Matthew 5:23,24; 23:18-20,35, Luke 1:11; 11:51 1 Corinthians 9:13; 10:18, Hebrews 7:13; 13:10, James 2:21
The above verses appearing in the New Testament speak of the Altar located in the temple.The Altar was a place for a sacrifice, usually a blood sacrifice; blood from an animal that was sacrificed.
Where is the altar in the Church today? There is none. We don’t bring blood sacrifices to God any longer.
It appears that the “Cross” is the final altar (Hebrews 13:9-16) for believers. Remember the final words the Lord said, “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30).
Then what is an “altar call” that is given when the Evangelist/Preacher/Pastor is done speaking? There is NO Altar in the Church.
But one will say “I went forward to get; saved, confess my sin, get healed, to get right with God, for assurance etc.”. All of these can be handled anywhere, anytime as the Holy Spirit convicts an individual.
Why are altar calls given? So that the Evangelist/Preacher/Pastor can count heads.
Going forward is not wrong (but it’s not an altar call). Going forward should also include counselling, not just counting heads. All the reasons for going forward after hearing a message can be handled in the pew, including salvation.
Is it wrong to go forward? No, not if you are in need of counselling, BUT it is not an ALTAR.
It would appear that the ALTAR is currently in Heaven: Revelation 6:9; 8:3,5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
Recorded in Matthew 2 and Luke 2 is the birth of Jesus. Most have seen a Christmas Play at a church or school. On stage is a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals and a baby Jesus. Coming up the Isle are 3 kings following a movable Star. It’s all very sweet and touching. But just what does the Bible Say?
verb – 1. make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others.
It became Paul’s calling to go to the gentiles and reveal these mysteries, the first being that salvation was now open to gentiles, who were to become the church (along with Jews who believed that Jesus was their Messiah), the body of Christ.
Romans 1:17-18 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Jeremiah 31:31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
God establishes HIS covenant with Abraham and his descendants through Isaac (The Jewish Nation). The following verses show that His covenant was with Israel and Judah. Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. Leviticus 24:8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 2 Samuel 23:5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. 1 Chronicles 16:17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, Psalm 105:10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: Isaiah 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isaiah 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Jeremiah 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Ezekiel 16:60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. Ezekiel 37:26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.
The Jewish writes in the new Testament: Luke 1:72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; Acts 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers,… Acts 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac
The Apostle Paul comments on the Covenant: Romans 11:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Also writing to the Hebrews refers to their covenant 12 times, (Hebrews 8:6-10,13, 9:1,4, 10:16,29, 12:24) concludes with: Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Many today speak of this new covenant and apply it to the Church (Believers) But reread the verse again: Jeremiah 31:31Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant withthe house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
His New Covenant takes affect after the end of the Tribulation and will last 1000 years when the Lord Jesus assumes His Throne on earth.
Please be sure to checkout Covenants & Covenant with Man
Orders 2 disciples to Get him a colt. (Mt 21:1-7, Mk 11:1-7, Lk 19:28-35)
Hail to the King!!!
Rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Mt 21:8-11, Mk 11:1-10,Lk 19:36-44,Jn 12:12-19) Enters Temple, casting out them that sold and bought, overthrows the tables of the money changers and the seats of them that sold doves quoting scripture It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; (Isaiah 56:7) but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mt 21:12-13,Mk 11:11, Lk 19:45-48) He healed the sick. (Mt 21:14-16) Certain Greeks seek him. (Jn 12:20-22) Jesus explains why he must die. (Jn 12:23-36) Most of the people do not believe in Jesus. (Jn 12:37- 43) Jesus summarizes his message. (Jn 12:44- 50) In the evening He went back to Bethany. (Mt 21:17) (2 miles east of Jerusalem on the east slope of Olivet)
In the morning He cursed the fig tree. (Mt 21:18-20, Mk 11:12-14) Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything (Mt 21:21-22), The rest of the day was spent in the temple teaching. (Mt 21:23, Mk 11:15-25)
Teaches in the Temple most of the day
Religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority; (Mt 21:23-27, Mk 11:27-33,Lk 20:1-8) The parable of the two sons. (Mt 21:28-32) The parable of the wicked tenants. (Mt 21:33-46, Mk 12:1-12, Lk 20:9-19) The parable of the wedding feast. (Mt 22:1-14) Chief priests and Pharisees sought to lay hold of him. (Mt 22:15-16, Mk 12:12-13, Lk 20:19-20) Pharisees question Jesus replies: Paying Taxes. (Mt 22:17-22,Mk 12:14-17, Lk 20:21-26) Pharisees question Jesus replies: Resurrection. (Mt 22:23-33,Mk 12:18-27, Lk 20:27-40) Lawyers question Jesus replies: Greatest Command. (Mt 22:34-40,Mk 12:28-34) Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus’ Question. (Mt 22:41-46,Mk 12:35-37, Lk 20:41-44) Warns against the Religious Leaders. (Mt 23:1-12, Mk 12:38-40, Lk 20:45-47) Condemns the religious leaders. (Mt 23:13-36) Grieves over Jerusalem again. (Mt 23:37-39) A poor widow gives all she has. (Mk 12:41-44, Lk 21:1-4) Leaving the temple, Jesus outlined the future, Tribulation. (Mt 24:1-39) Tells about the future. (Mt 24:1-22,Mk 13:1-20, Lk 21:5-24) Tells about his return. (Mt 24:23-35, Mk 13:21-31, Lk 21:25-33) Tells about remaining watchful. (Mt 24:36-51,Mk 13:32-37, Lk 21:34-38) The parable of the ten bridesmaids. (Mt 25:1-13) The parable of the loaned money. (Mt 25:14-30) Tells about final Judgment. (Mt 25:31-46) Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. (Mt 26:1-5, Mk 14:1-2, Lk 22:1-2) Woman washes His feet. (Mt26:6-13, Mk 14:3-9) Judas agrees to betray Jesus. (Mt 26:14-16, Mk 14:10-11, Lk 22:3-6)
Discovery of the withered fig tree. (Mk 11:20-26) Back to Jerusalem, Disciples prepare for the Last Supper. (Mt 26:17-19, Mk 14:12-16,Lk 22:7-13) Jesus and the disciples have the Last Supper and says one of them will betray him. (Mt 26:20-29,Mk 14:17-25, Lk 22:14-30, Jn 13:9-30)
Washes the disciples’ feet. (Jn 13:1-7)
Predicts Peter’s denial Lk 22:31-38,Jn 13:31-38) Only way to the Father (Jn 14:1-12) Promises to answer prayers. (Jn 14:13-15) Promises the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16-31) Teaches about the vine and the branches (Jn 15:1-16) Warns about the world’s hatred (Jn 15:18-Jn 16:6) Teaches about the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:7-16) Teaches about using His name in prayer (Jn 16:17-33)
From 6 PM Late that night, they go to Gethsemane. (Mt 26:30-36, Mk 14:26, Lk 22:39) Again, predicts Peter’s denial (Mt 26:31-35, Mk 14:26-31) Jesus agonizes in the garden. (Mt 26:36-46,Mk 14:32-42, Lk 22:40-46) Prays for Himself (Jn 17:1-5) Prays for His Disciples (Jn 17:6-19) Prays for future believers (Jn 17:20-26) Betrayal and arrest (Mt 26:47-56,Mk 14:43-52,Lk 22:47-53, Jn 18:1-11)
