Altar in the New Testament.

Monday, March 16, 2009: 1 Corinthians 9:13–14

Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Background: This refers to the altar of sacrifice in Jerusalem, where the offerings were burned.
What is the New Testament analogy to the altar of sacrifice? Just like the priests took a portion of the sacrifice to feed themselves, so can those who preach the Gospel.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009: Luke 1:11–12

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Background: Zacharias (father of John the Baptist) was a priest burning incense at the altar of incense in the Holy Place in Jerusalem.
Why did fear fall on Zacharias? No one else was supposed to be there! The Angel was sent to tell him of his future son.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009: James 2:21–22

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Background: the altar, on which Abraham bound his son Isaac, was built by him.
Did Abraham offer his son, Isaac? No, it was a test and a picture of God offering His only begotten Son.

Thursday, March 19, 2009: Hebrews 13:10, 12, 15

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Background: This altar is the place of crucifixion, where Jesus Christ was sacrificed for our sin.
Are believers priests of God? Yes, and we offer only praise as a sacrifice at this metaphorical altar. The perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God was once, for all. It cannot and will not be duplicated.

Friday, March 20, 2009: Revelation 8:3–4

Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.
Where is this altar? This golden altar of incense is before the throne of God in the heavenly sanctuary.