“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” (II Corinthians 2:15)
Paul says that believers in Christ are an aroma to God among the saved and the unsaved.
When Romans won a battle, they would parade the captives through the city in triumph. These parades were conducted with incense and flowers giving off a sweet, soothing aroma of victory over the enemy. Some of these captives would be granted pardon and freedom, while others would be killed at the end of the procession.
- The smell of the incense became a sweet, soothing aroma to those who would live.
- The aroma became a deadly odor to those who would lose their lives.
Christians are to be the sweet smell to God as those who are saved for His eternal kingdom.
The increase in persecutions of Christians today is a result of the unsaved smelling the aroma of death. Their very conscience accuses them that they are separated from God’s Love and facing His Judgment.
Jesus became a fragrant offering to His Father through His obedience to the Cross. (Ephesians 5:2) His obedience to His Father was learned through His suffering. (Hebrews 5:8)
Fire, trials, testings, suffering bring out the heart of man. The fire brought out the fragrance of each spice in the incense in the Tabernacle.
The Beatitudes and the Fruit of the Spirit are characteristics of Christ and should be of those who profess to believe in Him as their Lord and God.
As we ask God to enable us to live out His character in our lives in the midst of our present circumstances, we will find that there is an aroma arising from our right obedient choices before Him.
Incense is a type of our prayers and worship arising from our hearts to God.
David asked that his prayers be as incense and the lifting up of his hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)
John saw the temple of heaven opened and angels removing incense from the altar and pouring them onto the earth. The incense is the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 8:4-5)
Jesus obeyed His Father’s will as a sweet-smelling aroma for all eternity. Believers are to be a sweet-smelling aroma now and for eternity.
During the Tribulation, the aroma of Christ and His church will be poured out upon this earth as a judgment on those who refuse to believe in Him as their Savior and the only way to eternal life.
- Every time a believer prays, incense is being offered upon the altar before God in heaven.
- Every time a believer thinks thoughts, utters words, express feelings, and acts in ways that please God and emulate the character of Christ, it is sweet incense to the Father.
Just as Mary poured costly perfume on the feet of Jesus as an act of worship, each right choice and each heartfelt prayer fills heaven with a pleasing aroma. God even sings over you. (Zephaniah 3:17)