When we were last together we delved into a subject of which you have heard only one viewpoint for your whole Christian life - the modern viewpoint which I outlined in Blog #1 of this new series. I also gave you a hint about the identity of the Two Witnesses, which will bear up under scriptural scrutiny as we proceed with our research into chapter 11 of Revelation, and corresponding references. We will find that this chapter has been faithfully fulfilled.
Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying. "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there...but leave out the outer court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months...and I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth"...Rev. 11:3.
Don't you just love a good riddle - especially one that scripture will solve for us? Why did the angel give John a reed to measure the temple?
This temple is an earthly brick and mortar temple in the physical city of Jerusalem - a sacred place symbolizing the old covenant of God to Abraham that promised a Messiah. Having John measure the physical temple in Jerusalem symbolizes that the old covenant will complete its purpose at the end of the forty-two months - fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The earthly physical temple will be destroyed and never again be rebuilt.
And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall...the city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth, and he measured the city with the reed; twelve thousand furlongs, its length, breadth, and height are equal...Rev. 21:15-16.
In this vision, an angel also gave John a reed, but a golden one to measure the heavenly city - New Jerusalem. This also is a sacred place, symbolizing the new covenant to the whole world - signed and sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. The new covenant is being offered by the One promised in the old covenant - the Messiah has arrived!
The old temple on the earth fulfilled its purpose, now Jesus is showing John the New Jerusalem that is being built in Heaven as a result of His blood sacrifice, and the witness of His apostles. John measured the earthly temple and the heavenly temple. When Jesus died and rose again, He provided the heavenly temple of worship, which replaced the physical temple of worship on the earth.
The outer court of the temple in Jerusalem has been given to the Gentiles, symbolizing the unsaved world. While Jesus preached His salvation to the Jewish people, His apostles would take His message to the Gentiles. Human beings would have the opportunity to become the temple of the Holy Spirit - replacing the need for the brick and mortar temple in Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem in Heaven would be built with these redeemed human beings.
...and they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months...Rev. 11:2. The word tread in the original Greek language is pateo meaning: a path. This explains how the Two Witnesses will walk a path, and it will be a hard path of resistance with the message of salvation for 42 months.
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days...Rev. 11:3. 42 months and 1260 days equal 3.5 years, describing the length of time that Jesus and His apostles will minister together in Jerusalem.
In ancient times, their calendar was calculated at 360 days for a year. It was called a Prophetic Calendar - 30 days for each month. After centuries of adjustments to finally synchronize the seasons, there was agreement that 365.2422 days would equal one year. But, the Prophetic Calendar was considered accurate to calculate prophetic references. 1260 days divided by 360 days = 3.5 years. While 42 months also equals 3.5 years.
...and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth...Rev. 11:3. We see the Two Witnesses clothed in sackcloth - what does this symbolize? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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