No city has been the focal point of so much contention as Jerusalem. Jews, Christians and Muslims all make claims of interest in it as a part of their religion. Since 691 A.D. Muslims have had their holy shrine, “the Dome of the Rock,” on the site of Herod’s temple, the nation of Israel now has the Western Wall, and nearby there is the “Resurrection Rotunda” in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Being considered sacred by the three religions, many wars have been fought to gain control of the temple mount. With all the contention, it is hard to conceive that the name Jerusalem means “The city of peace.” The Jebusites called it “Jebus,” and it was one of the last cities to be taken from them in the time of King David. It has many names in the Scriptures: “Zion,” “The City of David,” “Mount Moriah,” “Ariel,” and “Oasis of Justice,” to name a few. Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem receiving the “cup of trembling” from the hand of the Lord, yet later in the same chapter it is removed (Isa. 51:17,22). Then in Zechariah 12:2 the prophecy states that the Lord will make Jerusalem a “cup of trembling” to Israel’s enemies who lay siege against Jerusalem. Indeed, Jerusalem is the focal point of God’s designs for the world.
The Doom of Jerusalem
After His rejecting in Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus wept over the city and pronounced its doom. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 23:37). Then in Luke’s Gospel he added concerning the temple, “As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Luke 21:6). The temple was destroyed about 40 years later. God allowed the temple to remain long enough for a clear testimony of Christ to be preached in that city. Then because the Christians were persecuted, they spread Christianity throughout the world. Christians left Jerusalem and carried the gospel into new areas, extending throughout the world. The rejection of the Messiah brought judgment—the destruction of Jerusalem. Only in recent years, in my generation, has God allowed the Jews to have the city back with a measure of control. The Lord said that it would be trodden down of the Gentiles until the “times of the Gentiles” were fulfilled (Luke 21:24). Much speculation is made both among Christians and Jews about the construction of a new temple.
Ezekiel’s Prophecy
Ezekiel prophesied that the temple of Jerusalem would be overturned three times: “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him” (Ezek. 21:27). The temple has been destroyed twice. May we not conclude that the temple will be built again and destroyed once more before the Lord comes whose right it is! The scene is being set for this to take place, the main hindrance being that the Muslims have their holy shrine on the site.
Other articles in this issue relate the history of wars and occupation of the city of Jerusalem by various nations. In the year 1099 Christians first took Jerusalem from the Muslims. Down through the years other crusades were made by Christians to retake the city from the Muslims and claim it for the Christian faith. In later years following the Christian Reformation, many kings and persons of wealth made pilgrimages to Jerusalem as a token of homage to the city. This leads to the question of how we as Christians should regard the city of Jerusalem. Should it be regarded by us as a holy site, or is it only for the Jews? Should Christians take up the cause of removing the Muslims’ holy shrine from the temple mount? Jerusalem has indeed become the hot spot of contention between these three religions. Present-day events indicate that we may not be far from the time when these issues will flare up in warfare. To answer these questions, it is necessary to understand the difference between Israel’s earthly calling and the church’s heavenly calling.
A New Jerusalem
We may genuinely appreciate the zeal of our Christian forefathers who did not understand the difference between the earthly city Jerusalem for Israel and heavenly Jerusalem for the church. They sought in the name of Christ to possess and preserve a city on earth for those of the Christian faith without this understanding. But now in the last century and a half God has given us more enlightenment. We have clear teaching regarding the heavenly calling of the church as distinct from God’s dispensational ways with Israel. We owe much to those who sought out these truths that lift us above the earthly sphere, so that we can appreciate a heavenly city to which we are called. It changes the whole outlook of what we strive for. “If therefore ye have been raised with the Christ, seek the things which are above, where the Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God: have your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2 JND). “Ye are come unto mount Sion [the mount of grace], and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22). Our Savior has ascended to heaven and promises us heavenly Jerusalem. While we believe the Lord is going to bring all Israel back into blessing around Himself in Jerusalem on earth, Christians are not called to fight holy wars of physical combat for Jerusalem on earth. We have a better city, a heavenly Jerusalem. Our warfare is a spiritual one (Eph. 6:12). In saying these things, we are not in any way seeking to discount God’s chosen people, the Jews. He has promised to bless those that bless them and curse those that curse them. But let us not confuse the promises to Israel with those to Christians. Let us lay hold of what the Lord has given us to enjoy.
The Jews Return
The providence of God is allowing many Jews to return to the land that was promised them. This was foretold in the scripture concerning the fig tree, which is a type of Israel nationally. “When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matt. 24:32-33). The restoration of Jews to their land is of interest to us, not because it involves us, but because these events precede Israel’s coming blessing. But it is not for Christians to build a temple for a nation that still rejects Jesus Christ as their Messiah. None but the Lord Jesus Himself will be able to make it a city of peace.
Very few nations look favorably on Israel today. Nearly every year resolutions are brought against them at the United Nations. Among the Protestant denominations there are divided opinions about the nation of Israel. Among many Christian denominations, however, there is strong support for Israel. Some go so far as to want to help them build a temple in Jerusalem.
Another Temple
Events make it look likely that a temple may be rebuilt in Jerusalem, and Scripture seems to indicate that another temple will be built. If this happens with unbelieving Jews, we can be sure that that temple will be overturned, as we have noted from Ezekiel. God will not allow such a work to prosper, since it does not give the Lord Jesus Christ his rightful place. But our place as Christians is not to be building a city on earth; we have the sure hope of the momentary coming of the Lord Jesus to take His heavenly people, the church, to the Father’s house at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Heavenly Jerusalem
There is a prophetic view of the church of God during the millennial reign of Christ in Revelation 21:9-27. It is presented as a city coming down out of heaven to administer righteousness through its twelve gates. This will be the portion of the heavenly saints. Though the language in Revelation is symbolic, it easily conveys to our minds what our heavenly relationship with Christ is, as He reigns over the earth. There will be an earthly city of Jerusalem as well, where all nations will bring their glory and honor to the Lord, and waters of blessing will flow out to all who come to worship the Lord at Jerusalem on earth (Zech. 14). It will then be the “city of peace.” May He help us walk according to our heavenly calling.
D. C. Buchanan