What Are The Temple Altars?
This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
In the Old Testament, we read many mentions of altars. One of the first mentions of an altar in the Bible comes from the story of Noah in Genesis 8:20, which states:
20 And Noah built an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
From this passage, we can understand the purpose of the altar. They were used for sacrifices and offerings and for sacred ordinances, which are sacred ceremonies that have a spiritual meaning and effect. We know from the Law of Moses that these altars were used for sacrifices, to pay respects to the ultimate and final sacrifice, our Savior, Jesus Christ. After the death of the Savior, the practice of sacrifice by the shedding of blood ceased, because the Law was fulfilled through Him. In temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are still altars. However, they are used differently from how they were used during the Old Testament, up to the time of Christ’s death.
Our temples today are used for ordinances that will bless us now and in the future. In many of these ordinances, the altar plays an important role in how we show our readiness to know God and have a relationship with Him. In Doctrine and Covenants 59:8, we are told to “offer a sacrifice to the Lord your God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” So what does it mean to have “a broken heart and a contrite spirit”? Very simply, it means that we are willing to humble ourselves and follow the will of our Heavenly Father. This is much easier said than done. However, we again have a perfect example of how to do this through Jesus Christ. His Gospel teaches us what is necessary for us to return to His presence, humble and clean from sin. The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes increasing our faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and enduring to the end by keeping the promises we have made with God to follow Him. To the world, these may seem like sacrifices, but they are actually small things we can do to receive the great and miraculous blessings God has for us. They are also all examples of how we can learn to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit.”
An altar is a significant part of how we form a relationship with our Father in Heaven in the temple. When we show our willingness to sacrifice ourselves, meaning our time and our energy, we are blessed in many ways. The blessings that come from the temple are important in this life and will help us on the way back to our Heavenly Father. If you would like to learn more about the temple and the specific ordinances performed inside, you can schedule a visit or chat with a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on this website!
