Some Christians believe a third Temple will be built in the city of Jerusalem, and the old priestly order, with the Levitical sacrifices, will be reinstated. Those who hold this view tend to see Gentile Christians as God's heavenly people and the Jews as his earthly family—still living under the old covenant.
Yes, many "futurists" imagine a return of an ancient priestly order in the ancient city. However, the “New Jerusalem” described in Revelation does not align with this vision. Like the writer of Hebrews, the apostle John sees the old order passing from the scene. He declares, “I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22).
I know several sincere Christians who are anticipating the reconstruction of the Temple and the restoration of animal sacrifices. They believe this fulfills ancient prophecies and honors the nation of Israel. Indeed, the descendants of Abraham are deserving of respect (Romans 9:5; 11:28), but God doesn't move backwards in his plans. When Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), he had already completed the task at hand. While Israel’s role in salvation history is vital, the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy is found in Christ. Nothing, and no one else, surpasses Him.
Keep in mind that the greatest way to honor Israel is by uniting Jews and Gentiles into one family under the Messiah. We reclaim the heart of Moses and the Prophets when the two people groups are grafted in together, growing side-by-side, out of the root of Christ. To imagine two entirely separate families with differing plans of salvation contradicts God’s eternal purposes.
Fundamentally, the viability of a re-established Temple and Levitical order isn't up for debate. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was final, and there will be no return to animal sacrifices. The blood of Christ was shed once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), rendering further sacrifices unnecessary.
I feel comfortable in saying that the New Testament offers no promise of a third Temple. Jesus referred to this new era when he declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Though misunderstood at the time, he was speaking of His own body as the new Temple (John 2:19–21). The message is clear: the Temple made of rocks, stones, and temporal materials is no more. Jesus Himself is now the place where heaven and earth intersect. Nothing built by human hands will ever surpass Him.
Throughout the New Testament, we see further evidence that the Temple is obsolete. For example, Peter uses temple imagery to describe the identity of Christians: “You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are His holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Peter 2:5 NLT). This isn’t just metaphorical; believers, united with Christ, are becoming the new Temple. Other passages affirm this truth as well (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; Rev. 21:22).
The desire to honor Israel is understandable. The Jewish contributions to scripture and salvation history are essential. Understand, no one is replacing the family of Jacob; rather, Jew and Gentile are becoming one. We all are, as Paul says, a “new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15–16).
We must respect Israel. However, this deference does not mean reverting back to former systems and order. If you look at Genesis, you will see that God’s plan has always been for all of humanity—not merely one nation. His work began with Adam, who represented all of mankind (it’s literally in his name). The Lord’s goal was (and is) to bless every nation—not just those closely aligned with Abraham by blood. The Lord is not going back to the sacrificial system that was only designed for the sons and daughters of Jacob.
Moreover, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham—to bless all nations (Genesis 22:18)—does not require a rebuilt Temple. Instead, it is a reality that moves humanity forward to a time when all tribes and tongues will be united in Christ. It is an era that advances beyond the rituals of the past.
Let me assure that there will be no third Temple instituted by God (Please note that I'm not saying well-meaning Christians and Jews won't try to pull it off—in the flesh). Jesus Christ and his body, made up of Jew and Gentile, is where the glory dwells. The precious Messiah’s blood is more than enough to atone for the sins of humanity, and set us all free.
Ezekiel's temple (Ezk. 40-48) is firm support of dispensationalism. If it were merely figurative as amillennialists assert, what would be the point of the exact measurements of the wall, the court, the sanctuary (40:5, 47; 41:4) as well as the other elements of the construction, if the place will not actually exist? The description is intensely visual (41:6-7). Such painstaking and pedantic detail invites comparison not to purely symbolic visions but to the tabernacle (Ex. 25:8ff). Moreover, Ezekiel is told to describe the temple he has seen to the people of Israel, and if they are ashamed and repent, to show them the exact plans and measurements -- why? "***so that they may be faithful to its design***" (43:10-11). If…