Ezekiel’s vision is fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus, the new temple (Ezek 37:26-28; Jn 2:19-22). The temple is the central figure that prefigures the Messiah. Also, the spiritual guide who leads Ezekiel through the vision is the Son of David, the “Prince” (34:24; 37:25). The divine “Glory” who takes up residence in the new temple (43:1-12) is the same manifest in the Word made flesh (Jn 1:14). Thus, chapters 40-48 are relevant for the ongoing liturgical and sacramental worship of the corporate church, the body of Christ. It is through God’s Word and Sacraments that Christ is present with His people already now, and through these means of the Spirit, God fashions Christians into His holy temple (1 Cor 3:16-17). And the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel’s vision is in the new heavens and new earth, inaugurated at the second coming of Christ and the bodily resurrection of all believers to eternal life (Isaiah 11 and 65; 2 Pet 3:1-13; Revelation 21–22).
