Will there be a fourth temple in Jerusalem?

For some strange reason, a lot of Christians cannot bring themselves to accept the biblical revelations that there will be a third as well as a fourth temple in Jerusalem. They have been so influenced by Replacement Theology that they cannot understand why God would have an eternal plan and purpose for the land of Israel, for the Jews, and for Jerusalem (as well as for the temple).

We can set aside the aspect of the third temple for now, and just focus on the fourth temple. While there are many allusions to this in the rest of the Old Testament (OT), particularly the Psalms, the prophecy of Ezekiel focuses on the fourth temple.

But first Ezekiel speaks about the gathering of the Jews to Israel, and the salvation of those Jews who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. They can only be redeemed by believing on the Redeemer and receiving Him as their true Messiah. Also when Scripture says that “all Israel shall be saved” that is more about Jews from all the twelve tribes being saved. So Ezekiel speaks about the redemption and restoration of the Jews (from around the world), as well as the redemption and restoration of the land of Israel (from the Nile to the Euphrates), the city of Jerusalem, and the temple itself. This is all related to the Second Coming of Christ and His millennial reign. And since there are no contradictions in Scripture, God will reveal the mystery of the fourth temple in the future, in spite of what is in the epistle to the Hebrews.

The description of the fourth temple begins in Ezekiel chapter 40 and ends in chapter 47. Everything is described in great detail. But most scholars admit that this is one of the most difficult sections of the Bible to be interpreted. Many Christian commentators (such as Matthew Henry) have either dismissed this vision, or failed to discuss this in its plain literal sense. Others have spiritualized it, such as the Christian Research Institute. But a few have seen that just like the rest of Scripture, everything must be taken in its plain literal sense. Here is one scholar who does exactly that, and refers to two others who have also done that:

Ezekiel’s Temple—A Literal Millennial Temple
There are solid biblical reasons to believe that Ezekiel’s temple vision foretells a literal temple that will be built in the future. In Messiah’s Coming Temple—Ezekiel’s Prophetic Vision of the Future Temple, by John W. Schmitt and J. Carl Laney, the authors make a compelling case for this being a description of a literal millennial temple. “Taken literally, Ezekiel 40–48 [should be 47] describes a temple that will exist during the kingdom (millennial age). Also Ezekiel is not alone in his prediction regarding a future temple; other prophets confirm the view that there will be a literal temple in the future kingdom (Isa 2:3; 60:13; Jer 33:18; Joel 3:18; Mic 4:2; Hag 2:7–9; Zech 6:12–15; 14:16, 20–21)” (ibid. p. 81). Moreover, if we are to believe John’s account of the New Jerusalem’s river of life lined with trees of life (Rev 22:1–2), then we must believe that Ezekiel’s similar account is literal as well (Ezek 47:1, 7, 12).
Understanding the Mystery of Ezekiel’s Temple | Hoshana Rabbah BlogHoshana Rabbah Blog



According to GotQuestions.org:
Most who expect a literal fulfillment of Ezekiel’s temple expect it to be erected in the millennial kingdom, a 1,000-year reign of Christ upon the earth. During the millennium, glorified saints from the present age will live in contact with natural human beings who will still need to make a decision for Christ in order to be saved—and many will choose not to trust Him. The sacrificial system described in Ezekiel cannot be for the forgiveness of sins, for Christ has accomplished that once and for all (Hebrews 10:1–4, 11–14). In this interpretive approach, the sacrifices are seen as memorials of Christ’s death or as rites for the ceremonial cleansing of the temple, but not as a means to forgive sins.

There are several videos of how this temple has been visualized in three dimensions. Ezekiel uses cubits as the measuring unit and one cubit is generally assumed to be 18 inches (or 1.5 feet). But an angel takes the measurements. Bible Hub sums up the description as follows, but it is not a “heavenly temple”:

Inside the Temple
Divine Blueprints: The Detailed Design of God's Sanctuary
Ezekiel 41 paints a picture of God's architectural precision and divine planning. It encourages us to perceive the significance of careful planning, holiness, and separation in our spiritual journey. As God is in the details of the heavenly temple, so He is in the details of our lives.
Verses 1-4: The Inner Sanctuary (Most Holy Place)
Ezekiel's guide leads him into the inner sanctuary or the Most Holy Place. The measurements of the walls, doorway, and the room itself are meticulously provided, signifying the meticulous nature of God's plans.
Verses 5-11: The Side Rooms
The guide then measures the temple's side rooms, each with precise dimensions and arranged on three levels. The construction details, including the supporting pillars, are detailed to illustrate the divine design.
Verses 12-14: The Building to the West
Next, the angel measures a building to the west of the main temple. The separation between this structure and the temple further illustrates the theme of holiness and separation.
Verses 15-26: The Outer Sanctuary and Entrance
The chapter concludes with measurements and descriptions of the outer sanctuary and entrance. The intricate carvings of cherubim and palm trees highlight the sanctity and beauty of God's dwelling place.
Ezekiel 41, part of a larger segment of prophetic visions, continues the tour of the divinely designed temple. Led by an angelic guide, the prophet Ezekiel records the specific dimensions and structures of the sacred edifice, underscoring God's desire for order, precision, and holiness.
Ezekiel 41 Chapter Summary (biblehub.com)

I was expecting people to respond to the question based upon what is revealed throughout the writings of the prophets (which includes the Psalms, as David is also called a prophet).

