Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Types of Christ" refers to people, events, or objects in the Old Testament that prefigure or symbolize Jesus Christ and His work in the New Testament. The Golden Altar, also known as the Altar of Incense, is one such type, rich in symbolic meaning and theological significance.Biblical Description The Golden Altar is described in Exodus 30:1-10. It was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the altar measured a cubit square and two cubits high. It featured horns on its four corners and was equipped with gold rings and poles for transport. Function and Ritual The primary function of the Golden Altar was to burn incense, a fragrant offering that ascended to God. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn incense on it every morning and evening, symbolizing the perpetual prayers of the Israelites rising to God (Exodus 30:7-8). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the altar was purified with the blood of the sin offering (Exodus 30:10). Typology of Christ 1. Intercession and Mediation: The incense offered on the Golden Altar is a type of Christ's intercessory work. Just as the incense was a pleasing aroma to God, so are the prayers of believers, made acceptable through Christ's mediation. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." 2. Holiness and Purity: The altar's construction from acacia wood overlaid with gold symbolizes Christ's dual nature—His humanity and divinity. The pure gold signifies His holiness and purity, essential for His role as the sinless mediator between God and man. 3. Access to God: Positioned before the veil, the Golden Altar signifies the access to God that Christ provides. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the new and living way opened through His sacrifice, granting believers direct access to the Father. 4. Perpetual Offering: The continual burning of incense represents the perpetual nature of Christ's priestly ministry. Unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily, Christ's priesthood is eternal, as noted in Hebrews 7:24, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood." 5. Atonement and Cleansing: The annual cleansing of the altar with blood points to Christ's atoning sacrifice. His blood purifies and sanctifies believers, making them acceptable to God. Hebrews 9:14 affirms, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Conclusion The Golden Altar serves as a profound type of Christ, illustrating His roles as intercessor, mediator, and eternal high priest. Through its symbolism, believers gain a deeper understanding of the access, purity, and continual intercession provided by Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament types. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:5,26,27And you shall set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 8:3 Hebrews 13:15 Library Scriptural Types. The First Part Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer John vi. 41, 42 The Copies of Things in the Heavens Hiram, the Inspired Artificer Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? The Ascension of Christ Christ Our Passover Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Resources Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of psalms? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |
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