I was asked to explain what the red heifer is all about and why so many believers have been speaking so much about it as of late. While I have not studied this subject in depth, I do have a few words of caution to offer on this subject. But first, I have posted several links below to articles I have previewed and accept as sound and useful for edifying those who are not well versed in this subject. I would urge those who are interested to read through them when they have time. Now, with that said, let me offer a few words of caution in regard to the supposed prophetic implications of the red heifer.
Many people believe the red heifer is a prophetic sign of the third temple and return of the Messiah. In support of this belief, they often site two primary passages. The first is:
Matt 24:15 (NASB)
15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—let the reader understand—
Please be careful with this passage. Yeshua (Jesus) did not say the Temple is the ‘Holy Place.’ He said the abomination will be standing in the ‘Holy Place,’ which, in Hebrew, is ‘Set Apart Place.’ Folks, this is most likely a reference to Mount Moria, the Temple Mount, YHWH’s ‘Holy Mountain’ and ‘Footstool Forever.’ I could be wrong, but so could everyone who thinks it refers to the third Temple. Just be careful, especially in light of this next passage:
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NASB)
4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
This is another passage where many believers think they find the third Temple. But this is Paul writing here, and Paul tells us where the third Temple is today:
1 Cor 6:19-20 (NASB)
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Scripture is clear on this matter: each of us is a brick in the Temple (Body) of Messiah/YHWH (Jesus/God). Therefore, it would seem that, to find a physical building third Temple in 2 Thess 2:4 would be to read something into the text that is of Man and not the Holy Spirit. Especially since John seems to see the Temple in Heaven in Revelation 11:19:
19 And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
I am well aware that I tend to read and understand the Scriptures very differently from most, so you are more than free to disagree with me. All I am trying to do is show that there is another, more consistent understanding of these passages that does not point to a third Temple building being constructed. Rather, today, under the New Covenant, the Temple — and also the Kingdom — are Spiritual, and reside in the Heavenly Realm. So, again, decide for yourself. All I ask is that you do so with caution and with a humble, teachable heart.
Shalom
REFERENCE LINKS
What is the significance of a red heifer in the Bible?
Why Does the Temple Need a Red Heifer?
Numbers 19 (Ordinance of the Red Heifer)
