by Ester yusufu | 12 August 2019 08:46 am08
In the Old Testament, every time the Israelites built an altar for God, they were instructed to place it on elevated ground. God specifically commanded this as part of His design for worship:
Exodus 20:24
“An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings… In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.”
The word “altar” itself comes from a root meaning “a high place” or “to lift up.” Therefore, building it on high ground or raising it up was not just symbolic—it was prophetic. God was teaching His people that worship and sacrifice must ascend to Him—it must rise from a lower (earthly) place to a higher (heavenly) reality.
Later on, pagan nations imitated this concept by building their own altars and shrines on elevated places, but instead of worshipping the true God, they used them for idol worship and witchcraft. That’s why, during the period of the kings, God constantly rebuked Israel for failing to tear down these “high places”:
2 Kings 17:10–12
“They set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images on every high hill… and they burned incense… and served idols.”
Satan never creates anything original. He imitates and perverts what God establishes. When God commanded the Israelites to offer sacrifices for the atonement of sin, Satan introduced pagan sacrifices and counterfeit altars. The goal? To confuse, distract, and ultimately destroy.
In the Old Covenant, approaching God’s altar was not casual. Only priests could approach, and only under very specific conditions. They had to wear holy garments to cover their entire bodies.
Exodus 28:40–43
“…You shall make tunics for them… for glory and beauty… and you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs… so that they do not incur iniquity and die.”
Because the altar was raised and had to be approached by steps, even the long linen robe was not sufficient to hide one’s lower body when climbing. So, God required priests to wear linen undergarments to avoid any exposure. If their nakedness was revealed, even unintentionally, they could die in God’s presence.
Exodus 20:26
“Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.”
This was a powerful statement: God demands reverence and purity, both inwardly and outwardly, when we come before Him.
Today, we no longer offer animal sacrifices or go to physical temples. Our altar is in heaven, and the perfect sacrifice—Jesus Christ—has already been made.
Hebrews 9:11–12
“But Christ came as High Priest… not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
So when we pray, worship, or serve, we are spiritually approaching the heavenly altar. Just as the Old Testament priests had to be properly clothed, we too must come before God “covered” in the right garments—both spiritually and physically.
Outer garments represent how you present yourself to the world. How you dress and act in public says something about your reverence toward God.
1 Timothy 2:9–10
“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation… which is proper for women professing godliness.”
If you, as a believer, wear revealing clothes, tight jeans, mini-skirts, or anything that draws sensual attention, especially in God’s house—you’re not only dishonoring God but also putting yourself in spiritual danger.
Likewise, men who walk in open sin—drunkenness, immorality, dishonesty—and still come before God without repentance are unclothed spiritually.
Even Peter, when fishing half-naked, covered himself out of reverence when he realized Jesus was watching:
John 21:7
“…When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.”
If Peter, a grown man, respected Jesus enough to cover his body, what does that say to us today—especially when entering His presence?
Just as important as your appearance is the state of your heart—your inner garments. You may appear holy on the outside, but what does God see on the inside?
Matthew 23:27–28
“Woe to you… For you are like whitewashed tombs… outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
You may serve in church, sing in the choir, or preach, yet harbor bitterness, jealousy, lust, or unforgiveness. In God’s eyes, you are like a priest who appears well-dressed outwardly, but underneath, is exposed and naked.
You may secretly watch pornography, commit fornication, or live a double life—attending church while also engaging in worldly activities. That is spiritual nakedness, and it’s dangerous.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
We are living in the Laodicean age—the last of the seven churches in Revelation. This is a lukewarm generation. It thinks it’s rich, but in reality, it is poor, blind, and naked.
Revelation 3:17–18
“…you say, ‘I am rich…’ and do not know that you are… naked.
I counsel you to buy from Me… white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.”
Jesus is giving us a loving warning. He’s offering white garments—spiritual purity and righteousness—to cover our shame.
To the Laodicean church, Jesus gives the greatest reward of all the churches:
Revelation 3:21
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
Think of that! Sitting on the throne of Christ—ruling and reigning with Him. No earthly pleasure compares to this eternal reward.
If you are still living outside of Christ—or if you’re lukewarm—it’s time to turn back. Repent sincerely, and obey the gospel:
Acts 2:38
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The Lord Jesus is coming soon. He Himself said:
Revelation 22:12
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me…”
Don’t let the moral confusion and spiritual darkness of today’s world deceive you. These days were prophesied. But if you hold on, stay pure, and walk in both outer modesty and inner righteousness, your reward will be glorious.
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
May you be found dressed—inside and out—when Jesus returns.
Be blessed and remain faithful.
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