God's altar was built from unhewn stones so that no human skill or effort would be visible on it. Our human nature often tries to shape and refine the doctrines of the cross, making them more artificial and pleasing to our fallen nature. But rather than improving the gospel, human wisdom corrupts it until it becomes something entirely different from God's truth. Any alterations to God's Word are defilements.

Our pride tempts us to think we can contribute to our own salvation. We trust in our own preparations for Christ, in our humblings, repentances, and good works, all trying to place our tools on God's altar. It's important for sinners to realize that instead of completing the Savior's work, our human efforts only pollute it. The work of atonement is solely God's, and no trace of human effort can exist there.

It's a form of blasphemy to add to what Christ declared finished or to improve what God finds perfect. Trembling sinner, put away your tools, fall on your knees, and accept Jesus as the altar of your atonement. Rest solely in Him. Let today's message warn all believers: we must resist the urge to shape and refine God's truths to fit our understanding. The doctrines of the Word are like unhewn stones, perfectly suited to build an altar for the Lord.