Although “altars, in their literal meaning, are associated with physical materials, it is more than just a physical place; it is a spiritual symbol. In the olden days, altars were used as sacrificial grounds, representing the relationship between man and God. In a classical scenario, in the Old Testament, altars were used for burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:9); for instance, Abraham built an altar to God in Genesis 12:7 after receiving God’s promise. These altars were not just physical structures but divine ones that exhibited man’s fellowship and commitment. But today, our fellowship and worship with God is offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who has become the ultimate altar for us from that time. Hebrews 13:10 shows Jesus as our altar, replacing the old system of sacrifices. Through Him, we have direct access to God and spiritual nourishment.
It is evident that altars have been pivotal in marking key moments of covenant and worship, and it also reinforces how altars have always been integral in establishing and maintaining a covenant relationship with God. Altars represent where our worship and devotion are directed, whether to God or other things. Although the Bible presents altars as sacred places, it can also be abused. There is a biblical instance of King Manasseh, in 2 Kings 21, where he built altars for false gods, inviting evil spirits. This duality of nature is revealed when people place ideal emphasis on human abilities, artifacts, and articles as mediums to reach God and heal, as well as secular ideologies, or power, creating spiritual altars that, though subtly harmless, can lead to idolatry and deception. The reason is this engagement brings about worship of anything other than God. In (2 Kings 21:3), King Manasseh of Judah built altars to Baal and plunged the nation into spiritual decline. Whenever man engages in acts that redirect the focus from Jesus, then our hearts become corrupted, and misdirected, and ultimately lead to separation from God.
In the contemporary context, Christians are gradually building altars and are devoting themselves to things and actions that divert their attention from the worship of God through Jesus to emphasis on human abilities, artifacts, and articles as well as the craving for personal fame. Below are some of the means through which it manifests:
The Prosperity Gospel and Materialism: False altars in today’s Christianity are pervasive but subtle as spiritual directions; however, this act diverts the minds and souls of Christians from the teachings of Jesus to directions and artifacts. In such scenarios, preachers often claim that financial giving, especially to them and buying artifacts from them, will lead to wealth and blessings. This creates a mindset where Christians worship preachers, money, and personal success rather than focusing on spiritual growth through Jesus by studying the Bible and praying. The emphasis shifts from God’s kingdom to human glory, worldly desires, and possessions, leading Christians to place their hope in their men of God and financial rewards rather than in God’s eternal promises.
Worship of influence: Some worshippers are deliberately treated like celebrities, with their every word regarded as gospel truth, deviating from Christ’s message. The false altar here is tilted toward the worship of influence, fame, and authority rather than God’s Word and personal relationship with Jesus. Colossians 2:18 warns against misplaced focus and pride, urging us to stay grounded in Christ.
Chasing Prophetic Words and Spiritual Quick Fixes: Prophetic words and spiritual shortcuts have become an obsession among most Christians today. Some self-proclaimed prophets and teachers use these obsessions to attract followers by providing instant solutions to life’s problems. Replacing the steady and faithful work of studying the Word, prayer, and growth with emotional highs and spiritual experiences can be dangerous. Seeking the supernatural within the church becomes synonymous with a deeper communion with God while new altars are built. Chasing prophetic words and quick fixes is an evil altar because it shifts focus from God to human-centered experiences (Jeremiah 23:16). It leads to abandoning sound doctrine for emotional highs (2 Timothy 4:3-4). True worship requires patience, prayer, and growth in God’s Word.
Hyper-Individualism and Self-Centered Faith: The modern cult of individualism, self-love, and personal satisfaction is so rampant that it is difficult for a Christian to steer away from the self-love gospel, which alters faith in God into faith for oneself. Everyone saves their hearts in the name of love, yet God and others are the last things on their minds. So, where is the self-sacrifice towards the will, love, and service for God? Nowadays people want everything, including turning to God, but the question persists: Do you want to turn to God in the first place? This is because, 2 Timothy 3:1-2 warns against self-centeredness in the last days, where self-love takes priority over God and others. Luke 9:23 calls for self-denial and daily submission to God’s will for true discipleship.
All that becomes evil altars to the Christian and participating in those altars exposes individuals to ideologies that contradict biblical truth. The above pursuits shift the Christian focus from serving God to seeking quick fixes, validation, and glory, placing human desires and will above the divine purpose of God’s will.
It further distracts Christians from spiritual growth, replacing genuine connection with superficial approval, leading Christians to worship on the altar of popularity rather than God’s altar of truth and salvation: Jesus Christ.
Jesus fulfills every altar in the Old Testament, this is captured in Hebrews 10:10: ‘We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’ This basic and truthful message should shape our worship and dedication, reminding us that all altars point to Him. We are no longer devoted and directed to earthly and pagan sacrifices but to the completed work of Jesus on the cross. Otherwise, false altars may have an emotional and psychological impact on us since there are instances where Christians buy financial success oil and water to cure ancestral curses. Aside from the fact that all that is bought with huge sums
of money, their purposes are not realized, leaving Christians in desperate guilt of failure and emotionally shattered and bound as slaves to the bully of evil altars. Jeremiah 17:5 warns against trusting in man-made solutions, in this context, we can talk of things like oils, water, and any other articles sold as solutions. True peace comes from relying solely on Jesus. Jesus as the True Altar helps Christians understand that their worship and offerings should be directed to Him alone. Hebrews 9:14 says, ‘How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.’ This understanding emphasizes Christ’s sacrifice and the sufficiency of His work.
In conclusion, it becomes important for the Christian to have a personal altar with God through a relationship with Jesus that is built through daily prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. This relationship serves as a shield against evil altars, and external influences and keeps the Christian focused on Christ. A prayer like Psalm 91:1-2 can serve as a daily declaration: ”He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” May the Lord bless and cause us to abide in Him. Amen.
BY: MOSES ANTWI OPPONG
AGONA SWEDRU AREA
JUKWA DISTRICT
GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY
CONTACT: 0209516746
Nanaoppongkyekyeku5@gmail.com
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