In Daniel 9:27 we’re told that the antichrist will confirm a covenant for a “week”, a period of time symbolic for 7 years. It’s this covenant that begins the 7-year tribulation. Halfway through this 7 year period he will break this covenant and put an end to the temple sacrifices.
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate, (Daniel 9:27)
For the sacrificial system to be put to a stop, it presupposes that the system was first reinstated, and for this to occur there must be a third temple in which said sacrifices will take place.
When we go to Matthew 24:15-22, Jesus tells the disciples about the abomination of desolation prophesied to occur by Daniel in Daniel 9:27 and gives a series of warnings to take heed of once this event takes place.
For what Daniel and Jesus spoke about (the abomination of desolation) to occur, there must be a rebuilt third temple at least before the midpoint of the tribulation. We also see this being elaborated to us in Revelation 11:1-2 concerning the temple that John measures which exists at the midpoint of the tribulation.
The time markers of “forty-two months” in which the court outside the temple will be given to the gentiles so that they may “tread the holy city underfoot” (being the finality of the time of the gentiles) as well as the 1,260 days the two witnesses will preach (Revelation 11:3) are a few clues given concerning the context which further emphasizes the fact that this temple must exist during the tribulation.
Ultimately, what this all shows us is that as we’re seeing an increased fervor for the building of the third temple in current events and preparations being made in a speedy fashion, we can see that the tribulation period looms across the horizon and that the rapture of the church – which precedes the tribulation – is even closer!
