Jerusalem, the City of God
The Eternal City of God
Jerusalem, the City of God, is the city that God chose as His dwelling place (Psalm 132:13, 14). He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. There he built His towering sanctuary, as solid and enduring as the earth itself (Psalm 78:68, 69).
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper (Psalm 122:6).
Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! His purpose was to make his salvation available to the Gentiles, and then the Jews would be jealous and want it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the Jews turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when the Jews finally accept it (Romans 11:11, 12).
On that day life-giving waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously both in summer and in winter. And the LORD will be king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:8, 9).
Dispensational Premillennial View: Christ will return to establish a thousand – year kingdom of righteousness and peace on earth, but before that takes place the church will be “raptured” (removed from the earth to heaven). The millennial kingdom primarily concerns the nation of Israel and their restoration to their ancient land. After this will come the Resurrection and Judgement.
The Millennial Reign of Christ
For almost two millennia, there has been no Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews have attended synagogue services around the world to pray, read Scripture, and perform various ceremonies. Yet, deep in their hearts, they have had a longing for the messianic age and another Temple to be build in Jerusalem. In context Ezekiel 36 and 37 speak of the day when the Lord will bring the Jewish people back to their Land (36:24; 37:1-12). He reassured them that they will turn to the Lord then and He will put His Spirit within them.
The Old Testament sacrifices did not save; rather they looked forward and pointed to the atoning work of the cross. The millennial sacrifices will, in the same manner, point back to Christ’s death as an accomplished fact and serve as a reminder of the salvation that all Israel will then know (Romans 11:26-36).