"If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it" (Exodus 20: 25).
God's altar was to be built of unhewn stones, so that no trace of human skill or labor might be seen on it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange the doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more congenial with the depraved tastes of fallen nature. Instead of improving the gospel, carnal wisdom pollutes it until it becomes another gospel and not the truth of God at all. All alterations and amendments of the Lord's own Word are defilements. The proud heart of man is very anxious to have a hand in the justification of the soul before God. Preparations for Christ are dreamed of, humblings and repentings are trusted in, good works are cried up, and natural ability if much boasted. The Lord alone must be exalted in the work of atonement, and not a single mark of man's chisel or hammer will be endured. There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His dying moments declared to be finished. Trembling sinner, put away your tools and fall on your knees in humble supplication. Accept the Lord Jesus to be the altar of your atonement, and rest in Him alone. Many believers may take warning from this morning's text as to the doctrines which they believe. There is far too much inclination among Christians to reconcile the truths of revelation. This is a form of irreverence and unbelief. Strive against it, and receive truth as you find it. Rejoice that the doctrines of the Word are unhewn stones and are all the more fit to build an altar for the Lord.