The service is nearing an end
The choir is singing "Just As I Am"
And now as the old song is played
People at the altar
Are kneeling down to pray
Some are finding mercy
Forgiveness for their sin
Some are fighting battles
And they're struggling to win
The time has come
To give them to the Lord
That's what the altar is for
Chorus:
That's what this altar is for
You don't have to carry
Those burdens anymore
There's a light in the darkness
There's a love that's true
And Jesus is waiting
He is waiting here for you
Go quickly now
Before they close the door
That's what the altar is for
A father is praying with his son
A mother kneels beside them
Thanking God they've come
An old man
Is standing there in tears
Giving up a part of him
That he's held back for years
Hearts are being broken
Lives are being changed
And those who call upon Him
Will never be the same
The time has come
To give in to the Lord
That's what this altar is for
Chorus (repeat)
Go quickly now
Before they close the door
And you can give your burdens
To the Lord
That's what this altar is for
Alter Video
Alter Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Introduction:
The Christian music industry has been blessed with many gifted and talented artists who have used their God-given talents to create music that inspires, motivates, and encourages believers all over the world. One such artist is Ray Boltz, who has been a prominent figure in the Christian music scene for over three decades.
One of his most popular songs is the inspirational ballad "Alter," which has touched the hearts of many believers with its powerful message of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption.
Meaning of the Song:
The song "Alter" is a moving ballad that speaks to the hearts of those who are struggling with sin, guilt, and shame. The song's central message is that the altar is a place of surrender, healing, and transformation, where we can lay down our burdens and find forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
The lyrics of the song are an invitation to all who are burdened and weary to come to the altar, where they can find rest and peace in the arms of Jesus. The song's chorus beautifully captures this message:
"That's what this altar is for
You don't have to carry
Those burdens anymore
There's a light in the darkness
There's a love that's true
And Jesus is waiting
He is waiting here for you
Go quickly now
Before they close the door
That's what the altar is for."
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song:
Ray Boltz wrote the song "Alter" in the early 1990s, during a time when he was experiencing a personal crisis in his life. He was struggling with his own sins and shortcomings and was feeling overwhelmed by guilt and shame.
One day, he decided to visit a church where he could pour out his heart to God and seek forgiveness and healing. As he sat in the church, he felt compelled to go to the altar and pray. As he prayed, he felt a deep sense of peace and joy that he had not experienced in a long time.
It was then that he realized the power and significance of the altar in the Christian faith. He knew that he had to share this message with others, and that's how the song "Alter" was born.
Bible Verses References:
The song "Alter" is deeply rooted in the Bible and draws its inspiration from several Bible verses that speak about the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and transformation. Let's take a look at some of these verses:
1. Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." This verse reminds us that Jesus is always waiting for us to come to Him, and that He is ready to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This verse is a prayer of repentance, asking God to cleanse us from all our sins and to create in us a new heart and spirit.
3. Isaiah 1:18: "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." This verse reminds us that no matter how great our sins may be, God is always willing to forgive us and make us white as snow.
4. Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This verse calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, laying down our burdens and surrendering our lives to His will.
Practical Applications to Christian Living:
The song "Alter" has a powerful message that can inspire and encourage believers in their daily walk with Christ. Here are some practical applications that we can draw from the song:
1. Come to the Altar: The altar is a place of surrender and transformation, where we can lay down our burdens and find forgiveness, grace, and mercy. As believers, we should make it a habit to come to the altar regularly, seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives.
2. Confess Our Sins: The song reminds us that we don't have to carry our burdens anymore. We can confess our sins to God and receive His forgiveness and cleansing. As believers, we should be quick to confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. Surrender Our Lives to God: The song calls us to surrender our lives to God, offering ourselves as living sacrifices and allowing Him to work in us and through us. As believers, we should be willing to surrender our plans, dreams, and ambitions to God, knowing that His plans for us are good and perfect.
4. Find Healing and Restoration: The song reminds us that there is a light in the darkness and a love that's true. As believers, we can find healing and restoration in the arms of Jesus, knowing that He loves us and cares for us deeply. We should be quick to turn to Him in times of trouble, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.
Conclusion:
The song "Alter" is a beautiful and inspiring ballad that speaks to the hearts of believers all over the world. Its message of repentance, forgiveness, and transformation reminds us of the power and significance of the altar in the Christian faith. As we come to the altar, confess our sins, surrender our lives to God, and find healing and restoration in the arms of Jesus, we are transformed from the inside out. May we always remember the message of this song and apply its practical applications to our daily walk with Christ.
