The Christian Response to the Upcoming Red Heifer Ceremony

Joshua Swanson

February 24, 2025

The anticipation surrounding the Red Heifer ceremony is stirring deep conversations among Christians and Jews alike. With biblical prophecy, Jewish tradition, and Christian theology all converging on this rare and momentous event, how should believers in Jesus respond? A panel of pastors, theologians, and scholars weighed in on this topic, offering both enthusiasm and caution.

Understanding the Red Heifer’s Role in Biblical Prophecy

Pastor Joey White lays out the biblical foundation for the red heifer, explaining that it is a ritual for purification found in Numbers 19. "What the red heifer is all about is for the purpose of purity," he says.

"It's purifying oneself from being defiled from uncleanliness and ultimately the whole purpose of the red heifer is to cleanse somebody so that the temple or the sanctuary or the tabernacle of God is no longer defiled."

This upcoming red heifer sacrifice—should it meet all the scriptural requirements—could be the first such sacrifice in nearly 2,000 years. The significance is immense, as many believe it could be a precursor to the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem.

Christians and the Third Temple: A Complex Perspective

For Christians, the idea of a restored temple brings a mixture of emotions. While it is a fulfillment of prophecy, it also raises theological questions. Pastor Troy Brewer acknowledges the tension: "I want the Jewish people to believe in Jesus. I want them to know that my Messiah is their Messiah. And how can this possibly help? And then when I open up the book of Revelation, I see that that temple is not going to be a holy place until Jesus comes back to it."

Dr. Michael Brown adds a sobering perspective:

“From my perspective as a Jewish believer in Jesus, that’s going to be Jewish people saying, ‘You see, we have our whole system back, God’s with us. We have our atonement system back. We have the blood sacrifices. We have the offerings. We have the priesthood.’ And it would, in that sense, be a beautiful thing, but a deception, because it would make them think that they don’t need Jesus as Messiah."

This highlights an essential Christian concern: How can believers support the unfolding of prophecy while also ensuring that the focus remains on Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice?

Unity Between Christians and Jews

Despite the theological concerns, many believe this is an opportunity for greater unity between Christians and Jews. Byron Stinson urges believers to take a posture of love rather than division.

"The Jewish fathers of faith are learning to love us as we stop persecuting and asking them to change from the very religion that Jesus is, which is Judaism. We stop asking them to convert. Just tell them we love them."

Pastor Joey White echoes this, emphasizing the call to bless Israel: "The Bible teaches that we are to bless Israel. Those who bless Israel will be blessed. Those who curse Israel will be cursed. And so we, as the body of Christ, need to do everything that we can to bless Israel."

A Call to Action for Believers

So what should Christians do as the red heifer ceremony approaches?

Pray for Israel and the Jewish People
- Dr. Parthenia Antoine states: "This is not about us. We understand that. This is about the Jews. If you love them, you want them to participate in this. This is where they will meet Yeshua, and He'll reveal Himself to them."
Seek Understanding of Biblical Prophecy
- Pastor White encourages Christians to study Numbers 19 and Revelation 11 to grasp the significance of the red heifer.
Stand in Faith, Not Fear
- Dr. Steven Smith refutes a defeatist end-times view, saying, "We're not going to survive; we're going to thrive. That is the time that we are going to take over this world and build the kingdom of God."
Engage with Israel Personally
- Pastor White urges believers to visit Israel, connect with the Jewish people, and be a part of the unfolding prophetic story.
Remain Rooted in Christ
- As Dr. Brown warns, Christians must not lose sight of the fact that salvation comes through Jesus alone.

Conclusion

The red heifer ceremony is a sign of the times, but more importantly, it is an invitation for Christians to draw nearer to God’s unfolding plan. It is not a time for fear or division but a time for unity, love, and faith. As Byron Stinson reminds us,

"Put into action what God has given you, have hope in your heart that He's coming, and know that He is going to establish on earth a kingdom that will never end."

For believers in Jesus, the focus remains clear: Love Israel, support the Jewish people, study biblical prophecy, and trust in the ultimate return of the Messiah, who will reign from Jerusalem.

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