A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors, Book 2 · Part 2 · Subpart 37
Christ an Altar.
Heb. 13.10.
We have an Altar, whereof they have no right to eat who serve the Tabernacle.
THE Greek word foreign, properly signifies an Altar, where the slain Sacrifices were offered; and sometimes, as Brightman says on Rev. 16.7. The Altar of Incense or Perfumes.— It is derived of foreign, which signifies a Sacrifice or Offering. In this Text it Metaphorically denotes the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator, and is put by a Synecdoche for the Oblation or Sacrifice, (viz. Christ.) See 1 Cor. 9.13. & 10.18. The meaning is, that such as still stick to the Ceremonies of the Law by serving the Legal Tabernacle, and thereby seek their Justification, cannot eat of this Spiritual Altar; that is, they cannot be Partakers of the Benefits of this Sacrifice purchased by the Death of Christ.
Metaphor.
I. THe Altar of Perfume was appointed by the Lord, to be made of Shittim Wood, overlaid with Gold, having a Crown of Gold about it.
II. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was ordaind for Sacrifices, to attone for Sin; the Flesh of Beasts was offered thereon.
III. All Sacrifices were to be offered upon the Altar of Burnt-Offerings; and all Incense to be burnt upon the Altar of Incense.
IV. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was but one, and in one place; and the Sacrifice to be offered thereon, in this place only.
V. The Altar did sanctify the Sacrifices which were laid upon it.
VI. The Altar was a place of Refuge,1 Kings ….50. 1 Kings 2.14. Men that were in danger, fled to the Horns of the Altar, and there intreated for Favour.
VII. The Horns of the Altar were to be sprinkled with Blood, and so was the Altar of Incense once a year.E…od. 29.12. & 30.10.
VIII. The Altar had four Horns on the four Corners thereof.E…od. 27.2
Parallel.
I. CHRIST's Humane Nature was covered and over-laid (as it were) with the Divinity, and crown'd with Majesty, as the Gold adorn'd the Wood, and circled the Altar.
II. Christ was appointed for Sacrifice, his Humane Nature was offered up as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the Sins of the whole World.Heb. 9.14.1 Joh. 2.2, 3.
III. All our Duties are to be performed and done through Christ's Name, and all our Prayers, which are our Spiritual Incense are to be made through his Mediation;Col. 3.17. Rev. 8.4.all must be done which God hath appointed, upon his own Altar, or 'twill be abhorr'd.
IV. The Saints spiritual Altar Jesus, Christ, is but one, who only once, and in one place offered up a sufficient Sacrifice for Sin.Heb. 9.26. Heb. 13.12
V. The Lord Jesus our spiritual Altar, doth sanctify all our Duties and Prayers,Rev. 8.3, 4, 5. which are in themselves impure.
VI. Jesus Christ is a Believers only Refuge; it is through him, and by flying to him, God comes to be intreated, and is kind, and merciful unto us.
VII. Christ was not only sprinkled with his own Blood, but we may thereby learn, that all our Prayers and Duties are not only accepted through his Intercession, but also by the Means of his shedding, and sprinkling of his Blood.
VIII. These four Horns signified the Power and Glory of Christ's Priest-hood, for the Salvation of his Elect from the four Corners of the Earth.Ainsw.
Type.
I. THe Altar and Sacrifice, the Altar and Incense, were two things.
II. Other Altars only sanctifyed the Gift ceremonianlly or figuratively, and could not otherways.
III. Other Altars were to stand but for a time, 'tis a Sin now to erect such Altars; because the Antitype or Substance of them is come.
IV. Other Altars were made of corruptible Matter, viz. Shittim Wood.
Disparity.
I. CHRIST alone is both the Sacrifice and Sacrificer.
II. Christ sanctifies all the Prayers and Duties of the Godly, really by reason of that intrinsecal Worth, Vertue, and Excellency there is in him and in his Death, &c.
III. Christ our Altar and High-Priest abides for ever. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec: Heb. 5.6.
IV. Christ is incoruptible; that was of a perishing Nature, but this Altar perisheth not.
Inferences.
I. THis reproves those that erect Altars in their Churches, as the Papists, and others do: Saints own no Altar but Christ.
II. We may infer from hence, that those that serve at the Jewish Tabernacles, have no Right to eat of this Altar, for they thereby deny him to be their Altar.
III. This shews the Gospel Church and Worship, is far more glorious than the Legal Church and Worship was.