In the Christian faith, the concept of Christ as our altar is deeply rooted in the understanding of His sacrificial role and His fulfillment of Old Testament typologies. The altar, in biblical terms, is a place of sacrifice and worship, a sacred space where offerings are made to God. In the New Testament, Christ embodies the ultimate altar, serving as both the sacrifice and the means through which believers approach God.

Old Testament Background

The Old Testament provides a rich tapestry of altars, beginning with the patriarchs who built altars to worship and call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25). The Mosaic Law further institutionalized the altar as a central element of Israelite worship, with the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple (Exodus 27:1-8; 1 Kings 8:64). These altars were places where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and to express devotion to God.

Christ as Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews provides a profound theological exposition of Christ as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. 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 Levitical offerings. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ's sacrifice was once for all, perfect and complete (Hebrews 10:10-14).

The Sacrificial Lamb

Christ is depicted as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His death on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and providing a new and living way to God (Hebrews 10:19-20). In this sense, Christ is both the altar and the offering, the means by which reconciliation with God is achieved.

Spiritual Implications

For believers, Christ as our altar signifies the end of the old sacrificial system and the beginning of a new covenant relationship with God. Through His sacrifice, believers are invited to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This spiritual act of worship is made possible through the transformative power of Christ's atoning work.

Access to God

The imagery of Christ as our altar also emphasizes the access believers have to God through Him. Ephesians 2:18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is not limited to a physical location or a specific ritual but is available to all who are in Christ, transcending the limitations of the old covenant.

Conclusion

The understanding of Christ as our altar is a profound aspect of Christian theology, encapsulating His role as the ultimate sacrifice and the means of communion with God. Through His death and resurrection, believers are granted direct access to the Father, invited to live lives of worship and service, grounded in the grace and truth of the Gospel.