An altar call is a religious practice that is common in many Christian denominations. It is a time during a worship service when the congregation is invited to come forward to the altar, or front of the church, to make a public decision to follow Jesus Christ or to recommit their lives to Him. This article will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of an altar call, as well as its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
An altar call is a public invitation given by a preacher or evangelist during a religious service to those who wish to make a decision for Christ or to rededicate their lives to Him. It is a time for those who feel the Holy Spirit prompting them to respond to the message of the gospel to come forward and make a public declaration of their faith.
Origin
The origin of the altar call can be traced back to the early days of the Christian church, when people would make public declarations of faith and be baptized in front of the congregation. The practice became more formalized in the 19th century during the revivalist movement in America, when preachers like Charles Finney and D.L. Moody began using the altar call as a way to invite people to come forward and make a decision for Christ.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of an altar call is generally consistent across different dictionaries and religious texts. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “an appeal made by a preacher at the end of a sermon inviting people to come forward and make a public profession of faith.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a public invitation to people to come forward and make a commitment to Christ or to rededicate their lives to Him.”
Associations
The altar call is associated with the evangelical and Pentecostal traditions of Christianity, although it is practiced in many other denominations as well. It is often seen as a way to make a public declaration of faith and to receive prayer and support from the congregation. Some people view the altar call as a powerful and transformative experience, while others may find it uncomfortable or unnecessary.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for an altar call, including:
- Invitation.
- Call to salvation.
- Decision time.
- Response time.
- Public profession of faith.
Antonyms
There are not really any antonyms for an altar call, as it is a specific religious practice. However, some people may view it as unnecessary or ineffective, and may prefer a different approach to evangelism or spiritual growth.
The same root words
The words “altar” and “call” are both derived from Latin. “Altar” comes from the Latin “altare,” which means “a high place,” while “call” comes from the Latin “callare,” which means “to call out.”
Example Sentences
- During the altar call, several people came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior.
- The preacher gave a powerful invitation during the altar call, urging the congregation to turn their lives over to Christ.
- Many people find the altar call to be a meaningful and transformative experience.
- The altar call is a common practice in many evangelical and Pentecostal churches.
- Some people may feel uncomfortable or pressured during the altar call, and may prefer to make a private decision for Christ.