Will the rebuilt temple religion of the Tribulation be a religion in which God is working?
No. The rebuilt temple religion during the Tribulation will not be a religion in which God is working. It will be much like Judaism during Christ’s earthly ministry, with temple worship operating until the midpoint, when Antichrist stops sacrifice, sets himself up as God, and forces Jews to worship him rather than the God of the Old Testament.
Les explains that the question came up whether Israel getting the temple back during the Tribulation, or right after the seven-year treaty is signed, would be a religion in which God is working. His answer is no; it will be much the same kind of religion as Judaism was during Christ’s earthly ministry. In Daniel 9:27, the prince confirms the covenant with many Jews for seven years, and in the middle of the week he causes the sacrifice and oblation to cease. For temple worship to cease, it must first be going and operating. Therefore Israel will get her temple rebuilt; she is ready, with priests and utensils prepared and on display. Then at the midpoint, Antichrist goes in, turns on the Jew, sets himself up as God, and forces the Jew to worship him rather than the God of the Old Testament.