Spiritual Warfare
Consecrating Yourself as an Altar for Christ
1. What is an Altar?
An altar is more than a physical structure; it is a spiritual meeting point between the physical and unseen realms. It is a place where humanity encounters divinity, and covenants are initiated, maintained, and activated.
• Altars represent sacrifice, worship, and consecration (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 22:9).
• In the spiritual realm, altars can speak for or against men. They are systems of authorization that allow spiritual transactions to take place. Whether it is a physical altar or a consecrated heart, altars invoke the presence, power, and influence of the spiritual realm.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Yet, spiritual laws allow access to either divine or demonic influence through altars. (Psalm 24:1)
2. Thin Places: The Intersection of Heaven and Earth
The concept of “thin places” refers to portals or moments where the veil between the spiritual and natural is minimal, allowing for divine encounters.
• In Scripture, places like Bethel (Genesis 28:12) and Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-20) represent thin places where God’s presence broke into the natural.
• In the New Covenant, you become a living thin place, a vessel through which heaven touches earth (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
When you consecrate yourself as an altar, your life becomes a gateway for God’s purposes, where His will is enforced on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
3. The Believer as a Consecrated Altar
Paul writes, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). This verse is foundational for understanding that you are both the altar and the offering.
Steps to Consecrate Yourself as an Altar for Christ:
1. Holiness – A consecrated altar must be clean. Holiness is not optional for intimacy with God (1 Peter 1:16).
Holiness is not a rule; it is a requirement for proximity to God. Without holiness, no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
2. Intimacy with God – Every altar is fueled by communion with God. Time in His Word and prayer makes you sensitive to the unseen realm.
• Example: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16).
3. Sacrifice – Sacrifice sustains an altar. Whether it is your time, resources, or desires, surrender fuels the fire of God’s presence on your life.
• “Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
4. Altars Operate in the Unseen Realm
The power of an altar lies in its ability to engage the unseen realm. Faith is the currency of the spirit, and through the sacrifice of consecration, the believer gains access to operate in dimensions beyond the natural.
• Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places.”
• An altar is where spiritual warfare is waged, and victory is enforced.
Keys to Operating in the Unseen Realm
1. Revelation of Covenants – Covenants bind the seen and unseen. By the blood of Jesus, you are established in a superior covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
2. Prayer and Fasting – These disciplines position you to receive downloads from the spirit realm (Daniel 10:12-13).
3. Speaking God’s Word – Your words carry power to enforce spiritual realities on earth (Proverbs 18:21).
5. The Importance of Holiness and Intimacy with God
Holiness is separation unto God, while intimacy is deep fellowship with Him. Both are essential to maintain the altar of your life:
• Holiness invites God’s fire. Fire does not fall on strange altars; it falls on clean, consecrated ones (Leviticus 9:24).
• Intimacy fuels the altar. God responds to hunger. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
6. Activating Your Life as an Altar
Practical Steps to Engage:
1. Daily Surrender: Lay down your will and desires daily (Luke 9:23).
2. Prioritize His Presence: Build your day around communion with the Holy Spirit.
3. Guard the Fire: Do not let the fire on your altar go out. Stay in prayer, worship, and the Word (Leviticus 6:13).
4. Walk in Obedience: Every act of obedience builds your spiritual authority (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
Conclusion: The Altar is a Life of Worship
Your life as a consecrated altar must radiate the power, presence, and purposes of God. When you walk in holiness and deep intimacy, you become a thin place, a carrier of His glory, and an agent of transformation on the earth.
As you embrace this call, remember the words of Jesus:
“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him” (John 4:23).
Prayer:
Father, consecrate my life as Your holy altar. May Your fire burn continually in me, and may I be a vessel through which heaven invades earth. Teach me to walk in holiness, covenant, and intimacy, that my life may glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.