Construction plans have been drawn up, temple coins have been minted, priests have been appointed, red heifers are ready for sacrifice and temple furnishings are prepared. Will the third temple usher in the Messiah’s earthly reign?

Expectations for the building of a third temple rise from dispensationalism. Where did this theology come from? Is it Biblical? Jesuits Francisco Ribera and Cardinal Robert Bellarmine introduced dispensationalist teachings in the 1500s as part of the counter-Reformation. Nevertheless, dispensationalism has gathered millions of Protestants into its net.

What does this theology do with Jesus Christ? What is the central issue behind preparations to build the third temple? Walter Veith looks at God’s purpose for Israel, the plan of salvation and the third temple.