Tag: altar

Quotes to Note 43: Uncut Altar Stones and Assurance

~ Bob Hayton ~ Leave a comment

I am currently reading through a soon-to-be-released devotional on the topic of assurance. The book is Assurance: Resting in God’s Salvation by William P. Smith and it will release on May 1 (from P & R Publishing).

The book contains 31 days of devotional readings. One of those readings hits home with a helpful reflection on uncut altar stones and how they teach us about assurance. I wanted to share that quote here and encourage you to pre-order a copy of this book.

Many times people wonder if they were sincere enough when they accepted Christ or when they repented over a stubborn sin. To this, Smith responds with the following:

Even before God established the tabernacle or the temple, he told his people that they could make an earthen or stone altar on which to offer their sacrifices (see Ex. 20:24-26). But he gave them explicit instructions not to shape or cut the stones (see v. 25). They had to use them as they found them. This didn’t simply distinguish the appearance of their altars from those of their surrounding neighbors. It clarified the role that his people played in atoning for their sin: none at all. They didn’t create or give life to the creatures that they sacrificed, nor did they create the materials that were used to sacrifice them. They couldn’t even set their own stamp on those materials.

The altar pictured the mind-set that the people needed to approach God. It was a mind-set that said, “I have no part in fixing the problem I have created between God and me. All that I bring to this altar is my sin. The only reason I don’t die for my sin, as God’s presence comes near, is that he has offered to accept a substitute for me. If he’s satisfied with the sacrifice, then I live. If he isn’t, then there’s nothing I can do to satisfy him.

It was never a matter of doing enough, because there was never anything you could do. By asking, “Did I do enough? Well enough?” you’re really asking, “Is God satisfied with what I’ve done?” The question that you need to ask instead is “Is God satisfied with what Christ has done?”

Amen to that!

You can pre-order this book at Amazon.com, Westminster Bookstore, or check it out direct from P&R Publishing.

Quotes to Note 22: Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Altar Calls

~ Bob Hayton ~ 7 Comments

When asked if Scripture justifies the use of public invitations (altar calls) or not, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responded quite directly.

“The invitation should be in the message. We believe the Spirit applies the message, so we trust in the power of the Spirit….

…I feel that this pressure which is put upon people to come forward in decision ultimately is due to a lack of faith in the work and operation of the Holy Spirit. We are to preach the Word, and if we do it properly, there will be a call to a decision that comes in the message, and then we leave it to the Spirit to act upon people. And of course He does. Some may come immediately at the close of the service to see the minister. I think there should always be an indication that the minister will be glad to see anybody who wants to put questions to him or wants further help. But that is a very different thing from putting pressure upon people to come forward. I feel it is wrong to put pressure directly on the will. The order in Scripture seems to be this – the truth is presented to the mind, which moves the heart, and that in turn moves the will.”

You can read the entire response by Dr. Lloyd-Jones on this subject over at Banner of Truth [HT: Aaron Sauer]. Also be sure to check out a few posts I’ve done related to this issue, of the “altar call”:

More on Helping Your Kids with Salvation

~ Bob Hayton ~ 3 Comments

A few days ago, I posted on this question: How do we know our children are saved? After that post, I found a few more resources about this issue.

Justin Taylor highlighted a free series of sermons on how children come to Christ. The 6 part sermon series is available for free download.

My friend Jamsco of The Responsible Puppet, has a new blog about parenting: Responsible Father. One of his recent posts addresses this issue head on: Altar Calls for Children: I’m Against Them. As my previous post would let on, I agree with him on this one. Altar calls for children are more dangerous and confusing then helpful.

Finally, I should mention a book I’m working my way through. It’s by Donald Van Dyken, entitled Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children (2000, P&R publishing). Instilling the facts of the gospel into our children’s hearts is something we can all agree on. After this book, I’ll pick up Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp (1995, Shepherd Press).

As parents, we can’t think more deeply about, or read more widely on this issue. It is the most vital aspect of our Christian parenting. Lord, have mercy — on us, and our children.