Introduction

Sanctification is a central theme in Christian theology, referring to the process by which individuals or objects are made holy, set apart for God's purposes. Within the context of the Old and New Testaments, the concept of sanctification is intricately linked to the altar, a sacred place where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. The principle that "the altar sanctifies the gift" underscores the belief that the holiness of the altar imparts sanctity to the offerings placed upon it.

Biblical Foundation

The idea that the altar sanctifies the gift is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 23:19, Jesus addresses the religious leaders of His time, saying, "You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?" . This rhetorical question highlights the significance of the altar in the process of sanctification, emphasizing that the altar's holiness is what imparts sanctity to the offerings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the altar is a central element in the worship practices of the Israelites. It is the place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. The sanctity of the altar is established by God's command and presence. In Exodus 29:37, God instructs Moses, "For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches the altar will be holy" . This passage illustrates the transformative power of the altar, which sanctifies whatever comes into contact with it.

New Testament Application

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar takes on a spiritual dimension. The physical altar of the Old Testament is seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10 states, "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat" , indicating that believers have access to a spiritual altar through Christ's sacrifice. This spiritual altar sanctifies the believer's offerings, whether they be acts of service, worship, or personal sacrifice.

Theological Implications

The principle that the altar sanctifies the gift has profound theological implications. It underscores the belief that holiness is not inherent in the gift itself but is derived from its association with the divine. This concept reinforces the idea that human efforts and offerings, no matter how sincere, require divine sanctification to be acceptable to God. It also highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility, recognizing that it is His presence and power that sanctify and transform.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the understanding that the altar sanctifies the gift encourages a focus on the heart and intention behind offerings to God. It calls for a life of holiness, where one's actions, words, and thoughts are continually consecrated to God. This principle also serves as a reminder of the need for a personal relationship with Christ, who is the ultimate altar and source of sanctification for the believer.

Conclusion

The concept of sanctification through the altar is a profound reminder of the transformative power of God's holiness. It calls believers to a life of dedication and reverence, recognizing that it is through God's sanctifying presence that their offerings and lives are made holy.Exodus 29:37
Seven days you shall make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatever touches the altar shall be holy.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 30:29
And you shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatever touches them shall be holy.
Nave's Topical Index

The Christ of the Gospels.
... nor fear, neither honor nor shame, can alter his word ... the will of his Father, and
the sanctification of humanity ... pervades our being, it blesses and sanctifies us ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

Formula Concordi??.
... of Creation, of Redemption, of Sanctification, and the ... as it is his own work) he
sanctifies, the same ... Alter a enim pars contendit, vocabulum, 'necessarium' non ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/formula concordiae.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... water, that is, with the washing of sanctification (Ezekiel 16 ... our person good, I
mean that which sanctifies our natures ... to receive it as the gracious gift of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... A gift is not made mine by my seeing of it, or because I know the nature of the
thing so given; but then it is mine if I receive and embrace it, yea, and as to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

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Sanctification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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