Altar: A Sacred Place of Surrender and Transformation

The Biblical Significance of the Altar

In the Old Testament, altars were typically stone structures where animals were sacrificed and burnt as atonement for sin (Lev 9:7). These altars also served as acts of thanksgiving for God’s goodness or to commemorate significant encounters with Him (Gen 8:20, 12:6–8, 28:16–18). Often left standing for years, they became enduring reminders of God’s protection, promises, and faithfulness (Josh 4:2–7).

Today, the concept of the altar is no longer confined to a physical structure. In Christian practice, the front area of a church—often called “the altar”—is where communion is served, symbolizing Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. The altar thus remains a powerful symbol of divine encounter and consecration.

The Spiritual Altar: Surrender and Consecration

Modern altar-making is not a physical act but a spiritual one—an inward laying down of personal desires, ambitions, and rights before God (Rom 12:1–2). When something is placed on the altar, it is no longer ours but God’s. This surrender brings freedom and releases divine power in our lives.

God entrusts us with gifts, dreams, and callings for His glory. Yet at times, He calls us to release even these “God-given” things—not because they are wrong, but because He desires deeper intimacy and obedience. Like Abraham offering Isaac (Gen 22:1–18), such moments test our devotion and refine our faith.

Am I prepared to lay my all on the altar – and leave it there?

These spiritual altars become milestones—transformative moments where our perspectives, priorities, and passions are renewed. Just as Old Testament sacrifices were costly, so too should our surrender be genuine and life-changing.

Moving Forward: From Altar to Obedience

While we may revisit these sacred moments in memory, we must not dwell on them as monuments. The Christian life is one of continual progression—moving forward in consecration and obedience. Every step depends on surrender. At salvation, we exchanged slavery to sin for service to Christ. This new allegiance requires ongoing submission, even when the path is unclear.

We do not choose every trial, but we choose our response. Our responsibility is to obey, trusting that our heavenly Father, who loves us perfectly, is guiding us toward His best.

Altar call: In some services, an invitation (altar call) is extended for prayer. While this can be a powerful moment of encounter, true transformation begins in the heart, whether in public or in private. A decision must be followed by a life of sanctification, bearing the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of genuine faith (Gal 5:22–23).

Reflection and application:

Is there something in your life that God is calling you to place on the altar? What dreams, desires, or rights might need to be surrendered for a deeper walk with Him? Like Jesus in Gethsemane, are you willing to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Mk 14:36)? Consider what it means to live daily on the altar—offering yourself fully, trusting that true freedom and blessing come through surrender.

The Israelites were commanded to destroy the altars of pagan nations to avoid idolatry (Ex 34:13–14; Deut 7:5; 12:3). What “altars” in your life—habits, attachments, or allegiances—need to be torn down so you can be wholly devoted to God?