The third temple is the one yet to come, but it surpasses all temples, which are only temporary dwelling-places, and so the Book of Revelation foretells, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:1-5)” This fulfills the first temple of Jerusalem, “(The angel) took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God …. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. (Revelation 21:22-23)” We pray with St. Paul, “For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain [in] the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. (Phillipians 1:21-24)”

Meditation by Archpriest David Petras