJV), and was later expanded by Herod. This was the Temple where Jesus taught and foretold its destruction (Matthew 24:1-2, KJV). In 70 CE, the Romans demolished it, leaving the Temple Mount barren. Since then, believers have looked forward to the promises of a future Temple, as the prophets predicted.

Scripture’s Promise: A Third Temple in Prophecy

The Word of God does not leave us in the dark about the Temple’s future. In Ezekiel 40-47 (KJV), God reveals a vision of a Temple to come, which will stand during Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth (Ezekiel 43:7, KJV). Isaiah 56:7 (KJV) proclaims, “for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people,” promising a time when all nations will worship the Lord in His holy place.

There’s more to consider, though. Jesus, in Matthew 24:15 (KJV), warns of the “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 9:27, KJV), an event linked to a Temple rebuilt in the last days. The Apostle Paul echoes this in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV), describing one “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” These passages point to a third Temple, central to the events of the end times.

Today’s Preparations: Signs of the Times?

As of today, efforts to rebuild the Temple are progressing rapidly. The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has created sacred items, including a golden menorah worth $2 million, and has trained priests from the tribes of Levi and Aaron for Temple service, following Ezekiel’s vision. Just three weeks ago, on On July 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. local time, the Temple Institute and Boneh Israel conducted a practice burning of a red heifer on a hilltop in northern Israel. This was not the official sacrifice needed for Temple purification. The heifer, one of five imported from Texas in September 2022, was disqualified due to imperfections—specifically, the presence of non-red hairs detected during rabbinical inspection. Held at Shiloh rather than the traditional Mount of Olives site, the event served as a rehearsal for the real ceremony, which must align with strict biblical guidelines.

The Temple Institute has been preparing for this moment since the heifers’ arrival, monitoring their eligibility closely. As of July 2025, only a few remain potential candidates for the actual sacrifice, highlighting the meticulous care involved in fulfilling Numbers 19:2-10 (KJV).which outlines the red heifer’s role in the purification rituals required for Temple worship.

Back in September 2022, five unblemished red heifers were imported from the United States, a significant moment for many. According to Numbers 19:2-10 (KJV), the ashes of such a heifer are vital for the cleansing needed in Temple service. The Temple Institute views this as a prophetic sign, and many believers see it as God’s hand at work.

However, the Temple Mount—where the first and second Temples stood—is currently controlled by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf and hosts the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. This creates significant tension around rebuilding efforts. Still, these developments call us to pay close attention.

What Does This Mean for Us as Christians?

For those of us who hold firmly to the core beliefs of our faith, the third Temple is more than a Jewish project—it’s a marker of prophecy. Many believe its rebuilding will signal the rise of the Antichrist, as described in Daniel 9:27 (KJV) and Matthew 24:15 (KJV), marking a key point in the Tribulation. Then, Christ will return in glory to judge the earth and establish His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16, KJV).

Some Christians suggest that the church has replaced the Temple, since we are now the “temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV), or that Christ fulfills its purpose (Ephesians 2:21-22, KJV). But for those who take the Scriptures at face value, the third Temple’s rebuilding is a clear step in God’s end-time plan.

A Call to Watch and Pray

While these events move us deeply, we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ our King. The nearness of the Temple’s rebuilding may suggest that “the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3, KJV), but Jesus admonishes us, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44, KJV). Our hope rests not in a building, but in the Lord who will return to reign.

We’re also called to stand with Israel, God’s chosen people, whose covenant endures (Romans 11:1-2, KJV). Let’s pray for them as they pursue this work and live as “lively stones” (1 Peter 2:5, KJV), reflecting the holiness the Temple represents.

 The Time Is Drawing Near

As of today, the groundwork for the third Temple is ready, though no stone has yet been laid. These steps align with Scripture’s promises, urging us to look to the heavens. Whether this unfolds in our lifetime or later, one truth remains: Christ will return. Let’s watch, pray, and proclaim His name until He comes.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” – Revelation 22:20 (KJV)

DMMC 7-22-25