2 Peter 3
Jesus is coming back! His return is also known as the “second coming,” not to be confused with the rapture. The rapture is us meeting Him in the air, as we are “caught up” to be with Him. The second coming is when Jesus returns to the earth on the Mount of Olives, initiating the Day of the Lord, a time of purification and a restoration of the earth from sin and its effects. The earth will be cleansed by fire. The Bible also describes the heavens being shaken, perhaps a description of meteors or asteroids coming into our atmosphere. However, God promises to restore heaven and earth, and most likely our distant future will be living on a restored Earth. The Gnostics did not believe in the second coming of Christ or living a holy life, so more than likely, Peter was trying to affirm this truth, as well as to emphasize the importance of living a yielded and pure life before God. This truth applies to us today. We should live in anticipation of Christ’s return, living surrendered to Him in right living that comes from the righteous position He provided for us. Jesus is coming soon!
Ezekiel 45-46
God gave Ezekiel a very specific description of this millennial temple, which proves to me that it is a physical temple, not simply a spiritual vision or illustration. The idea that there is animal sacrifice does not move me from my faith in the new covenant in Jesus’ blood. However, in present day, regeneration of the human spirit is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is here on earth today, something that was not possible until Christ ascended back to heaven. Jesus said in John 16:7, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” When Jesus is ruling on the earth in the millennium, it could be that the Holy Spirit will not be recreating or indwelling hearts as He does now. Other believe this temple is a teaching aid for those living on the Earth at that time, pointing to what Christ has already accomplished.
Chapter 45 describes a holy district, the holy city and the Messiah, and laws that govern Messiah the Prince and keeping the feasts. In chapter 46, we see animal sacrifice, but we also see the prince is living among them (46:10), unlike previous temples or the tabernacle. Ezekiel also communicates more laws concerning the Messiah, inheritance, and offerings. We may not completely understand all there is to know about the millennium, we can have confidence that the people living through the millennium will know what they need to know. Let’s put our trust in the Lord, and let Him unfold the future in His timing. The best is yet to come!
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