IF JESUS HAS RETURNED, WHERE IS HE?

  By Dr. M. R. Dowler

                                                                                     

There is a building on the busy Misgar Ladach Street in Jerusalem that houses the research offices and museum of the Temple Institute. The Temple Institute is within sight of the Jews’ most sacred place in Jerusalem---the Western Wall AKA the Wailing Wall, or simply HaKotel (The Wall). Founded in 1987, the institute’s task is three-fold---1) to educate the public about their temples, 2) to encourage the Jewish people about the need for another temple, and 3) to prepare for the new temple.

Central to the work and worship in the ancient Jewish tabernacle and temple was the High Priest and the attending priests. The Bible meticulously details every aspect of work in the temple---even the attire of the priests (Exodus 28). All of that ended in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the temple. The structure, then named Herod’s Temple was so thoroughly destroyed that the only thing remaining was the western wall (Luke 21:5-6).

The Temple Institute believes the time has come for a new Jewish temple, as well as the return of their Messiah. Over the past few years they have prepared all the priestly garments to be worn, made all the worship instruments required and trained many of the new priests. Also, in 2004 the Sanhedrin was reorganized and a new High Priest was selected. According to the institute’s director, all that is preventing the start of temple construction is the return of their Messiah. Unfortunately, the next messiah to appear in Israel will be a false one. We know him as the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Preterism is a strange false doctrine, introduced in 1614, and making a comeback in churches and colleges. The word Preterism is derived from the Latin word preter meaning past. Preterism teaches that all Bible prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD; including the rapture and Second Coming. Of course, we know that didn’t happen. Theologically, Jesus cannot return until a new temple is functioning in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:1-2). Simply stated, the fact that you and I are still here is proof that Jesus physically isn’t, yet (2 Thessalonians 4:14-18; Revelation 19:11-16). Think about it.