THE DOUBLE-EDGED ALTAR

Title: THE DOUBLE-EDGED ALTAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 27:1-8
Supporting Texts: 1 Kings 18:30-40, Revelation 8:3-5, Numbers 16:46-50

INTRODUCTION:
The altar serves as a significant spiritual symbol in the Bible. It is often seen as a place of sacrifice, communion, and encounter with the divine. However, the altar is also a place where God's mercy and judgment are revealed. Its dual nature reflects the balance of God's character—merciful and just. This study will explore the twofold role of the altar, emphasising its importance in both the spiritual blessings and the warnings it embodies.

1. THE ALTAR AS A PLACE OF MERCY

a) A Place of Atonement
The altar was used for sacrifices that atoned for sins, symbolising God’s mercy and forgiveness (Leviticus 16:11-19).

b) A Place of Divine Encounter
Many experienced God's presence and favour at the altar (Genesis 12:7).

c) A Place of Prayer and Intercession
Altars served as a point of connection between man and God for supplication (Revelation 8:3-4).

d) A Place of Covenant
Covenants of mercy and favour were often established at altars (Genesis 15:9-18).

e) Biblical Example: Noah built an altar to thank God after the flood, and God responded with a promise never to destroy the earth by water again (Genesis 8:20-22).

2. THE ALTAR AS A PLACE OF JUDGMENT

a) A Place of Consequences
The altar also symbolises God's justice. Those who approached it improperly faced consequences (Leviticus 10:1-2).

b) A Place of Confrontation
The altar can expose sin and bring judgment upon the unrepentant (1 Kings 13:4-5).

c) A Place of Accountability
The altar demands respect for God's holiness, punishing disobedience (Exodus 30:9-10).

d) A Place of Spiritual Warfare
Altars can become battlegrounds where God triumphs over evil forces (1 Kings 18:30-40).

e) Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the altar and were consumed by God’s judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2).

3. THE ALTAR REVEALS GOD'S BALANCE

a) Mercy and Judgment Coexist
God's character is revealed at the altar: merciful to the repentant but just to the rebellious (Psalm 89:14).

b) The Cross as a Modern Altar
At the cross, God displayed His mercy to sinners while also executing judgment on sin (John 3:16; Isaiah 53:4-6).

c) A Call to Reverence
The altar reminds believers to approach God with reverence, recognising His holiness (Hebrews 12:28-29).

d) Empowerment Through the Altar
The altar empowers believers to live holy and victorious lives, maintaining God’s standards (Romans 12:1).

e) Biblical Example: The altar Elijah rebuilt demonstrated both God's mercy to Israel and His judgment on the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30-40).

4. HOW TO RESPOND TO THE ALTAR'S DUAL ROLE

a) Approach with Repentance
Come to the altar acknowledging your sins and seeking God’s mercy (Psalm 51:17).

b) Offer Sacrifices of Obedience
God delights in obedience more than physical sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22).

c) Engage in Intercessory Prayer
Use the altar as a place to intercede for others and call down God's mercy (Numbers 16:46-50).

d) Destroy Ungodly Altars
Like Gideon, tear down altars that bring judgment and build godly ones (Judges 6:25-27).

e) Biblical Example: Moses interceded at the altar during a plague, demonstrating the altar's role in averting judgment (Numbers 16:46-50).

5. THE POWER OF A BALANCED ALTAR

a) It Brings Deliverance
The altar delivers those who approach it in humility and faith (Exodus 12:7-13).

b) It Ensures Victory
God's presence at the altar guarantees triumph over enemies (2 Chronicles 7:1).

c) It Secures Divine Protection
Altars raised to God protect territories and families (Job 1:5).

d) It Calls for Responsibility
Believers are responsible for maintaining the altar through prayer and righteous living (Leviticus 6:12-13).

e) Biblical Example: The altar of the Passover lamb spared Israel from judgment while bringing destruction to Egypt (Exodus 12:1-30).

CONCLUSION:
The altar represents both mercy and judgment, reflecting the dual aspects of God's nature. As believers, we must embrace the mercy of God through repentance and righteous living while recognising the seriousness of His judgment. Let us approach the altar with reverence, maintaining it as a place of divine encounter and transformation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I approach Your altar with humility; have mercy on me.

2. Lord, reveal and destroy any ungodly altar working against my destiny.

3. Help me, Lord, to maintain a godly altar in my life and family.

4. Father, let Your mercy prevail over judgment in my life.

5. By Your power, Lord, grant me victory at the altar of spiritual warfare.

6. Let every altar raised against my progress be consumed by fire in Jesus' name.

7. Holy Spirit, teach me to uphold the altar of intercession and worship.

8. Let Your divine protection flow from the altar into my life and family.

9. Lord, use my altar as a platform for blessings and breakthroughs.

10. I declare that my altar will continually speak life, favour, and blessings in Jesus' name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your altar will become a place of mercy and divine intervention.

2. Every ungodly altar raised against you is destroyed in Jesus’ name.

3. The fire on your altar will never go out; it will burn continually for God’s glory.

4. God will show you mercy and deliver you from every form of judgment.

5. Your altar will speak blessings over your life, family, and generation.

6. The power of God’s judgment will silence every evil voice speaking against you.

7. Divine protection will surround you as you maintain a godly altar.

8. God will use your altar to bring revival and transformation to your family and community.

9. The voice of your altar will silence the forces of darkness working against your destiny.

10. At your altar, you will encounter God’s mercy, favour, and divine instructions.