Henry Sulley (1845-1940) wrote the following about the restoration of animal sacrifices based on his study of the eschatological temple in Ezek 40-47:
APPENDIX B.
WILL SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS BE MADE IN THE AGE TO COME?
This question ever arises in the contemplation of the things Ezekiel saw in vision. It is not sufficient to point to the fact that an altar of unprecedented size is specified in the prophecy ; nor that the “ flesh of the offerings ” was seen by the Prophet on the tables provided for their preparation. Neither does it suffice to show the circumstantial ritual of the prophecy so full of ordinances and commandments. Notwithstanding: all these, many still doubt the reality of such a restitution. They suppose an end of all sacrifices was made when Jesus shed His blood upon the cross. Such an idea is pardonable, but not tenable. The idea has a semblance of support in some passages of Scripture. It is, however, only an appearance there is not in reality.
The question for us to consider is, Do the Scriptures anywhere plainly foretell the restoration of animal sacrifices ? This is the question at issue. If they do, then all other portions of Scripture, which appear to point in a contrary direction, must be understood in harmony with the general tenor of its plain teaching.
In the consideration of this question, we have a divine rule for our guidance. Peter testifies that the return of Christ will synchronise with “ The restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His Holy Prophets since the world began ” (Acts iii. 20-21). And Jesus, “ That all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Himself” (Luke xxiv. 44). Do the prophecies say anything of the restoration of animal sacrifices ?
We may turn first to the prophecy of Jeremiah, chap, xxxiii. No one will deny that this chapter deals with the restoration of Israel. In verse 7 we read, “ I will cause the captivity of Judah, and the captivity of Israel to return, and I will build them as at the first.”
Such a restoration would lack an essential element if sacrifices were not then offered. The prophet further states (Jer. xxxiii., verses 14-18) : —
‘ ‘ Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.
“ In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of Righteousness to grow up unto David ; and He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
“ In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely : and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the Lord our righteousness.
“For thus saith the Lord ; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel ; neither shall the priests, the Levites, want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.”
The restoration here foretold involves four things.
1. The budding forth of a righteous Branch unto David. One who should execute judgment and righteousness in the land when all Judah and Israel is restored.
2. His name is to be the “ Lord our righteousness.”
3. From that time David will never want a man to sit upon the throne of Israel because Christ will sit there for ever.
4. Neither shall the priests, the Levites, want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and do sacrifice continually.
Further it cannot be denied that one of the names of Jesus of Nazareth is the Branch. Thus we learn from no less an authority than Himself (Rev. xxii. 16). It cannot be denied that he is the king who will execute justice and righteousness in the land in the era of Israel’s restoration (Is. xlix. 1-5 ; Luke i. 31-33). Neither has there appeared upon the earth any other being who can lay claim to such a holy title as the LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. He claims this in saying, “ which of you convinceth me of sin ” (John xiii. 13). If these things be true, if we have here foretold the reign of Christ upon earth, it must also be conceded that the Levites will then, at that same time, offer burnt offerings. Deity testifies, through the Prophet, that if HIS covenant with day and night cannot be broken, then also the covenant concerning Israel and Israel’s king cannot be broken, viz., “ That David should not have a son (Christ) to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites, the priests, my ministers.” Now, without question, priests are not required unless sacrifices are to be offered, and Levites would not find occupation in a Temple which, in the words of the Prophet, was not devoted to “ offering burnt offerings and meat offerings . . . and sacrifice continually.”
Next we may look at the testimony contained in the li. Psalm, 18-19 : —
“ Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion : build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
“Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering, and whole burnt offering : then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.”
