A New Temple Is Coming

Interpreting Complex Passages

• First Understand It Literally• Look For A Symbolic Meaning If There Is…– Language That Indicates A Symbolic Meaning– A “Contradiction” of Scripture or Reality

• A Vision, A Comparison “Like”– Ezekiel 40:1-4

• The children of Israel are not to build this temple, but to learn about their sins from its design.– Ezekiel 43:10-11

Applying Symbolic Literature

• Determine The Connection To The Immediate Context & The Overall Meaning of The Book.

• The Context: The Future Hope of God’s People• The Book: You Shall “Know That I Am The Lord”• Clear Passages That Aid Our Understanding– 1 Corinthians 3:16-17– Ephesians 2:19-22– 1 Corinthians 15:57

Learning From Ezekiel’s New Temple

• Strong Contrast & Vivid Imagery Reinforces The People’s Failure & Need For God’s Help.– Chapter 40-42

• The Future Temple’s Sanctification– God’s Glory (Ch. 43:1-12)– Purified Altar for The Sin Offering (Ch. 43:20-21)

• A Redeemed Priesthood– Chapter 44:4-16, 1 Peter 2:9

Learning From Ezekiel’s New Temple

• A Holy Place That Requires Holy Living– Stop Using Violence (Ch. 45:8-9)– Restore Honest Business Dealings (Ch. 45:10-12)– Respect Holy Days (Ch. 45:18-25)– Respect Sacrifices (Ch. 46:13)

• The Lands of the Future Temple– All Receive A Portion (Ch. 48:2-7, 23-29)– The Lord, His Sanctuary, The Priests (Ch. 48:8-22)– Twelve Gates & Called “The Lord is There” (vs. 30-35)

A New Temple Is Coming