The Altar

The Altar

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” Rev. 6:9.

There have been many different altars throughout the ages, and many great battles have been fought over them. Great battles have also been fought over what should be sacrificed on these altars. In the old covenant there was a constant battle between God’s altar and the altar of Baal. We might well ask, “Was it cheaper or easier to bring a sacrifice on Baal’s altar than on God’s altar?” As a matter of fact, it was not! The people spared nothing. They sacrificed their sons and daughters, and the priests of Baal tortured themselves until they drew blood. What, then, was the reason that they preferred the altar of Baal to the altar of God? On God’s altar they were supposed to sacrifice only animals, and they were not supposed to torture themselves. Each single sacrifice had its particular significance, which made it more difficult to bring such a sacrifice. These sacrifices testified of their sins and transgressions; there were also sacrifices of thanksgiving, which testified to the fact that it was God who gave the strength and that they were nothing in themselves. They could not become great by sacrificing on God’s altar.

It is evident that throughout the ages people were willing to sacrifice everything if only they could become great because of it. We also witness this in our days that people sacrifice their life and their all on Baal’s altar of the world. They seek to make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments, just like the Pharisees did. Matt. 23:5. Many people have given much to the mission field and have willed their possessions for the purpose of having chapels and churches built—as long as they were remembered by it. They have worked long nights for welfare organizations. They have sacrificed their life for political ideals, and the masses have watched them in amazement and said, “Just look how they sacrifice themselves!”

While the people have stood there, struck with amazement, the prophets of God arose. They cried out about the people’s sins. They opened the whitewashed graves. They wanted to bring out God’s altars so there could be acknowledgment of sin and repentance, so that God could have the glory. Then the cry of Ramah was heard from these liars: “Stone them and crucify them; stone them and crucify them!” God’s altars were torn down, and the prophets lay under the ruins. Their cries fell silent, and the people had peace.

Thus many people have cast the truth to the ground, believing that it was blown away like the chaff. But they are mistaken; it was only sealed like valuable documents. One day the seal will be broken. Then the true prophets will be seen again under the altar. They are still alive. Then the time of grace is over. It is no longer the voice of admonition and exhortation that will be heard; then it will be the voice of vengeance. However, this voice of vengeance that will be heard is not sinful and selfish. Not at all! God Himself gives them this testimony. He gives them a long, white robe. They sacrificed themselves out of love for the people. With this cry of vengeance they only wanted to save the people from punishment. But the people were conceited; they only believed in glory and not in punishment. When the seal is broken, the truth is revealed: those who were despised were true prophets after all.

When those who were under the altar received the white robes, it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer; there were a number of fellow servants who would seal their testimony with their blood. The measure of the people’s sins was still not full, but the time of grace was over. Now God gave the people up to a corrupt mind in which they would fulfill the measure of their sins. Under this pressure from sin many people who love the truth will gain their martyr’s crown. Remember this, you who are a lonely hero of faith, fighting your battle among wolves. You might think that your testimony is bearing so little fruit. That may be so, but the ones you are testifying to have possibly despised their time of grace; nevertheless, you will be considered worthy to receive your martyr’s crown in the end. You shall fill the number of those under the altar.

The many altars of the world are highly regarded under the cry, “Great is the temple of Diana!” But why are the crowds shouting so much? It is because the lonely Paul has spoken a few words of truth. Thus the altar of God is lowly and insignificant when compared to the high altars of the world; but it is as powerful as the little sticks that fell tall oak trees.

Now the world has been liberated from the golden age of the big lie. New times have come. The silenced voices of the true prophets can be heard gain, together with the voice of the twenty-four elders and the multitudes of angels. An eternal shout is heard, “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments are righteous and true.” Rev. 15:3-4.