Throughout history, altars have served as sacred spaces for various cultures and religions. They represent a connection between humanity and the divine, often serving as places of worship, sacrifice, and prayer. In the context of Christianity, altars hold significant meaning, derived from the teachings and practices found in the Bible. Understanding what the Bible says about building altars sheds light on their significance, purpose, and how they relate to the worship and devotion of Christians.
The Origins of Altars in the Bible
The concept of building altars predates the Christian faith, appearing prominently in the Old Testament, particularly in the lives of the patriarchs and the Mosaic Law.
Abraham and the Altar
The first recorded instance of an altar being built in the Bible involves Abraham. In Genesis 12:7-8, after God promised to bless Abraham and make him a great nation, Abraham "built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him." This act signifies Abraham's recognition of God's presence and his commitment to honoring and worshipping Him. The building of an altar became a recurring theme in Abraham's life, reflecting his ongoing dedication to God's promises.
The Importance of Altars in the Mosaic Law
The Mosaic Law, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasized the importance of building altars for worship. Leviticus 1:1-17 outlines specific instructions for constructing altars for sacrifices, which served as a central element in the ancient Hebrew worship.
The Tabernacle and the Temple
The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, contained an altar for burnt offerings and an altar for incense. Later, the Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, also featured altars for burnt offerings and incense, serving as the focal point for the worship of the people of Israel.
Altars in the New Testament
The New Testament, while not explicitly focusing on building physical altars, highlights the importance of spiritual altars in the lives of believers.
The Altar of Christ
Jesus, in the New Testament, is often referred to as the "Lamb of God" who sacrificed himself on the cross, becoming the ultimate altar for the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:14 states, "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!" This verse emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate altar, making the physical altars of the Old Testament obsolete.
The Altar of our Hearts
The concept of building "spiritual altars" in the New Testament is deeply connected to the idea of having a devoted heart towards God. In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul encourages believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." This verse signifies that the true altar in the New Testament is not a physical structure but the offering of our lives to God, making our hearts the place of genuine worship and devotion.
The Significance of Altars Today
While the physical construction of altars is not a common practice in contemporary Christianity, the symbolism and spiritual meaning behind them remain relevant. The concept of an altar serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of offering ourselves to God, engaging in sincere prayer, and reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ.
Modern Applications of Altars
Though we may not build physical altars, we can still engage with the concept of altars in our lives. For instance, we can consider our homes as sacred spaces where we can pray and dedicate ourselves to God. We can also use altars as a metaphor for the dedication of our time, talents, and resources to God's service.
The Altar of Service
In a modern context, the concept of an altar can be applied to our service to others. By dedicating ourselves to helping those in need, offering compassion, and sharing the love of Christ, we create a spiritual altar through our actions.
Conclusion
The Bible's teachings on building altars provide a rich foundation for understanding the significance of worship, sacrifice, and devotion to God. While physical altars may have been prominent in the Old Testament, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of a spiritual altar, represented by our hearts dedicated to God. The concept of building altars reminds us of the importance of offering ourselves to God, engaging in sincere prayer, and reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ. Whether through physical expressions of worship or through dedicated service and love, the concept of building altars remains a powerful reminder of the sacred connection between humanity and the divine.
