Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.” – Exodus 25:2
The Purpose of the Altar
As we gather as believers, we need to remember that the altar is a special place where we can connect with God. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our salvation and our own need to draw near to Him in prayer and worship. The altar represents a place of recognition and humility, acknowledging God’s holiness and our dependence on Him. Throughout Scripture, we see that altars symbolize the act of bringing our offerings and desires before God, allowing Him to work in our lives. This aligns with the purpose of the altar: to be a sacred space where we can reflect on our relationship with God, seek His guidance, and express our gratitude.
Genesis 8:20
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. – Genesis 8:20
Exodus 20:24
Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. – Exodus 20:24
Leviticus 1:11
He is to slaughter it at the north side of the altar before the Lord, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar. – Leviticus 1:11
Numbers 15:3
And you present to the Lord a food offering from the herd or the flock, either a burnt offering or a sacrifice, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering or at your appointed festivals—to provide the aroma pleasing to the Lord. – Numbers 15:3
1 Kings 18:30
Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. – 1 Kings 18:30
Building Altars in Our Lives
In our lives today, we are called to build altars that reflect our commitment and love for God. These altars can take many forms, from physical places of worship to personal moments of reflection and prayer. When we intentionally set aside time to engage with God, we create a spiritual altar that helps us remember the importance of connecting with Him. By establishing these altars, we invite God into the various aspects of our lives, allowing us to foster a deeper relationship and sense of His presence. From our daily routines to special occasions, the act of building altars can help us remain focused on our faith and express our devotion to the Lord.
Genesis 12:7
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. – Genesis 12:7
Exodus 17:15
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is My Banner. – Exodus 17:15
1 Samuel 7:17
But he went up to Gilgal every time and there he worshiped the Lord and sacrificed his offerings, building an altar to the Lord. – 1 Samuel 7:17
Psalm 43:4
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. – Psalm 43:4
Hebrews 13:10
We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. – Hebrews 13:10
The Altar as a Place of Sacrifice
The concept of sacrifice is at the heart of our understanding of the altar. It is a place where we present our offerings to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace in our lives. Through sacrifice, we express our desire to honor God and recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for our sins. Each time we approach the altar, let us be reminded that our offerings, whether they’re physical or spiritual, represent our love and dedication to Him. It’s not about the gift itself but the heart behind it. We should ask ourselves what we are willing to give up or bring to the altar for the sake of our relationship with God.
Leviticus 4:35
The priest shall take all the fat from it and burn it on the altar, and the priest shall make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven. – Leviticus 4:35
Leviticus 17:5
This is why the Israelites must say, ‘The fattened animals they sacrifice in the open fields must be brought to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrificed as fellowship offerings to the Lord. – Leviticus 17:5
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
Ephesians 5:2
And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:2
Hebrews 9:14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! – Hebrews 9:14
The Altar and Forgiveness
The altar is also a vital representation of forgiveness in our relationship with God. When we go to the altar, we are reminded of the need for repentance and the grace available to us. Each sacrifice made at the altar symbolizes the forgiveness we can receive through Jesus Christ. We come to understand that repentance is an essential part of our faith journey. It is through this act of seeking forgiveness that we draw closer to God and allow Him to transform our hearts and minds. The altar helps us recognize our shortcomings and gives us hope, knowing that through Christ, we can always find forgiveness and restoration.
Leviticus 6:30
But no sin offering that has blood brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place must be eaten; it must be burned up. – Leviticus 6:30
Matthew 5:24
Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:24
Hebrews 10:18
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. – Hebrews 10:18
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. – Acts 10:43
Worship at the Altar
Worship is a significant aspect of our lives as Christians, and the altar functions as a central component in this act. When we approach the altar, we not only bring our prayers and sacrifices but also our praise and adoration. It is a place where we recognize God’s goodness and faithfulness. Our worship at the altar can take many forms, from singing hymns to simply sitting in silence, feeling His presence. By making worship a priority in our lives, we strengthen our relationship with God. This connection empowers us to live out our faith in our daily lives. We should see the altar as an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and grow in our relationship with the Lord.
Psalm 27:6
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. – Psalm 27:6
Psalm 116:17
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. – Psalm 116:17
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15
Exodus 29:42
For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you. – Exodus 29:42
1 Chronicles 16:29
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. – 1 Chronicles 16:29
The Altar Represents God’s Covenant
The altar serves as a beautiful symbol of God’s covenant with His people. Each altar built throughout the Bible holds a significant meaning and highlights God’s promises to us. Establishing an altar is a reminder of the eternal connection between God and His followers. We have the privilege to enter into this covenant, knowing that God desires a relationship filled with love and guidance. As we remember and reflect on God’s faithfulness, we can better appreciate the altars we encounter throughout Scripture. These altars guide us in recognizing how much God cares for us and the promises made to us through Jesus.
Genesis 9:15
And I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. – Genesis 9:15
Exodus 34:27
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” – Exodus 34:27
Joshua 8:30
Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel. – Joshua 8:30
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10
Matthew 26:28
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:28
Final Thoughts
The topic of the altar is indeed significant in our faith as believers. It is a place for connecting with God through prayer, reflecting on our sacrifices, seeking forgiveness, and engaging in worship. By exploring the many aspects of the altar, we build our understanding of how it enhances our relationship with God. It’s a space that allows us to express gratitude and acknowledge God’s promises. As we remember and practice the act of building altars in our lives, we grow spiritually and become more in tune with His ways.
Let us strive to embrace the meaning of the altar and make it an integral part of our worship and daily walk with God. By doing so, we deepen our faith and understanding of His love for us. We encourage you to continue exploring topics such as Lord’s Supper and Kneeling to further enrich your spiritual journey.
May our hearts be open to encounter God at the altar and to allow Him to transform us in the process.