Here is just one example: In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. (Psalm 76:2). Salem and Zion mean Jerusalem, and His tabernacle means His temple. Was God's dwelling place in Zion ever really accomplished thus far? Both the first and second temples were destroyed, yet this is prophetic about the future (but spoken of in the present tense, meaning that it has become a reality for God).

Zion was never built up by the Lord. He did appear in His glory after Solomon had completed his temple, but that was temporary. This is permanent: When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. (Psalm 102:16) This is in the future tense.

Just go through the Psalms to see how much David has said about this.

I'm surprised no one responded either.

Psalm 20:2
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion.

Ephesians 2:16-22
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

amen

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭

In the ot that wasn’t true of them they had to have a man made temple made holy with animal blood in order for his spirit to dwell with them in the man made temple . There’s no use for a temple anymore. The truth has come forward

The want of a physical temple of stone is based on 1940s wartime politics.

The same people who would have us believe that God is moving back into a "temple made with hands" (after the Spirit reveled to the apostles that WE who believe are His temple) advocate for all kinds of nonsense.

I was hoping that this would not be assumed to apply to the literal temple of Ezekiel in Jerusalem, within redeemed and restored Israel. But Pilgirimshope has done the same thing.

So what we have in Scripture are two entities -- the Church, which is the SPIRITUAL AND METAPHORICAL temple of God, and the glorious temple in Ezekiel, which will also be the dwelling place of God, and from where His glory will shine.

There are no contradictions or spiritual confusion in the Word of God. We are to generally take everything in its plain literal sense, and there is no way the Ezekiel's temple can be spiritualized away.

For those who might assume that it is an impossibility to have the Church and future redeemed Israel exist at the same time, just remember that with God nothing is impossible. While the Son of Man was on earth, He was simultaneously in Heaven. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven. (John 3:13) [or who is in Heaven] How could the Son of Man be present in both places? Because He is essentially God.

No doubt all Christians are puzzled by God wanting to establish a fourth temple in Jerusalem after the finished work of Christ fulfilled all that was in the Old Covenant, and the need for a temple was nullified. But God has chosen to not explain this in the New Testament, so He will explain it when His time is right.

Right, you would have us believe God has two covenants with men: one with Christ another with the Jews.

When a Jew comes to Christ today, do they expect to receive the limited benefits of the Jewish covenant and the small piece of land or the benefits of a covenant of the Lord Jesus Christ Who rules through all wherever He resides?

No one has to advocate anything. If the prophecy of Ezekiel is divinely inspired, you have no choice except to believe that it is true. And at the same time the New Testament is also true. There is no conflict just because we can't "figure it all out". Have you even read the prophecy of Ezekiel? Chances are most Christians have not.

But most Christians are familiar with Isaiah, and here is what he says: The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. (Isa 60:14,15). How can Zion -- Jerusalem -- become an eternal excellency? Ezekiel provides the answer.

Exactly it actually began to become prevalent in the late 1800s in western democracies and is what gave birth to the Zionist movement. In my opinion it’s resulting in a counterfeit israel sort of forced by man’s Will rather than anything God said he would do.

amen he made a new covenant and revealed his kingdom to them first , those who accepted him only a remnant then were sent to preach the same gospel to all people same covenant same lord same name same baptism same spirit same kingdom that’s for every person that will believe the gospel of the kingdom and the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

thier old covenant is why they were destroyed in 70 ad and why salvetion came just before thier end and desolation warned of throughout the ot

a they didn’t recognize that Jesus is the culmination and blessing of thier old covenant he was and still is thier only salvation the gospel of Jesus Christ

Nehemiah said...

But the Lord revealed "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

The Lord's people are His city.

Furthermore, the Lord revealed through Peter:

1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."

This is to all who believe. God does not have two different nations or priesthoods.

I am no the one who has revealed this to all. These are revelations from God Hi,self.
Have you not read your Bible from Genesis to Revelation? The covenant was not "with the Jews" but with Abraham, and the Abrahamic Covenant also encompassed the New Covenant, since Christ was also the "seed" of Abraham. So were the twelve tribes.

So let's go back to square one:

THE TWELVE TRIBES ARE THE ONES TO POSSESS THE LAND
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates (Gen 15:18) "The river of Egypt" can only be a reference to the Nile. So all the land between the Nile And the Euphrates was promised to Abraham's descendants.

NEW JERUSALEM IS THE ETERNAL HOME OF THE CHURCH
But the eternal home of the Church is the New Jerusalem, and that is only because of Christ and His finished work of redemption. So we also have this in Scripture: And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. (Gal 3:8) And the only way all nations could be blessed is through Christ. So we read this: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ... And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:16,29)

So we now see that the "seed" of Abraham includes (1) redeemed and restored Israel in the land of Greater Israel, (2) Christ, and (3) the Church.

You know what boggles my mind? How so many believe and declare scripture is closed now, yet believe there's another physical temple coming. Scripture is closed, no more revelation to come, yet God's temple is going to be built without His order? How and when is He going to command His people to build it? Is revelation not over and finished yet? If this is the case then we're going to have to give a few other groups and religions a closer look to make sure that wasn't God starting them as well. Right?

It's "so crazy" to believe that everything Jesus was telling the disciples about the end of the "AGE", that when they asked about it He said "this generation will not pass until ALL THESE THINGS take place", actually took place before that generation passed. It's crazy to believe that it happen exactly when, where, and how Jesus said it would.

Yet apparently believing that the Jews still receive direct revelation when scripture has been closed, and are called to build another temple, that was made to point TO Jesus, to build it after Jesus has finished His work and brought His kingdom to earth. What on earth makes sense about God moonwalking back to a temple that pointed to the perfect, after the perfect already did what He was supposed to do? You can't logically hold to Jesus work being finished, revelation being closed, and be waiting for a "3rd Gods temple" to be built. Men don't get to just decide to built a "Gods Temple". It would just be a manmade pile of bricks.

Also I must have missed the second chapter to the parable of the bad tenants and landowner. This was what Jesus told them about what was going to happen to those who killed His son. They would be killed and replaced by a new people. When was the chapter or sequel when he gave those wicked tenants their 2nd chance? Reread that and the fig tree parable and let me know when either was given a 2nd chance. I also HATE "replacement theology" as a cudgel against those like me who believe there's only 1 way to God now. I know a LOT of saved Jews, we didn't "replace" them, they are called like we all are. There is no "plan B" for the Jews that hate Jesus later. I believe this is a wicked lie that keeps Christians from reaching out to the Jewish community falsely thinking God has a backup plan for them. NOPE Jesus is the ONLY way for everyone, and we need to choose THIS DAY who we will serve. EVERYONE.

Paul to the gentiles in the church who had converted

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ( Jews ) that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ( gentiles had been excluded by the Old Testament )

but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off ( gentiles ) are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,

having slain the enmity thereby: ( he removes the difference of Jewish flesh and. Lord and gentile flesh and blood by the body and blood of Christ given to all people and the only acceptable flesh and blood to God is Jesus flesh and blood )

and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, ( gentiles ) and to them that were nigh. ( Jew ) For through him we both ( Jew and gentile ) have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”( that’s what the temple on the ot was for gods dwelling place in the center of it …it’s a pattern for our heart the center of us is his dwelling place by the spirit it was a crude lifeless pattern of the gospel his spirit in us through Christ )
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:11-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:13, 16‬ ‭

In my fathers house

“but ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”( the first martyr of the ot )
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Earthly Jerusalem had a reckons coming upon them thier salvation is in heaven

“and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:30-38‬ ‭

“And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭

“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭16:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judæa flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:20-22‬ ‭

Exactly! Very well said and referenced. I only wanted to add one more thing as far as "Replacement Theology" is concerned that ties right into everything you said here.
Gal. 3:28-29
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

I just do not see any room, reason, rationale, scriptural proof, logic, behind a "3rd temple". But that is just my opinion.

Amen …..What do you mean by replacement theology? I’m actually asking often when people use terms they have different ideas about what the term means to them .

“I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; a people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; . Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.

But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.


For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth:

and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭65:1-3, 6-7, 11-12, 15-18‬ ‭

“but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

….Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:7, 9-10, 13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:

for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He’s creating people to inhabit the eternal kingdom

The "seed" are "heirs according to promise". That's what distinguished Abraham from the men of his time: he believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. LATER, Christ was reveled as the ONE SEED. That, by faith in Jesus Christ, the promise might be given to those who believe.

God's people have always been the people of promise: believing God, through Christ, to be their redeemer and deliverer.

And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

amen

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ….Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ….

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ( the seed of Abraham’s promised inheritance )

There is neither Jew nor Greek, ( it’s not about our flesh and blood ) there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:8, 16, 26-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we the church in Christ are Abraham’s seed along with any former Jew or gentile that believes in the name of Jesus Christ the promised son of Abraham , the promised son of David

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are getting baptized into his name for a reason

If a temple is built(and it will be) doesn't mean it will be God's temple.
Scripture states it will be there, the Antichrist will stand in it, but NOTHING says God claims it as His.”

I am not sure it says there will be a man made temple at anytime after it was destroyed 1973 years ago by Rome. There’s presently a Muslim mosque sitting on the Temple Mound though that declares “God has no son”

Maybe tbat is this temple tbat was to be rebuilt that’s not really Gods it’s been there for hundreds of years now because israel still doesn’t control thier holy city or holy sites wheras of God were to do it tbey would have a devastating victory by his miraculous hand not by American military power and force or a concocted solution for the Jewish migration problems after rome destroyed Jerusalem and scatters the Jews and chrirtians to the wind.

I personally don’t think the bible says the temple will be rebuilt after its destruction in ad 70 . But others do .