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The entrance of the glory of the Lord will be through the gate facing eastward. That the glory of the Lord is that brilliant radiance of pure light, which is the very essence of His being, is evidenced from creation down the final fulfillment of Bible prophecy. The comprehension, a total understanding of the glory of the Lord, which is seen in a person, must be found in oneís relationship with the Lord Jesus. The knowledge of that glory is to be seen in the face of the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 4:6 In other words, the revelation of His glorious and Divine nature which we are privileged to receive of Him, is seen in His face, or in His person.
The Tabernacle (Ex. 40:34) and the Temple ( 1 Kings 8:10-11), each one, at the time of their dedication became the recipients of the very presence of the glory of the Lord. The glory of His presence is far more important than any building or person which might be declared by man, to be the dwelling place of His glory. The ultimate revelation of the glory of the Lord is found to be in the redeemed. In the first place, the greatest glory currently seen by mankind is the glory or the shining of the sun, for the light of the LORD is like a sun. Ps. 84:11 That glory was very visible to the disciples who accompanied Him up to the mount of transfiguration. Mt. 17:2 The righteous, the redeemed, in His kingdom, are destined to shine with that same brilliant glory. Mt. 13:33 The woman of Revelation twelve is clothed with that glory. Rev. 12:1 There are many instances where the glory of the Lord was revealed, which may be found in the scriptures, far too many to mention here at this time. The purpose in viewing the few that we have is that we might know that the glory of the Lord is the presence of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, Ezekielís Temple is that which is eternal.
Now we have the question posed by the mention of sacrifices being made in this temple. While the vision contained information of the far distant future, it was given in a time when the sacrifices were still under the order of the Law. Consequently, the vision was in keeping with the religious practices of that day. The offering of the Lord Jesus, the once for all sacrifice, thoroughly satisfied the demands of a proper atonement. Heb. 10:10 This man, the Lord Jesus Christ, offered Himself as the all sufficient sacrifice, once, for all of mankind and all of time. Heb. 10:11 To rebuild a temple and reinstitute animal sacrifices is absolutely the greatest insult to God which can be made. Understand from His Word and how He feels about it. ìHe who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dogs neck; he who offers a grain offering, as if he offered swineís blood; He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Isa. 66:3 NKJV All of which are an abomination to the Lord and totally unacceptable.