“WE AFFIRM that in the Old Testament God revealed Himself to people in temporary altars, tabernacles, and temples. We affirm that these locations served as points on earth where God and man would meet. We affirm, therefore, that altars, tabernacles, and temples had a real validity in the worship of God’s people. We also affirm that all these found their fulfillment in Jesus who is the final revelation of God and the meeting place between God and man. We affirm that, after Jesus, no earthly location possesses peculiar spiritual significance as a portal to access divine blessing or as an indispensable place for worship.“
“WE DENY that local church buildings are or should have altars which serve as points of connection to heaven. We also deny that Christians are required to ‘raise up’ visible or invisible altars in order to gain spiritual control of any particular territory. We deny that special deliverances are required to tear down invisible altars in order to rid families, churches, cities, or countries of spiritual evil.“
It is TRUE that the Bible mentions altars several times in connection to the worship of Yahweh, the True God. By definition, an altar is a raised platform where sacrifices are offered. Notable men of faith in the Old Testament erected altars: Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abram (Gen. 12:7,8; 13:18; 22:9), Isaac (Gen. 26:24–25), Jacob (Gen. 35:3), Gideon (Jud. 6:24), etc. It is recorded that God did receive worship in the form of physical sacrifices offered from these altars (Gen. 8:20-21; 1 Kin. 18:30-40; 1 Chr. 21:26). At times, He Himself commanded the building of altars to memorialize His mighty works (Deut. 27:4–7) or for worship in the Tabernacle and Temple (Ex. 27:1–8; 30:1–10; 2 Chr. 4:1; 1 Kgs. 7:48). These physical locations served as special places where God met with His people and received their worship through sacrifices. Physical altars and sacrifices were therefore a legitimate and God-ordained means of communion between Him and His people. Yet, while legitimate, they were not sufficient to sustain fellowship between a holy God and a sinful people, for they had to be offered continually, and any neglect disrupted that relationship.
In the New Testament, however, we see the raised platform upon which the perfect sacrifice was offered; we see the cross of Jesus Christ as the ultimate altar for the ultimate sacrifice. The effectiveness of this sacrifice is seen in that it was offered once and never again (Heb. 9 & 10). This means therefore, that through Christ, all those who trust in Him have full and unhindered access to the Father on the merit of His sacrifice, as it is written, “we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.” (Heb. 10:19). Jesus Christ, the God-Man, is now Himself the meeting place of God and man. By His death and resurrection, He has forever rendered obsolete every former means by which humanity sought access to God. (cf. John 14:6).
It is therefore FALSE to claim that Christians today must travel to a particular location to find an “altar” where they can draw closer to God. Neither Jerusalem, nor Vatican City, nor any modern-day “sacred site” brings you nearer to God than Christ Himself. Even church buildings are not “special altars” and neither do they contain one. The gathered church enjoys Christ’s presence whether meeting in a cathedral, a storehouse, or under the open sky in the desert. Because of Jesus, God’s people may meet Him anywhere, at any time, without restriction.
It is also FALSE to claim that men of God, particular churches, or special Christian events serve as altars where believers must “connect” or “raise an altar” by giving financial gifts or other offerings in order to gain special access to God or secure His favor. No amount of giving to a pastor, a church, or an event can provide the Christian with access to God beyond what Christ has already secured through His sacrifice.
And so dear Christian, are you under the illusion that you need to raise an altar for God to meet you? Or that we need a national altar/tabernacle for God to favorably deal with us as a nation? Are you seeking to travel to a man of God, a sacred location or special event in order to connect to an altar through the giving of your funds? Beloved, do not waste your money and effort chasing what God has already given to you freely in Christ. Jesus alone is our access to the Father (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18), for He alone died for our sins to bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18). Therefore, rest in this glorious truth: Christ is enough, and faith in Him is all that is required.