The Trials Begin
Annas questions Jesus. (Mk 14:53-65, Jn 18:12-14) Caiaphas questions Jesus. (Mt 26:57-68) Peter denies knowing Jesus. (Mt 26:69-75,Mk 14:66-72,Lk 22:54-65, Jn 18:15-18, 18:25-27) The council of religious leaders condemns Jesus. (Mt 27:1-2,Mk 15:1, Lk 22:66-71, Jn 18:19-24) At 6 AM Chief priests and elders take him to Pontius Pilate. (Mt 27:1-2,Mk 15:1, Lk 23:1, Jn 18:28) Judas kills himself (Mt 27:3-10) Stands trial before Pilate (Mt 27:11-14,MK 15:2- 5, Lk 23:2-5,Jn 18:29-38) Stands trial before Herod (Lk 23:6-12 At 7 AM Returned to Pilate (Lk 23:11-12 Barabas or Jesus? (Mt 27:15-25, Mk 15:6-14, Lk 23:18-25, Jn 18:39-40) Sentenced to Death (Mt 27:26,Lk 23:25, Jn 19:16) Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (Mk 15:15,Lk 23:26-35, Jn 19:1) Roman soldiers mock Jesus (Mt 27:27-31,Mk 15:16-20, Jn 19:2-5) Pilate at a loss. (Jn 19:6-16) At 8 AM Led away to be crucified (Mt 27:32-34,Mk 15:21-24, Lk 23:26-31, Jn 19:17) At 9 AM Jesus is crucified (placed on the Cross). (Mt 27:35-44, Mk 15:25, Lk 23:32-38, Jn 19:18-25) At 10AM Insulted and Mocked (Mt 27:39-40, Mk 15:26-31, Lk 23:39) At 11AM Jesus and the Two Criminals – (Mt 27:44,Mk 15:32, Lk 23:40-44) Soldiers drove stake-like nails through Jesus’ wrists and ankles, fixing him to the cross. An inscription was placed over his head that read, “The King of the Jews.” Jesus hung on the cross for approximately six hours until he took his final breath. While he was on the cross, soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing. Onlookers shouted insults and jeered. Two criminals were crucified at the same time. At 12(NOON) …. 6th hour Darkness covers the land and lasted till the 9th hour. (Mt 27:45, Mk 15:33, Lk 23:44-45 During this 3 hour of darkness, Jesus speaks: Asks Father to forgive. (Lk 23:34) Tells one thief he will take him to Paradise. (Lk 23:43) To Mary his mother and John. (Jn 19:26-27) Cries out to the father (Mt 27:46-47, Mk 15:34-35) Is Thirsty (Jn 19:28-29) Declares, “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30) Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit – (Lk 23:46) At 3:00 PM — 9th hour Offered a drink (Mt 27:48, Mk 15:36, Jn 19:29-30) Jesus dies on the cross (Mt 27:50,Mk 15:37, Lk 23:46,Jn 19:30) As Jesus gave up his spirit, an earthquake shook the ground and caused the temple curtain to rip in half from top to bottom.- (Mt 27:51-52, Mk 15:38, The Centurion – “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Mt 27:54,Mk 15:39, Lk 23:47,) The Soldiers Break the Thieves’ Legs. (Jn 19:31-33)
The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side. (Jn 19:34)
Women watch from afar. (Mt 27:55-56, Mk 15:40-41, Lk 23:48-49) Preparation for annual High Holy Day. Before 6 pm Jesus is laid in the tomb. (Mt 27:57-61,Mk 15:42-47, Lk 23:50-56Jn 19:38-42) Just before the High Holy Day – WHICH BEGINS AT 6 PM. In the tomb – Night 1
Chief Priests Guards are posted and seal the tomb. (Mt 27:62-66)
Disciples dispersed and hiding in fear, their messiah is dead.
To summarize: Wednesday before 6 pm – Jesus went to paradise and took thief with Him. (Lk 23:39-46) Jesus stayed there for 3 days & 3 nights. (Mt 12:40) The Hebrew word for the place of the dead is “sheol,” it consisted of two compartments. (Lk 16:19-26) He was not tormented in sheol; He was preaching! (I Peter 3:18-20,4:6) The body of Jesus was in the grave from Wednesday night through Saturday. Remember, a Hebrew day runs from 6 P.M. – 6 P.M. (24 hours).
