Why do Ez.40-48 speak of sin offerings in the time of the messiah, when Jesus already died for our sins?

Question

Chapters 40-48 comprise one vision, a vision of what will be when the messiah returns.. Sin offerings are described, as part of the ritual, several times within this vision.
Ez 43:7 says that this Temple will be eternal (not destroyed), so it cannot be referring to the time of Jesus' first comming.
Ez ch 48 refers to the presence of all 12 tribes on the land, and in the time of the first comming only 2 were present- so this cannot be referring to the time of the first comming.
The structures of the building and vessels, and the procedures for the rituals described throughout these chapters is different than that which was during the time of the first comming, so these chapters must be referring to the time of the second comming.

Just to clairfy- the sacrifices therein discussed are animal sacrifices.

Answer 1

The Hebrew word olam which is translated here "eternal" can also mean "for a long time" ie not necessarily forever. It is important to note that it is the Greeks who came up with the concept of eternity, infinity, etc. From the Hebrew worldview what is meant something of lasting duration but not necessarily eternal.

Answer 2

These passages are concerned with the new temple and how to govern it. He is speaking in the future. Since the time of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David, and with the fulfillment through Jesus there has always been a sacrifice associated with a covenant. Jesus Christ sacrifice is not once and its over, but is perpetual for all eternity forever. Christ is the perfect sacrificial Lamb.

Answer 3

excellent point.
and to the poster above me, even if you wish to translate "olam" as "long time" -- how would that answer the question? There is still the question of the prophet mentioning *real* sacrifices being brought during the end-times.

Answer 4

I believe you speak correctly, it is when Christ takes His rightful place in the New Jerusalem in the millennium kingdom.