Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies across the world for thousands of years. In the Bible, incense is offered to God as a form of worship and prayer. However, there are restrictions on how and when it should be burned, and there are severe consequences for misuse. So, is burning incense considered a sin, or is it acceptable for Christians?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense is a | Divine command |
| Incense is | Symbolic of ascending prayer |
| Incense is | Symbolic of worship |
| Incense is | Symbolic of the relationship between God and his people |
| Incense is | Symbolic of forgiveness of sins |
| Incense is | Symbolic of the divinity of Christ |
| Incense is | Symbolic of intercession |
| Incense is | Used in religious ceremonies of ancient nations |
| Incense is | Used in idolatrous worship |
| Incense is | A mixture of gums, spices, and perfumes |
| Incense is | A fire danger |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is symbolic of prayer
The use of incense as a symbol of prayer is also seen in the story of Zechariah (or Zacharias) in Luke 1:10, where he offers incense in the temple while the people pray outside. The smoke of the incense rising up to God is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the saints, both those in heaven and on earth. This is further supported by the Catholic Source Book, which states that incense "gives off a balsamic odour as it burns" and "has a place in Israelite worship".
The altar of incense, situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, further emphasizes this symbolism. The perpetual burning of incense on this altar represents the ongoing mediation of Christ and the sweet fragrance of believers' prayers rising up to God. The offering of incense in religious ceremonies, therefore, serves as a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God.
Incense is also mentioned in the Book of Numbers 7:14 as part of an offering for the dedication of the altar, and in Deuteronomy 33:10, which refers to "the smoke of sacrifice." The blending of aromatic substances with pure frankincense, as described in Exodus 30:34-38, further underscores the connection between incense and prayer, with the smoke symbolizing the ascension of prayers to the divine.
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Incense is used in Catholic and Orthodox churches
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies across the world for thousands of years, including in Christian worship. In the Catholic Church, the use of incense is optional for most Masses. It is used to purify the coffin at funerals, bless statues and images, and sanctify the Eucharist. The smoke from the incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The container used for burning incense in a church is called a thurible or a censer. It is typically a metal container suspended on chains, allowing it to be swung to distribute the fragrant smoke. The person who carries the thurible is called a thurifer. They are usually assisted by a "boat bearer", who carries the receptacle for the incense. The thurifer approaches the person conducting the service with the thurible, which is charged with burning bricks of red-hot charcoal. Incense grains or powder are then blessed with a prayer and spooned onto the coals.
The Orthodox Church, including Greek Orthodox, typically uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense. This aromatic mix often includes frankincense as the base, combined with other resins and essential oils, creating a rich, complex fragrance. However, each church or monastery might have its own unique blend. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, incense is used at virtually every service.
The use of incense in Christian worship was abandoned for a period due to its association with paganism. However, it made a comeback in the fifth century once Christianity was firmly established. Its use increased in the East and the West, and it became a symbol of prayer and a means of sanctifying and purifying.
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Incense was common in the Old Testament
Incense was a common feature of the Old Testament, with the burning of incense described as a "divine command". God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). The altar of incense is first mentioned in Exodus chapter 30 as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The top of the altar was square—one cubit per side—and the whole altar was two cubits high. A cubit was about twenty inches, or just under two feet. The altar of incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It had four “horns,” one at each corner, similar to the altar of sacrifice in the courtyard (Exodus 30:2; cf. 27:2).
Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight, every day, as a regular offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:7–8). The altar of incense was holy to the Lord and was atoned for with the blood of the sacrifice. Incense was offered to God in worship throughout the Bible, at his own divine command. This practice was carried by the Church through to the present day. Its sweet fragrance is pleasing to our human senses as well, and it helps us physically and spiritually lift up our hearts to God.
Incense was also used in the time of Christ, with the Magi offering incense to the newborn Christ, a symbol of his divinity. The early Jewish converts to Christianity continued to use incense in their worship. In the Bible, incense is often used as a metaphor for prayer, with the smoke of the incense representing the prayers of the saints rising to God. David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2). In his vision of heaven, John saw that the elders around the throne "were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people" (Revelation 5:8; cf. 8:3).
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Incense misuse has severe consequences
Incense is offered to God in worship throughout the Bible, and its use is commanded by God. However, the misuse of incense has severe consequences, as outlined in the Bible. For example, in Leviticus 10:1–2, two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, died due to improper worship involving incense. In another instance, Uzziah, a king, entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar, which was not his role. As a result, he was punished with leprosy.
These biblical accounts underscore the importance of proper and respectful incense use in worship. Incense misuse is not limited to religious contexts, however. In modern times, the misuse of incense can also have detrimental effects, particularly on health and the environment. Recent studies have revealed overlooked health dangers associated with burning incense.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can be inhaled. This particulate matter includes carcinogens and irritants, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and potentially leading to chronic inflammation in the body. The smoke can also trigger asthma and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Additionally, research has indicated that incense burning may contribute to functional brain changes, potentially leading to cognitive decline. A study conducted between 2013 and 2015 found a higher prevalence of correlations between incense burning and hypertensive disorders in non-smoking women. Another study found that incense burning negatively impacted the respiratory health of dogs and cats, with cats exhibiting a higher vulnerability to respiratory complications.
In conclusion, the misuse of incense, whether in religious or secular contexts, can have severe consequences. It is important to be cautious and aware of the potential health and environmental risks associated with burning incense. While incense has been used for spiritual and hygienic purposes in many cultures for over 2,500 years, recent research highlights the need for further investigation into its potential health impacts.
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Incense ingredients are specified in the Bible
The Bible describes incense as a fragrant composition, a mixture of gums or spices and other ingredients, burned in worship. The ingredients for incense are specified in Exodus 30:34-38 and Leviticus 16:12ff. of the Bible. According to these passages, the incense used in the service of the Tabernacle walls was compounded of the perfumes stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. All incense that was not made of these ingredients was forbidden to be offered (Exodus 30:9).
The burning of incense is a divine command from God. God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). Aaron, as high priest, was originally appointed to offer incense each morning and evening. The times of offering incense were specified in the instructions first given to Moses (Exodus 30:7-8). When the priest entered the holy place with the incense, all the people were removed from the temple, and from between the porch and the altar (Luke 1:10).
Incense is offered to God in worship throughout the Bible, at his own divine command. In the time of Christ, incense continued to be offered in the Temple. The early Jewish converts to Christianity continued to worship in a structured fashion, as evidenced by writings such as the Didache and Apostolic Canons, as well as archaeology of early church buildings.
Incense is also symbolic of prayer ascending to God. David expresses this in Psalm 141:2 when he writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!". Incense, therefore, reminds Christians that God is pleased when His people pray.
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Frequently asked questions
No, burning incense is not a sin. However, there was a specific recipe, manner, place, and procedure for offering incense. For example, in Exodus 30, the times of offering incense were specified in the instructions first given to Moses.
Incense is offered to God in worship throughout the Bible, at his own divine command. It is emblematic of prayer and the relationship between God and His people. Incense is described in Saint John's Revelation as being used in heavenly worship.
Incense was offered in the Temple during the time of Christ. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was serving as a high priest and was offering incense in the Temple when the birth of John was announced. The Magi also offered incense to the newborn Christ as a symbol of his divinity.
The incense employed in the service of the Tabernacle was compounded from perfumes including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense.
