At the Altar

“I haven’t come to do away with them (the Law and the Prophets), but to fulfill them.” Matt. 5:17b (CEB)

Lately it seems I have gotten into more scriptural conversations than ever! A few weeks ago, I had a friend ask if Jesus came to fulfill the Law why do we still have altars in the church. In her thoughts, there would no longer be need for the church house altar because we don’t do blood sacrifices these days. Her question got my mind working and I want to share with my readers what I shared with her.

Until Jesus’ death on the cross the only way to have the forgiveness of sins was to shed the blood of the designated animal. Hebrews 9:22(b), “there is no forgiveness without blood being shed.” (CEB) The cross on which Jesus died was the final place for a blood sacrifice. “We have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 (CEB)

Today, we use the church altar for kneeled prayers, communion, weddings, and other sacred rituals. The Hebrew word for altar is mizbeah, which means “to slaughter.” In Greek, the word for altar is thusiasterion, which means “a place of sacrifice.” Our church altar is not used for this purpose today. Hallelujah!

Do you have a personal altar where you meet with God? Mine is located on my back porch where I can see and hear God’s creation. In a sense though, any special place where one encounters God becomes an altar. Whether the altar is an ornate piece of furniture or a pile of rocks, our spirit may go on high alert when we feel God is close.

I love this chorus from the song, “O, Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship. It reminds us of the price Jesus paid for each of us.

O come to the altar The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