Why Don't Christians Have Altars? Understanding the Shift from Old Testament Practice

The question of why Christians don't typically have "altars" in the way the Old Testament describes might seem straightforward, but it delves into some of the most fundamental theological shifts between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. For many, the word "altar" evokes images of animal sacrifices and elaborate temple rituals. Understanding the Christian perspective requires looking at the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan and the unique role of Jesus.

The Role of the Altar in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, altars were central to worship. They served as the designated place for:

Sacrifice: This was their primary function. The Law of Moses prescribed various offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and fellowship offerings. These sacrifices were physical representations of sin and the need for atonement, pointing forward to a greater sacrifice to come.
Covenant Making: Altars were also used in establishing and sealing covenants between God and His people, or between individuals.
Communion with God: The sacrifices offered on the altar facilitated a temporary reconciliation and communion between a sinful humanity and a holy God.

Prominent examples of altars in the Old Testament include the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple. These were often constructed of stone or bronze and were sites where priests, acting as intermediaries, would present the sacrificial animals and grain offerings to God.

Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice and the New Covenant

The pivotal reason Christians don't utilize altars in the same way is the belief that Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system. The New Testament presents Jesus as the:

Perfect Sacrifice: The Epistle to the Hebrews meticulously explains how Jesus' death on the cross was a once-for-all, perfect sacrifice that atones for the sins of all who believe in Him. It was a spiritual sacrifice, not a physical one requiring repeated offerings.
Mediator of a New Covenant: Jesus established a new covenant between God and humanity, not based on Levitical priesthood and animal sacrifices, but on His own blood. This covenant offers direct access to God for believers.

As the author of Hebrews states, "For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14, KJV). This singular, perfect sacrifice effectively rendered the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete.

What Replaces the Altar in Christian Worship?

While the physical structure of an altar for sacrifice is absent in most Christian traditions, the concept of a focal point for worship and communion remains. In many Christian churches, you will find:

A Communion Table (or Lord's Supper Table): This is the designated place where the sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper, Eucharist, or Mass) is celebrated. It is not an altar of sacrifice, but a table where believers gather to remember Christ's sacrifice and partake in a symbolic meal of His body and blood.
A Pulpit: This is the raised platform from which the sermon or homily is delivered, emphasizing the importance of God's Word being preached and taught.
A Baptismal Font: This is where the sacrament of baptism takes place, signifying new life in Christ and entry into the Christian community.

The focus of Christian worship has shifted from the physical act of sacrifice to the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and the spiritual communion that believers share with God and each other.

Understanding Different Denominational Practices

It's important to note that terminology can sometimes cause confusion. Some traditions, particularly within liturgical denominations like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Anglican and Lutheran churches, may still refer to the communion table as an "altar." However, even in these contexts, the theological understanding is distinct from the Old Testament sacrificial altar. The emphasis is on it being a place for the offering of praise, thanksgiving, and the memorial of Christ's sacrifice, rather than a place for the literal shedding of blood.

Other denominations, often those with a more evangelical or reformed background, tend to use the term "communion table" or "Lord's Table" exclusively to avoid any potential misunderstanding or association with sacrificial practices.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

This verse highlights that Christian worship is not bound to a specific physical structure in the same way Old Testament worship was. While places of worship are important gathering spaces, the presence of Christ is found wherever believers gather in faith and love.

Key Differences Summarized:

Old Testament Altar: Primarily for physical animal sacrifices to atone for sin and mediate access to God.
Christian Communion Table: A table for the symbolic remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, spiritual communion with God, and fellowship among believers.
Focus Shift: From outward, physical sacrifice to inward, spiritual communion and remembrance.

FAQ: Why Don't Christians Have Altars?

How is the Christian communion table different from an Old Testament altar?

An Old Testament altar was the site for literal animal sacrifices offered by priests to atone for sins. In contrast, the Christian communion table is where believers partake in a symbolic meal, remembering Jesus' one perfect sacrifice and experiencing spiritual communion with God. There are no ongoing animal sacrifices.

Why did Jesus' coming change the need for altars?

Christians believe Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. Because of this, the need for physical altars for atonement was removed, replaced by direct access to God through faith in Jesus.

Do all Christians use the term "communion table"?

No, not all Christians use the same terminology. While many evangelical and reformed traditions strictly use "communion table" or "Lord's Table" to avoid confusion with sacrificial altars, some liturgical denominations may still refer to their communion table as an "altar," though their theological understanding of its purpose is distinct from the Old Testament sacrificial altar.

What is the significance of the communion table in Christian worship?

The communion table is a central place for Christians to remember Jesus' sacrifice, to receive spiritual nourishment, and to express their unity with Christ and with one another. It is a place of remembrance, thanksgiving, and fellowship.