At the time David wrote this Psalm, Israel had not reached the zenith of their past glory. The walls of Jerusalem were still intact. No breach had been made therein. The question of re-building therefore had not yet arisen. Hence the Spirit in David foretold the future desolation to be followed by restoration. To what period did he refer ? It could not be the partial restoration of Babylon, because David contemplated a restitution when “burnt offerings, whole burnt offerings, “ and bullocks would be offered in righteousness.” This was just the element in Israel’s offerings which then was lacking. The Father held Himself aloof. The manifestation of glory associated with the offering of the first Temple did not return. The audible voice from behind the veil was silent during all the time intervening between the return from Babylon, and the terrible evil which at last befell the nation at the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. No, no. This prophecy has never been fulfilled. The restoration foretold is yet future, and will find its accomplishment in the Temple of Ezekiel’s prophecy “ when the sons of Levi will offer “ unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
This introduces us to the testimony of Malachi. In the midst of his prophecy we find these words ; chap, iii. 1-4:—
“ The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His Temple . . . He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver : and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
“ Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”
Here we see that when the Lord comes to His Temple, the sons of Levi will be purified in order that they may “ offer an offering in righteousness.’’ And then shall the offerings be pleasant unto the Lord as in the days of old, and as in the former years. In view of this testimony, how can anyone doubt that animal sacrifices will be restored, and that the era of restoration is the Temple era predicted by Ezekiel ?
“The Lord” has already appeared but not in the aspect spoken of in the prophecy. Levi did not make any righteous offering then. They rather helped to crucify their Lord. Yet “ The Lord,” “ Messiah,” will return, and then this purifying process takes place. The result will be a prepared priesthood ready for the Temple service.
That Temple is to be a magnificent house of prayer for all people. Speaking of that time Isaiah testifies, chap. lvi. 7 : —
“ I will bring them (i.e., Israelites and Gentiles) to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar.”
Jesus quoted this prophecy when he scourged the money changers and traders out of the Temple (Mark
xi. 17). Yet no one will contend the offerings and sacrifices referred to in the prophecy took place then, or that the prophecy has been fulfilled in the past. To what period in the world’s history then does it refer ? When are these Gentile offerings and sacrifices to be made ? Is it not at the second appearing of Christ ? When the isles will listen to Him and all people from far will hearken (Is. xlix. 1).
To the testimony of Isaiah in chapter lvi. must be added the prophecy of chapter lx.
If any have not felt the power of that thrilling apostrophe to Israel, commencing with the words “ Arise “ and shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the “ Lord has risen upon thee,” let him read and ponder. Let him consider every word. Let him weigh every sentence. Upon analysis he will find the whole chapter full of items pertaining to the restoration, and amongst those items prophecy of the restoration of animal sacrifices.
This feature of the case is made perfectly clear in the following epitome : —
1. The glory of the Lord shall arise upon Israel and His glory shall be seen upon them
(verse 1-2).
2. Israel is to be restored. Her sons shall come from far (verse 4) to the name of their Lord and Holy One (verse 9), i.e., to the place which He has chosen to place His name there, even Jerusalem.
3. They are to inherit the land for ever (verse 21).
4. The days of Israel’s mourning are to be ended (verse 20). Violence shall no more be heard in their land, wasting nor destruction within their borders (verse 18).
5. The sons of them that afflicted Israel shall come bending before them. All they that despised her shall bow themselves down at the soles of her feet (verse 14).
6. Instead of being robbed and despoiled, the riches of the Gentiles shall be given to them. Instead of servitude, kings shall minister unto them, and the sons of strangers shall build up their walls (verses 5, 10).
7. They shall become an eternal excellency. A joy of many generations, so that no man will say they are hated and forsaken.
8. The Gentiles shall come to their light, and kings to the brightness of their rising.
9. In addition to all this we read of the offering of flocks and rams upon the altar of the house of Yahweh’s glory, thus (verse 7) : —
“ All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to thee, they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the House of My Glory.”
What further evidence need we that sacrifice and offerings will be restored in the day of Israel’s future glory. This is the day when Deity is exalted in the eyes of all mankind, and the offering of sacrifices is a necessary element in the situation. The shedding of blood is required to convince men of sin. And the Temple of Ezekiel’s prophecy, with its flaying tables, its altar, and its blood-sprinkled service is the crowning piece of God’s arrangement for bringing mankind to their knees before Him. Before His son enthroned in Zion all the earth shall bow, and every tongue shall then confess that he is LORD. (Henry Sulley, The Temple of Ezekiel’s Prophecy [2d ed; 1892; repr., Kessinger Legacy Reprints, n.d.], 101-3)