Understanding the Symbol of Altar in Scripture

The Altar in the Old Testament

In Exodus 20:24-26, the altar emerges as a foundational symbol of Israel’s covenant relationship with God.

God instructs Moses that Israel may build an altar of earth or unchiseled stones for sacrifices, emphasizing simplicity and reverence (Exodus 20:24-25). This structure served both practical and spiritual purposes: it was a site for burnt offerings to atone for sin and a visible reminder of God’s holiness (Exodus 20:26). The command to avoid steps - so that worshippers might not expose themselves while ascending - further underscores the altar’s role in fostering humility and sacred proximity to the divine.

The altar’s design and function in Exodus established a template for Israelite worship, later reflected in the Tabernacle and Temple. Its enduring presence highlights the centrality of sacrifice in maintaining covenantal communion with God, a theme expanded in subsequent biblical narratives.

The Altar Fulfilled in Jesus

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross permanently replaces the Old Testament altar, fulfilling its symbolic role as the means of atonement and divine access.

Hebrews 13:10-12 states, 'We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat... For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.' This passage directly links Jesus to the altar's purpose, showing his singular sacrifice supersedes the Levitical system's repeated animal offerings. By dying outside Jerusalem's gates, Jesus reimagines the altar as a site of ultimate purification, rendering obsolete the temporary, ritualistic sacrifices of the Old Covenant. His resurrection confirms this fulfillment, establishing a new and eternal covenant where access to God depends not on ceremonial compliance but on faith in Christ's completed work.

Christian worship now centers on this fulfilled altar: believers approach God directly through Jesus (Hebrews 4:16), and the need for physical sacrifice ceases. The cross becomes the foundation for a transformed relationship with God, where spiritual transformation - not ritual observance - defines holiness.

This redefinition retains the altar's symbolic power in Christian practice, as seen in the Eucharist, which commemorates Christ's sacrifice. While stone altars no longer mediate divine favor, their theological legacy endures in the cross's centrality to worship. The next section explores how this fulfilled symbolism shapes modern Christian identity and communal practices.

What the Altar Means for Us Today

The altar’s symbolic role in Scripture culminates in Christ’s sacrifice, shaping modern Christian practices like communion and prayer as acts of spiritual access and devotion.

In Exodus 20:24-26, the altar’s design emphasized humility and sacred proximity to God, principles redefined through Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10-12). Today, the Eucharist mirrors the altar’s function, commemorating Christ’s offering while inviting believers to partake in His redemptive work. Prayer, too, reflects the altar’s purpose, as Christians approach God directly through Jesus (Hebrews 4:16), transforming worship into a relational, not ritualistic, act. These practices call for a living sacrifice of our time, talents, and testimonies, embodying the altar’s enduring lesson of covenantal commitment.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of the altar’s role in atonement, consider exploring related symbols and theological themes.

Investigate the mercy seat, where God’s presence dwelled above the ark (Exodus 25:17-22), and the temple, which housed the altar as a central space for worship and sacrifice. These elements, along with the broader theme of atonement, reveal how the altar functioned within Israel’s covenantal relationship with God.