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VBVMI StaffWill there be animal sacrifices in the Millennial Kingdom?
According to Ezekiel’s description of the temple in chapters 44-46, there will be sacrifices in the Millennial temple. There will be sacrifices which serve to commemorate the Passover, the Sabbath and other feasts. Of these feasts, only one will be required of Gentiles, the Feast of Tabernacles. We read this in Zechariah 14:
A failure to obey this requirement brings a punishment of plagues and drought, indicating that some nations will continue to rebel against the Lord in the Kingdom.
The sacrifices of the Kingdom are part of a Kingdom Law which is different than the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses ended with the death of Christ, but the Kingdom Law will be instituted in the Kingdom. This law as explained in Ezekiel 40-43 includes animal sacrifices similar to the Law of Moses though different in some ways.
Just as the Old Testament sacrifices did not remit for sin, nor will the Kingdom sacrifices serve as a means to righteousness or forgiveness of sins. Rather, these rituals are a means of restoring fellowship for sinners living in the Kingdom and will also serve as a memorial of Jesus' redemptive work in the prior age.
Remember, every age since Israel's formation has included a temple and a sacrificial service. Even in the age of the Church, there is a temple on earth and a sacrifice. The Bible says that the temple today is found in the body of all believers:
And today there is a sacrifice for the Lord, as Paul explains:
For a more detailed explanation of the Kingdom life and temple service, please listen to our Revelation Bible study, especially Lessons 20B & C.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org