The altar is a place of death and sacrifice. We are called to become “dead to sin” by being sorrowful for our sins and turning away from them by repenting.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:1-2 KJV

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin (dead to the power of sin), but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:11 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV ("Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." - Galatians 5:24 NLT)

Jesus died for our sins. We take up our cross and follow His death, burial, and resurrection by repenting of our sins, being baptized in Jesus name, and by receiving His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

*photo from Exploring God’s Word Bible study