TPM’s W. Dankenbring Wrong About the Sacrifice Fulfilling Prophecy, a Needed Temple, and the Date of Passover

Former WCG writer and now a self-appointed “apostle” W. Dankenbring of TPM made several inaccurate statements in the March-April 2010 edition of his publication called “Prophecy Flash”.

Here is one of the first, which the article starts off with:

In a recent letter, J.R. Church of Prophecy in the News writes: “On March 29, the Jews in Israel will be eating lamb for Passover. For nearly 2,000 years, they have simply had a dry shankbone on each plate. But history is in the making! A sacrificial altar has been constructed 12 miles northeast of Jerusalem at a place called Mizpah/Jericho where the sacrifices will take place.”

This information about this remarkable fulfillment of Bible prophecy is included in the cover story in the March 2010 issue of Prophecy in the News magazine.

Now as I mentioned in a post yesterday (see Jews Again Denied Right to Sacrifice, But…), the reality is that the prophecies concerning sacrifices being stopped are referring to regular and daily sacrifices. So while there may be ramifications of this if sacrifices are actually done, this event per se would not be enough to fulfill those prophecies unless the sacrifices were to occur daily (and in Jerusalem). So, I believe that W. Dankenbring has probably erred on his assessment here.

Here is the second statement of his that I wish to point out is:

Jesus Christ in the Mount Olivet prophecy speaks of signs of the end of the age and the signs of Christ’s second coming. Among them, He declared, “Therefore when you SEE the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place [the Temple of God, in the “holy of holies”), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matt.24:15-16)..

Yeshua plainly says a physical temple is going to exist again, prior to his return!

Of course, Jesus absolutely did not plainly state there that “a physical temple is going to exist again” in that statement in Matthew. Actually, He did not mention a “temple” at all there.

Many people were confused by Jesus’ other statements where He did actually mention a temple. When He made some of them the Jews thought He was speaking plainly of a physical temple, “But He was speaking of the temple of His body” (John 2:21).

While a type of temple is spoken of in the New Testament to fulfill various prophecies, it needs to be pointed out that once Jesus died, the temple in Jerusalem is never again the “temple of God”. It is the people of God (and one or more of their buildings) that constitute the temple of God in the end time.

There is NO biblical requirement for the Jews to have a physical temple in Jerusalem prior to the return of Jesus Christ (see also Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).

W. Dankenbring erroneously keeps the 15th as Passover and claims that Jesus did not actually partake of a Passover meal in what is commonly called “the last supper”. Here is some of what he wrote about that:

Jesus sent Peter and John telling them, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” In context, then, He is telling them to “Prepare for the coming Passover Feast” – all the seven days of “Passover” (verse 1). They had to prepare – that is, obtain “unleavened bread,” and all the things necessary for observing the Passover for seven days. That is why this day was called a day of preparation.’ Jesus was telling His disciples to ‘PREPARE’ for the up-coming Passover – that is, to GET READY and make preparations. He did not say the meal that very night would be the Passover! Luke plainly calls it “supper” – not “Passover” – as we shall see!

Notice, however, what Jesus said:

15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer… (Luke 22:15).

Furthermore notice the following version from Matthew:

18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”‘”

19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating (Matthew 26:18-21).

Here is the version from Mark:

14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.”

16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.

17 In the evening He came with the twelve. 18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.”
(Mark 14:14-18)

It should be obvious to those that wish to believe the Bible that Jesus ate the Passover meal. Nothing else makes sense.

W. Dankenbring and his followers really should pay closer attention to the Bible so that they will not mislead themselves and others. I do not consider that W. Dankenbring is possibly God’s “apostle”. He not only is wrong about several items covered in today’s post, he has made many, many prophetic errors (some of which I have documented in my article about his “Triumph” group).

Some articles of related interest may include:

TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the LCG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct?
Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring’s ministry–incorrectly speculates on various dates and holds to some odd doctrines.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
The Night to Be Observed What is it? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.