Altar in the new testament
In the New Testament, the concept of an "altar" is not as prominent as it is in the Old Testament. However, there are still several references to altars and sacrifices in the New Testament. Here are a few examples:
- The altar of incense (Luke 1:11, Revelation 8:3-5): In the Temple in Jerusalem, there was an altar of incense where priests would offer prayers and incense to God. This altar is mentioned in the New Testament as a place where angels appeared to Zechariah and the apostle John.
- The altar of sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10-12): In the New Testament, the concept of sacrifice is not limited to animal sacrifices, but also includes the sacrifice of oneself for the sake of others. The author of Hebrews writes that Christians are a "holy priesthood" and that they offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God.
- The altar of the heart (Matthew 5:23-24, Romans 12:1-2): Jesus teaches that the heart is the true altar, and that our words and actions should be offerings to God. The apostle Paul writes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
- The altar of prayer (Matthew 6:5-6, Luke 18:10-14): In the New Testament, prayer is often referred to as an offering or sacrifice to God. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray in secret, and to not use vain repetitions like the pagans do.
- The altar of worship (John 4:23-24, Revelation 4:8): In the New Testament, worship is often referred to as an act of sacrifice or offering to God. Jesus teaches that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but is a matter of the heart.
Some specific examples of altars in the New Testament include:
- The altar of the cross (Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 2:6): The cross of Christ is often referred to as an altar, where Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
- The altar of the temple (Acts 2:46-47, Acts 3:1): The early Christian church continued to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem, and the apostles would often go to the altar to pray and offer sacrifices.
- The altar of the home (Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 4:10-11): In the New Testament, the home is often referred to as a place of worship and sacrifice, where families can offer prayers and thanksgiving to God.
Overall, while the concept of an "altar" is not as central to the New Testament as it is to the Old Testament, there are still many references to altars and sacrifices throughout the New Testament.