The power of sacrifice on the altar

         In Scripture, sacrifice on the altar is a recurring theme that demonstrates deep spiritual truths. Sacrifices are not just physical offerings—they represent obedience, surrender, worship, covenant, and access to divine intervention. The altar is the place of meeting between God and man, and the sacrifice placed on it often determined the outcome of that encounter.

         In this teaching, we will know the power of sacrifice on the altar, using biblical examples, key scriptures, and spiritual lessons.

1. What Is a Sacrifice?

         A sacrifice is the act of offering something valuable to God. In biblical terms, sacrifices were often animals, grains, or incense offered on an altar as a symbol of repentance, thanksgiving, or covenant.

    Hebrews 9:22 (KJV): "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

         In the Old Testament, sacrifices were required for atonement, and in the New Testament, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice.

2. What Is an Altar?

         An altar is a dedicated place where humans meet with God. In the Bible, altars were built to:

● Offer sacrifices

● Worship God

● Remember divine encounters

● Seal covenants

    Genesis 8:20 (KJV): “And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord... and offered burnt offerings on the altar.”

3. Power Unleashed Through Sacrifice on the Altar

a. Sacrifice Attracts Divine Attention

         When Noah sacrificed after the flood, God responded with a covenant:

    Genesis 8:21: "And the Lord smelled a sweet savour... I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake."

         The sacrifice moved God to change His course concerning mankind. Your sacrificial obedience can bring divine favor and reversal of judgment.

b. Sacrifice Secures Divine Intervention

         Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel brought fire from heaven:

    1 Kings 18:36-38: "Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice..."

         Elijah repaired the broken altar and laid his sacrifice. God answered by fire, proving He alone is God. Sacrifice can bring a supernatural response when made in faith.

c. Sacrifice Unlocks Covenants

        Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac was a test of faith and love. God responded with a powerful covenant:

    Genesis 22:16-17: "By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord... in blessing I will bless thee..."

        Sacrificial obedience made Abraham a father of nations. Covenants are often sealed by sacrifice.

d. Sacrifice Brings Deliverance

        King David offered a sacrifice to stop a plague caused by his sin:

    2 Samuel 24:25: "And David built there an altar... and offered burnt offerings... So the Lord was intreated for the land..."

        Sacrifices can stop judgment and bring healing to a nation, a family, or a life.

e. Sacrifice Speaks

         Abel’s sacrifice still speaks even after death:

    Hebrews 11:4: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain... and by it he being dead yet speaketh."

         Sacrifices carry a spiritual voice. Some sacrifices echo through generations.

4. Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Sacrifice

         All Old Testament sacrifices pointed to Jesus, who offered Himself on the altar of the cross.

    Ephesians 5:2: "Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."

         This ultimate sacrifice broke sin’s power, opened heaven’s access, and made eternal life possible. Every other sacrifice is now offered in the name of Jesus.

5. Types of Sacrifices Today

         While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, believers are still called to spiritual sacrifices:

a. Sacrifice of Praise

    Hebrews 13:15: "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually..."

b. Sacrifice of Obedience

    1 Samuel 15:22: "To obey is better than sacrifice..."

c. Sacrifice of Giving

    Philippians 4:18: "An odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God."

d. Sacrifice of Yourself

    Romans 12:1: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice..."

         Every act of obedience, praise, giving, or service done for God's glory becomes a sacrifice on His altar.

6. When Sacrifices Are Rejected

         God does not accept every sacrifice. When hearts are impure or rebellious, sacrifices are meaningless.

    Isaiah 1:11: "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? Saith the Lord..."

         The heart behind the sacrifice matters more than the size or cost.

7. Spiritual exercise you should always do

● Always offer sacrifices from a heart of faith, love, and obedience.

● Build spiritual altars in your life—places of regular prayer, worship, and surrender.

● Your sacrificial giving (time, service, money) can invoke divine response.

● Never make casual sacrifices—be intentional and reverent.

● When you’re in a spiritual crisis, consider responding with sacrifice as David did.

         The power of sacrifice on the altar is seen throughout Scripture—from Abel to Christ. Sacrifices attract heaven’s attention, seal covenants, speak into the future, and bring divine intervention. As believers, we are called to live sacrificially, walking daily in surrender and offering our lives upon God's altar.

    Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

         Let your altar always be active, and your sacrifices acceptable to God.