ALTARS IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT

Title: ALTARS IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 8:20-21
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 13:10, Exodus 20:24, Revelation 8:3-4

INTRODUCTION:
An altar is a sacred place of encounter between God and man. It is a place where sacrifices, prayers, and worship are offered to the Almighty. The concept of the altar is a consistent theme in both the Old and New Testaments, though its expressions and significance evolved over time. In the Old Testament, altars were physical structures for sacrifices, while in the New Testament, they symbolised spiritual devotion, worship, and connection with God through Jesus Christ. This teaching explores the importance, roles, and relevance of altars in both testaments.

1. ALTARS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

a) Physical Structures
Altars were often built with stones or earth (Exodus 20:24). They were physical places of sacrifice and worship.

b) Places of Covenant
God established covenants with His people at altars (Genesis 12:7, Genesis 15:9-18).

c) Locations for Atonement
The altar was central to the atonement rituals in the tabernacle (Leviticus 17:11).

d) Divine Encounters
Many patriarchs met God at altars, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 22:9-14).

e) Biblical Example: Noah built an altar after the flood, and God established a covenant of never destroying the earth by flood again (Genesis 8:20-21).

2. ALTARS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

a) Spiritual Altars
The New Testament focuses on spiritual altars, symbolising the heart and devotion of believers (Romans 12:1).

b) Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice
Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system, becoming the ultimate offering (Hebrews 10:12).

c) Prayer as Sacrifice
The prayers of believers are described as offerings on spiritual altars (Revelation 8:3-4).

d) The Cross as an Altar
The cross is seen as the ultimate altar where Jesus’ blood was shed for humanity’s redemption (Hebrews 13:10).

e) Biblical Example: Paul emphasised presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

3. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ALTARS

a) A Place of Sacrifice
Both testaments highlight altars as places where sacrifices are made to honour God (Leviticus 1:9, Hebrews 13:15).

b) A Place of Worship
Altars were used to glorify God through offerings and prayers (Psalm 43:4, John 4:24).

c) A Place of Revelation
God revealed His plans and instructions at altars (Judges 6:25-26, Acts 10:9-16).

d) A Place of Divine Intervention
Miracles, deliverances, and blessings often followed altar encounters (1 Kings 18:30-39, Acts 16:25-26).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel to prove the supremacy of God (1 Kings 18:30-39).

4. THE TRANSITION FROM OLD TO NEW TESTAMENT ALTARS

a) From Physical to Spiritual
The physical altars of the Old Testament evolved into spiritual expressions in the New Testament (John 4:23-24).

b) From Rituals to Relationship
The focus shifted from ritualistic sacrifices to personal relationships with God through Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51).

c) The Role of the Holy Spirit
Believers’ lives became temples of the Holy Spirit, where the altar resides within (1 Corinthians 6:19).

d) Christ as the Central Altar
Jesus became the mediator of the new covenant, replacing the need for earthly altars (Hebrews 8:6).

e) Biblical Example: The torn veil in the temple symbolised direct access to God without earthly altars (Matthew 27:51).

5. LESSONS FROM ALTARS

a) A Lifestyle of Worship
Believers must live a life of continual worship, presenting themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

b) Dedication and Commitment
Just as altars require sacrifices, believers must dedicate their lives to God’s service (Luke 9:23).

c) Spiritual Warfare
Altars remain significant in prayer and warfare, symbolising authority over spiritual forces (Judges 6:25-26).

d) God’s Faithfulness
Altars remind us of God’s promises and faithfulness throughout generations (Genesis 28:18-22).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s altar-building demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s promises (Genesis 12:7).

CONCLUSION:
Altars remain vital in the believer’s spiritual journey. Whether physical or spiritual, they symbolise devotion, sacrifice, and communion with God. In the New Testament, Jesus is the ultimate altar, granting believers access to God’s presence and blessings. As we raise spiritual altars in our lives, let us commit to worshipping, sacrificing, and encountering God daily.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to raise spiritual altars that honour You.

2. Father, let my life become a living sacrifice unto You.

3. Jesus, let Your ultimate sacrifice speak for me continually.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to sustain my altar of prayer and worship.

5. Father, break every ungodly altar working against my destiny.

6. Lord, reveal Your divine purpose through encounters at my altar.

7. By the blood of Jesus, I gain access to heavenly blessings.

8. Father, let my altar bring transformation to my life and family.

9. Lord, grant me the grace to maintain a lifestyle of worship.

10. Father, let my altar manifest Your power and glory.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your altar will bring divine encounters that change your story.

2. Every ungodly altar in your lineage is destroyed in Jesus’ name.

3. Your life will become a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

4. The Lord will reveal His plans to you at your altar.

5. Your spiritual altar will manifest signs and wonders.

6. Divine blessings will flow from the altar you raise unto God.

7. Every stronghold opposing your altar is broken today.

8. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs as you worship.

9. The altar of God in your life will bring generational blessings.

10. From today, your altar will testify of God’s glory in Jesus’ name.