Could Israel be closer than ever to building the Third Temple? Many believe so, and point to unfolding prophetic signs as evidence that the world is approaching the final days before the return of Christ.
“We are sitting here in the very last days,” said Tom Cote, host of the Watchman River Podcast. “Some people say in the last hours, but we are sitting here in the very last days. We are seeing everything set up, everything for the seven-year tribulation.”
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Cote believes the modern state of Israel plays a central role in end-times prophecy and that the acceleration of temple-related developments signals something monumental is near. “With all the talk of the third temple, it really shows us how close we are to the pre-tribulation rapture of the church,” he said. “Could the temple, the third temple, be built in 2025 or 2026? I think it’s very possible.”
One of the most talked-about developments is the arrival of the red heifers, a biblically significant requirement for temple purification. “They’ve got these perfect red heifers ready to go,” Cote said. “They already did a rehearsal where they burned one of the heifers… there’s two more red heifers that are perfect. And the timing is perfect.”
In recent weeks, imagery and messaging surrounding the Third Temple have been spotted more frequently in Israel, a fact Cote sees as more than symbolic. “Signs were installed that were pointing to the temple, the third temple, that’s not there yet,” he said. “But the Israeli government has not taken them down… everyone’s getting ready for it.”
He also noted unusual displays in Palestinian territories: “Israeli settlers are now flying third temple flags at key intersections on the daily routes for Palestinians who live there in the West Bank.”
According to Cote, these events align with the prophetic warnings given throughout Scripture. “Ezekiel saw it in Ezekiel 37:28. Daniel mentioned it in Daniel 9:27. Jesus confirmed it in Matthew 24:15–16. Paul saw it in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, and so did John in Revelation 11:1 and 2.”
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The progression of war and faith in the region is leading to one ultimate outcome, he said. “The Middle East is on the verge of some pretty chaotic times. And I think out of that will probably come the covenant where they give Israel permission to build the third temple.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
