Bible Question: Approximately how long after the Rapture will the Temple be built or will it be built before the Rapture? |
Bible Answer: Scopio, Excellent question. Since there is so much debate about the timing of the rapture relative to the tribulation period, let's save that part of the question for last. Regarding the temple: Most would agree that the "abomination of desolation", when the antichrist sets himself up as a god in the temple (2 Thess 2:4) takes place halfway through the seven-year tribulation period (Dan 9:27, 12:11; Matt 24:15). At the same time the offerings will cease to be offered in the temple (Dan 12:11). This would require the temple to be operational up to the middle of the tribulation period. It could be constructed before then, no one knows how long the offerings will be made before they are abolished. Regarding the rapture: In my opinion, 2 Thess 2:1-12 clearly teaches the relationship of the timing of the rapture in verse 1 and the antichrist setting himself up as a god in the temple in verse 4. Please read the passage for yourself and see what conclusion follows from the text. Listener |