by Prisca | 2 August 2021 08:46 pm08
Throughout the Bible, the altar is a sacred place where God meets with humanity. It is where offerings, sacrifices, and prayers are presented. In the New Testament context, this altar is no longer a physical structure made of stone or bronze, but a heavenly altar, situated before the throne of God in the spiritual realm (Hebrews 8:5; Revelation 8:3).
Without this altar, there is no true communion with God. It is the appointed place where divine human interaction occurs. If anyone does experience connection with God without understanding the significance of the altar, it is purely by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). There is no scriptural way to approach God apart from the altar, which now finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16).
When many hear the word “altar,” they think of the front of a church building often decorated and elevated. However, this is only a symbolic representation. The real, functional altar is spiritual and located in heaven, where Jesus now ministers on our behalf.
“They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven…”
Hebrews 8:5 (NIV)
Jesus has become the mediator of a new covenant, offering not the blood of animals but His own blood to cleanse us and grant access to God (Hebrews 9:11–14). That’s why only through Christ can we draw near to God.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6 (NIV)
Salvation is not based on works, religious tradition, or human effort but by faith in the finished work of Christ at the altar of heaven.
There are two groups of saints involved in ongoing activity at the heavenly altar:
Both are engaged in prayerful intercession and earnest longing for God’s redemptive plan to reach completion.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray this way:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9–10 (NIV)
Every sincere believer prays for the establishment of God’s Kingdom a future event known as the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:4–6). These prayers are continually brought before God by angels:
“Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne.”
Revelation 8:3 (ESV)
These intercessions are not in vain they are preparing the way for Christ’s return and judgment upon the earth (Revelation 8:4–5).
In a powerful prophetic vision, the apostle John describes souls under the altar saints who were martyred for their faith during tribulation:
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
Revelation 6:9–10 (NIV)
This passage reveals the ongoing intercession and longing for justice by those in heaven. They are not passive but actively crying out for God’s righteousness to be revealed. Their desire is for the final consummation of God’s Kingdom and the judgment of the wicked (Revelation 19:1–2).
While the saints on earth pray “Your Kingdom come,” the saints in heaven pray, “How long, O Lord?” Together, these prayers reflect two sides of one coin:
Both prayers are being answered and the time remaining is short.
“Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer…”
Revelation 6:11 (NIV)
This reveals that we are in a divinely appointed delay a period of mercy where the gospel is being preached to all nations before the end comes (Matthew 24:14).
Scripture warns us that the day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). The signs are all around us: wars, plagues, moral decay, and the rapid advancement of global control systems (e.g., precursors to the mark of the beast, Revelation 13:16–17).
Jesus Himself warned:
“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences… and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”
Luke 21:11 (NIV)
All these point to the imminent Rapture of the Church, followed by the Great Tribulation and the outpouring of God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 16).
“People will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will flee from them.”
Revelation 9:6 (ESV)
This is not the time for a watered-down gospel that promises comfort without repentance. It’s time to wake up (Romans 13:11), repent sincerely, and return to God. False prophets and prosperity preachers will continue to deceive many even, if possible, the elect (Mark 13:22).
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
Matthew 7:13 (NIV)
If you follow this path, you are born again (John 3:3–5), and whether Jesus returns tonight or many years from now, you will be ready.
“Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:7 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you, strengthen you, and prepare you for His soon return.
Amen.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/08/02/whats-happening-now-at-gods-altar-in-the-spiritual-realm/
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