The concept of the "Altar of God" holds significant theological and liturgical importance throughout the Bible, serving as a central element in the worship practices of the Israelites and a symbol of divine-human interaction. The altar is a place of sacrifice, worship, and communion with God, representing both the holiness of God and the need for atonement and reconciliation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the altar is first mentioned in Genesis, where Noah builds an altar to the LORD after the flood (Genesis 8:20). This act of worship and thanksgiving sets a precedent for the use of altars as places of sacrifice and offerings to God. The patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, also built altars as they journeyed, marking significant encounters with God (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-7).

The most detailed instructions for altar construction and use are found in the Mosaic Law. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, featured two primary altars: the Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8) and the Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10). The Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the courtyard, was used for animal sacrifices, symbolizing atonement for sin and dedication to God. The Altar of Incense, situated inside the Holy Place, was used for burning incense, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Christ's atoning death on the cross. Hebrews 13:10 states, "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat." This verse highlights the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the old covenant sacrifices.

The altar also becomes a metaphor for the believer's life of worship and sacrifice. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Here, the altar is not a physical structure but a spiritual reality where believers present themselves wholly to God.

Symbolism and Significance

The altar symbolizes several key theological themes:

1. Atonement and Sacrifice: The altar is primarily a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to atone for sin and express devotion to God. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a mediator.

2. Divine Presence: The altar signifies God's presence among His people. It is a place where heaven and earth meet, where God reveals Himself and His will.

3. Covenant Relationship: The altar is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a place of commitment, where covenants are ratified and renewed.

4. Prayer and Worship: The altar is a focal point for prayer and worship, symbolizing the believer's communication with God and the offering of praise and thanksgiving.

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, the altar serves as a reminder of the need for personal sacrifice and devotion. It calls Christians to live lives marked by holiness, prayer, and a continual offering of themselves to God. The altar, though no longer a physical structure, remains a powerful symbol of the believer's relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice.