A Table, not an Altar

A Table, not an Altar
March 2, 2009 by camdennewhope

Throughout the Old Testament we read of the bloody sacrifices that were offered to God again and again for an atonement for the sins of the people. We know that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, but we also know that the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin. These images were mere types of the sacrifice who was to come; the lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.

On the night of his betrayal our Lord instituted the meal we participated in again yesterday, a meal that is to be continued until his return to remember and proclaim his death on our behalf. It is important for us to remember why we came to the table last evening instead of the altar. When thinking of an altar, our minds go back to those images of the Old Testament where animals were slain, for the altar is the place of sacrifice. Even in churches today one might find a place that is referred to as “the altar.”

One of the greatest changes brought about by the Reformation was the replacement of the altar with the communion table. One can imagine the medieval church where the priest stood with his back to the congregation and offered up a sacrifice of Christ to God on behalf of the people. But there is no sacrifice to be made today, Christ has been offered up once and for all time on the cross where he literally bled and died for the sins of the people. We have no need of an altar in the church, for our altar was Golgotha. The minister does not stand with his back to the people but facing them, for the offering is not to God but to the people.

There is an incredible difference between an altar and a table. At the altar we are seeking to be made right with God, but at the table we are receving the promise that Christ has done all for us to be reconciled to him. At the altar we bring a sacrifice, but at the table we enjoy a true feast. There is no more hostility, we have been reconciled to God and we receive his meal anticipating the day when we will share it with Christ in his kingdom.