“Dimension” and “atmosphere” are among the MOG’s (Man Of God) favorite words—used to describe the latest “outpouring” and to subtly pressure you into “praying harder” in pursuit of yet another, even higher level of spiritual experience.

Nowhere in the Bible are there descriptions of “levels” in prayer or of “new dimensions” with God. These terms are employed by MOGs to keep you chasing an emotional high. This is a dangerous place to be, as it reduces us to puppets—distracted by emotions, experience, and expectations rather than engaging in genuine communion with God.

What’s the bible say?

Matthew 6:5-8

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

💡 Tip

Jesus clearly admonishes the modern day ‘altar call’ and ‘dimension traveling’ so prevalent in the UPCI.

The concept of an “altar call” is absent from both the Old and New Testaments. I encourage you to search Scripture for any indication of such a practice—you will find none. Do not be misled into applying Old Testament sacrificial altar principles to Christ’s church. In reality, the true purpose of an altar call within the UPC can range from providing a cathartic emotional release to serving as a tool for exploiting others’ emotional vulnerability.

The repetitive music, loud sounds, and physical sensations of being touched by multiple people effectively short-circuit your brain’s control mechanisms. This section is not an admonishment on ‘altar call’ as a general concept—of course praising God in your own way is none of my concern. The extreme emphasis on prolonged public displays, combined with the fervor lent to the ‘altar call’ we see today associated with ‘dimensions’ is in our focus here.

While this may produce a powerful emotional high, it does not foster deep, lasting roots in your relationship with God or in your love towards others—and is in no way a measure of your salvation. As we examined before; this is a key part of service used to re-enforce your enslavement to emotions, experience, and expectation.

This powerful emotional release is equated to “the Spirit of God”—therefore, you have no choice but to come to the altar to properly feel His presence to the same degree. This creates an unhealthy dependence to the MOG as a direct channel and initiator of God’s presence, along with a never ending seeking of a “new high”.

💡 Tip

God forgive this error! God’s presence and abiding, unending love is freely given unto us—we cannot earn it through the amount of tears we cry each week, nor by how high we raise our hands.

Additionally, the ‘altar call’ is used as a clear indication to the MOG as to where you are in your level of submission and control—refuse the altar call long enough and you just might hear a prophecy of needing ‘fresh fire’ on your life.

Consider this: When was the last time you experienced being “slain in the spirit” in your own living room alone? This observation is not intended as a guilt trip, but rather to illustrate how a group setting can create an environment in which you are more inclined to yield to cathartic experiences. Of course, our personal prayer time with God is not for me to critic. Instead I would encourage us to make sure our heart is in the right place as a first step as Jesus instructed.

The Cross is the first and last altar necessary in our lives—the actual cross, not the one at the front of the church sanctuary. When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, the veil was torn immediately, signifying that we are no longer bound to a physical location in order to ‘be right’ with God

Matthew 27:50-51

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

The reality remains that we are saved: by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus—not by our own efforts or works, nor by the “dimension” of prayer we can achieve or by the extent of our public displays of emotion.

Ephesians 2:9-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

More often than not, these so-called “new dimensions” suggest that those present have been endowed with some sort of magical super-Christian power as a result of this “fresh falling”. The next time the MOG falsely promises new signs and wonders at the altar call, ask yourself: Why did the apostles never call fire down from heaven as Elijah did? Why did they not command the sun to not set? Why did they not march around the ‘walls of Jericho’ to break strongholds?

These dimensions we have been sold are a fabrication of man. Christ is not bound by any four walls; nor do we need to emotionally ‘puke’ each time we pray for God to hear us.

Matthew 6:9-13

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lastly, even if we were to set aside the fact that ‘altar calls’ are not prescriptive in Gods word; how does it make any sense to suggest that the MOG can orchestrate our “movement in the spirit” like some sort of pilot flying us from New York to San Francisco?

This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.

This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.