What does the "altar of burnt offering" symbolize in our spiritual lives today? Setting the Scene “ ‘The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.’ ” (Leviticus 6:13) What the Altar Meant in Moses’ Day • A visible place for substitutionary sacrifice—an innocent animal took the sinner’s place (Leviticus 1:3–9). • A meeting point between God’s holiness and human guilt (Exodus 29:42). • A continual fire—priests added wood morning and evening so worship never lapsed (Leviticus 6:9–13). • Public testimony that forgiveness required blood (Hebrews 9:22). How the Altar Translates into Our Lives • Christ fulfilled every burnt offering. – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). – The altar now finds its climax at the cross (Hebrews 10:10). • Daily surrender: – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). – Like the priests tending the fire, we stoke the flame of devotion—Bible intake, prayer, obedience. • Continual cleansing: – 1 John 1:7 reminds us that “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” – Whenever conviction comes, we return to the altar—confession restores fellowship. • Wholehearted worship: – Burnt offerings were consumed entirely; nothing held back. – True worship today involves every area—time, talents, possessions—placed on God’s altar (Luke 9:23). • Priesthood of believers: – “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). – Each believer now tends the altar within, not relying on another to maintain personal communion. • Public witness: – The smoke rising from Israel’s camp signaled a people in covenant with the living God. – Consistent, sacrificial living still draws others to ask about the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). Keeping the Fire Burning Practical ways to ensure the altar’s flame never goes out: – Set aside unrushed, daily moments with Scripture and prayer. – Confess sin promptly; don’t let ashes smother the fire. – Serve others sacrificially—love costs something. – Gather regularly with fellow believers; corporate worship fans individual embers. – Recall the gospel often; gratitude fuels ongoing surrender. In a Sentence The Old Testament altar of burnt offering points us to Christ’s perfect sacrifice and calls us to a life of continual, wholehearted surrender—keeping the fire of devotion burning until we see Him face-to-face. |
    |