In the book of Ezekiel, I have been reading the detailed account of the Millennial Temple’s measurements and the specific instructions regarding all types of offerings.
I understand the importance of reminding the Jewish people of the sacrifice of Yeshua through symbolism, but why is it to be extensively practiced when our LORD will be walking among and ruling over them in righteousness?
Please share your insights on why the sacrificial system will be restored for the Jews to follow during the Millenial reign of Christ.
Many people don’t understand that under the Old Covenant, the sacrifices offered only availed to those who believed in a coming redeemer. (Isaiah 66:2-4) It seems like people in the Millennium will have to meet the same requirement, but looking back instead of forward. And at least some of the Millennial Temple services will be required for Gentiles as well as Israel.
“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain.” (Zechariah 14:16-17)
Having read a number of explanations on the need for sin offerings in the Millennium, the main thought seems to be that after 2000 years of being out of covenant with the Lord, Israel has forgotten the meaning behind it. And then when they do renew the covenant it will soon be made an abomination by the anti-Christ. The Lord’s first criticism of Millennial Israel is that they let foreigners officiate in His Temple during the Great Tribulation. (Ezekiel 44:7-9)
In Ezekiel 44:23 the Lord said that the priests will need to teach the people the difference between the holy and the common. (Some Christians would benefit from knowing that!) This leads scholars to believe that the Lord will take Israel back into a purified form of the Old Covenant to reacquaint them with His ways.
Some say that Israel will only need this instruction for a while and then will “graduate” to the New Covenant, but Ezekiel 46:13-15 says that the daily burnt offering is a lasting ordinance. Time will tell.