What Are Ungodly Altars, and What Does the Bible Say About Them?

Understanding Ungodly Altars, Spiritual Warfare, and Deliverance Through Jesus Christ

Have you ever wondered what an ungodly altar is and whether it can affect your spiritual life today?

Throughout the Bible, altars were places of worship, sacrifice, and spiritual dedication. Some were built to honor the Lord, while others were dedicated to false gods and practices that opposed God's commandments.

But here's something I want you to think about.

If God instructed His people to tear down ungodly altars in the Old Testament, what can we learn from those passages today?

And how does this relate to Christian inner healing, spiritual warfare, and deliverance?

After more than 14 years of ministering in Christian inner healing and deliverance, I've learned how important it is to understand these subjects through God's Word rather than simply accepting everything we hear about spiritual warfare.

Let's take a closer look.

What Is an Ungodly Altar in the Bible?

An ungodly altar is an altar dedicated to false gods, idols, or forms of worship that oppose the Lord.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find examples of people building altars to Baal and other false gods.

In Deuteronomy 12:2–3, God instructed Israel to destroy the altars and sacred objects associated with the false worship of the surrounding nations.

Why was this so important?

Because God had called His people to worship Him alone.

In Exodus 20:3, the Lord commanded:

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Here's the important principle.

An altar wasn't simply a pile of stones. It represented worship, devotion, and spiritual allegiance.

And when people dedicated themselves to false gods, they were turning away from the Lord.

Why Did God Tell Gideon to Tear Down His Father's Altar?

One of the most powerful examples of ungodly altars is found in Judges 6:25–26.

God instructed Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal, cut down the Asherah pole beside it, and build a proper altar to the Lord.

Now think about that for a moment.

This wasn't an altar belonging to a stranger.

It was an altar connected to Gideon's own family.

Gideon had to make a decision about whom he was going to honor.

And I believe there's something important we can learn from this.

Sometimes people grow up surrounded by beliefs, traditions, or spiritual practices that aren't consistent with God's Word.

Just because something has been practiced in a family for generations doesn't mean it's pleasing to the Lord.

But notice what Gideon did.

He didn't simply tear down the altar to Baal.

He built an altar to the Lord in its place.

That's the part I really want you to see.

The purpose wasn't simply destroying something ungodly. It was restoring worship to the one true God.

And that's an important principle in Christian deliverance.

We're not simply turning away from darkness. We're turning our hearts toward Jesus Christ.

Can Ungodly Altars Affect Future Generations?

This is a question that frequently comes up in spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry.

The Bible shows that false worship and destructive practices can influence families over multiple generations.

Children may grow up accepting the same beliefs and practices they witnessed in their parents or grandparents.

But we need to understand something important.

In Ezekiel 18:20, God teaches that children are not automatically guilty of their parents' sins.

I don't believe someone should live in fear because of something a family member may have done generations ago.

However, if we've personally participated in ungodly spiritual practices, I believe it's appropriate to bring those matters before Jesus Christ through repentance and prayer.

Our family history may influence us, but it doesn't have to determine our future.

What Do Ungodly Altars Have to Do With Christian Deliverance?

During my years of Christian inner healing and deliverance ministry, I've worked with people who have concerns about occult involvement, false worship, spiritual agreements, and other practices from their past.

Some are concerned about things they personally participated in. Others have questions about their family's spiritual history.

When these concerns arise, I believe we can bring them before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Sometimes that involves repentance.

Sometimes it involves renouncing a former spiritual agreement or practice.

And sometimes there are emotional wounds connected to those experiences that need the healing touch of Jesus Christ.

This is why Christian inner healing is foundational to my approach to deliverance.

In Isaiah 61:1, Scripture speaks about healing the brokenhearted and proclaiming liberty to captives.

I believe those two things belong together.

But I also want to be clear about something.

Not every difficulty in someone's life is caused by an ungodly altar, a curse, or demonic oppression.

We need discernment, compassion, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than making assumptions about someone's struggles.

How Do We Tear Down Ungodly Altars Today?

In the Old Testament, Gideon physically tore down an altar dedicated to Baal.

But as Christians today, we're not being instructed to go looking for physical altars to destroy.

Instead, we can examine our own lives and turn away from worship or spiritual practices that conflict with our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 10:20–21, Paul warns believers against participating in idolatrous worship.

And in Colossians 2:14–15, we're reminded that Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness through His finished work on the cross.

That's where I want our confidence to remain.

Jesus Christ has already accomplished the victory.

We don't need to become consumed with discovering every possible ungodly altar or spiritual influence.

We can repent of our own wrongdoing, renounce ungodly practices, and dedicate our lives to Jesus Christ.

And when appropriate, I also incorporate Courts of Heaven (Mercy Court) prayer, bringing spiritual concerns before our Heavenly Father and recognizing Jesus Christ as our Advocate.

A Simple Prayer for Spiritual Freedom

If you're concerned about ungodly spiritual practices in your past, you can begin by bringing those concerns before Jesus.

"Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.

Lord, if I've participated in false worship, occult practices, or ungodly spiritual agreements, I repent and turn away from those things.

In Jesus' name, I renounce my personal involvement in those practices.

Jesus, I dedicate my life to You.

If there are wounded places in my heart connected to my past, I ask You to bring Your truth, healing, and peace.

Holy Spirit, guide me as I continue walking in freedom.

In Jesus' name, amen."

Remember, the power isn't in saying the perfect words. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ.

You Don't Have to Live in Fear of Ungodly Altars

Here's what I want you to remember.

Yes, the Bible takes ungodly worship seriously.

Yes, there are spiritual practices that Christians should turn away from.

But I don't believe we should spend our lives becoming fearful of every possible curse, ungodly altar, or spiritual agreement.

Our attention belongs on Jesus Christ, not on the enemy.

At Timothy Tomlinson Ministries, I help people bring their concerns before the Lord through Christian inner healing, deliverance, and Courts of Heaven (Mercy Court) prayer.

If you're struggling with questions about ungodly altars, spiritual warfare, or experiences from your past, my 90-minute Christian Inner Healing and Deliverance Intensive provides an opportunity to address those concerns through private, Jesus-centered prayer.

My desire is to help you grow in confidence in Jesus Christ and the freedom available through Him.

Don't spend your life searching for darkness. Pursue Jesus Christ, stand on His Word, and allow Him to guide you into truth, healing, and spiritual freedom.

Sincerely,

Pastor Timothy Tomlinson

Timothy Tomlinson Ministries