The Temple of Revelations.

A careful look at scripture reveals a very different picture of the Temple than is commonly thought of. There are thirteen references to a temple in the book of Revelations and not one is a reference to an earthly temple. One of the verses that is often used to refer to a temple in Jerusalem is Revelation eleven.

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Revelation 11:1-2

However let us consider somethings about this passage. First we must put this in the context of the other reference to the temple. Prior to this passage we already learn that there are a people in God's temple before His throne.

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:2-3

Since John was called up to be in the temple before the throne we could understand this to be the church being called up. Also there are the twenty four elders worshipping God. So we know that the Temple is in Heaven where the Throne of God is and there are worshippers in that temple.

There are several passages that specifically speak of a temple in Heaven. (Revelation 11:19,14:17,15:5, 16:17)

With this in mind we will go back to chapter eleven. In this passage we find worshippers in the temple worshipping for the forty and two months, while outside the temple is being trampled over by the heathen. If this was an earthly temple it would be highly unlikely that the antichrist would allow worshipper to remain inside for this time. Plus most state the the antichrist will enter the temple and declare himself God.

The picture which we must see here is the that of the temple of God in the third heaven being shut up with the worshippers of God in it, while the rest of creation outside in being judge. This picture can be seen in Noah's ark. While Noah and his family were safe inside God was judging the world. Here however it is more than just the earth that is being judge it is the second heaven also, where Satan and his fallen angels dwell.

As we develop this more in later articles that what is happening in the book, the bigger picture of what is happening will be come very apparent. I am not stating that there will be no earthly temple in Jerusalem, whoever an earthly temple can not play a roll that the Heavenly Temple does.