Heidi Norton
Incense has been used for religious purposes in ancient Egypt, China, India, and the Middle East. In Christianity, the burning of incense is a divine command, with God providing Moses and Aaron with detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. Incense was offered in the Temple during the time of Christ, and the Magi offered incense to the newborn Christ as a symbol of his divinity. While some denominations still burn incense, others believe that since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the veil of the temple has been removed, making it no longer necessary to burn incense.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense in the Bible | Incense is mentioned in the Old Testament and the New Testament |
| Burning incense in the New Testament | Incense was offered in the Temple in the time of Christ |
| Burning incense in the Old Testament | God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense |
| Burning incense in modern times | Some denominations still burn incense; it is used in Orthodox Christian worship and in the Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Burning incense at home | Some Christians burn incense at home to create an atmosphere of churchly peace |
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What You'll Learn
Incense was offered in the Temple in the time of Christ
Incense was a common practice in the time of Christ, and it was offered in the Temple as a significant part of the priestly liturgy. The burning of incense is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus, which details the construction of the incense altar and its position inside the Tabernacle. According to the text, God provided Moses with a detailed recipe for the incense, which included sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, all to be mixed in equal proportions. The priests were instructed to burn this incense every morning, and it was to be their first priority upon arriving at the Tabernacle.
The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, in front of the Ark of the Covenant, and it symbolized Christ's mediation on behalf of humanity. The perpetual burning of incense represented the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation, and the sweet-smelling savor of the incense represented how God viewed the prayers of believers. Incense was also offered on the Day of Atonement, when coals from the altar and two handfuls of incense were taken into the Holy of Holies, where it was made to smoke before the Ark.
The practice of burning incense continued in the Second Temple, where the House of Avtinas was responsible for compounding the incense, according to the Talmud. The New Testament also makes references to incense, including a Christological reference to the coals from the altar of incense on the Day of Atonement. Incense offerings were an important part of worship in the time of Christ, and they continue to hold significance in various Christian traditions today, such as in Orthodox Christian worship and liturgical rites in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
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Incense is described in the last book of the Bible
The burning of incense is a divine command, and God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. The Book of Exodus describes the recipe for the incense, which was to be made of costly materials contributed by the congregation. The recipe included sweet spices such as stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, with each ingredient carefully measured and prepared.
Incense was burned on a special altar, the incense altar, which was situated in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The priests were instructed to burn incense every morning, and it was their first priority upon arriving at the tabernacle or temple. The sweet fragrance of the incense was considered pleasing to God and was symbolic of the prayers offered to Him.
Incense was common in the Old Testament, and even after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, some denominations continue to burn incense as part of their worship. The practice is still observed in Orthodox Christian worship and in liturgical rites in various Christian denominations, including the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.
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Incense is used in private homes for prayer
Incense has been used in prayer for centuries, with its roots in ancient religious texts. In the Bible, God gives Moses a specific recipe for incense, which is to be burned on an altar by the priests. This practice is still followed by some denominations today, who burn incense in churches and temples.
The use of incense in private homes for prayer is a more recent development, likely due to the historical expense of incense. However, it is now common for laypeople to use incense during prayer at home, and it is considered permissible. Incense is believed to transform a space from secular to sacred, and the smoke is thought to physically represent prayers rising to God.
There are several methods for burning incense at home. One popular method involves using a hand censer, which is held in the right hand and used to make the sign of the cross over whatever is being censured. The censer is then switched to the left hand, and the person bows. If censing others, the censer is used to make the sign of the cross, and then the person bows to them. Incense can be burned at the beginning or end of morning or evening prayers, and some people also use it on special occasions, such as the beginning of Lent or on Saturday evenings.
The type of incense burned is also important. God gave specific instructions to Moses about the ingredients for incense, and this recipe was to be followed exactly by the priests. Today, some people continue to burn incense made from sweet spices, frankincense, and myrrh.
Incense is a beautiful tradition that adds a profound layer of symbolism to prayer, making the spiritual tangible. It is a reminder that God is present and that our prayers are rising to Him.
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Incense was burned on an altar inside the tabernacle
The burning of incense on the altar was a sacred act, performed by priests according to God's instructions. The incense itself was made from costly materials contributed by the congregation, and its recipe was provided by God, who instructed Moses to use specific sweet spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal proportions. God also commanded that no other incense be burned on the altar.
The altar of incense was an important component of priestly liturgy, and its preparation and offering were the priest's first priority upon arriving at the tabernacle each day. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a regular offering to the Lord. The smoke from the incense signified the prayers of God's people, and the perpetual burning of incense symbolized the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation.
The practice of burning incense in the tabernacle is referenced in the New Testament, and it continues to hold significance in Christian worship today, with some denominations still burning incense during liturgical rites.
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Incense is used in modern-day Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship since ancient times, and it continues to be used in modern Christian services and practices. The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and its use in prayer and worship carries Christian symbolism.
In the Old Testament, God gave Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle, which included an altar of incense. God also provided the priests with a detailed recipe for making incense. In the Book of Exodus, God instructs priests to burn incense every morning and evening when tending to the lamps, with the smoke of burning incense symbolising a constant guiding presence.
The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
While the use of incense in Christian worship was abandoned for a period due to its association with paganism, it made a comeback in the fifth century, and its use has increased and become more universal. Today, the use of incense in Christian worship is seen as a beautiful symbol of prayer, connecting Christians to their ancient roots and enhancing their spiritual practices.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that Jesus burned incense during his life. However, after his death, the Magi offered incense to Jesus, symbolising his divinity.
Yes, burning incense was common in Jesus' time.
No, but in Matthew 6, Jesus Christ gave Christians a "recipe" for creating spiritual incense.
Jesus did not express disapproval of burning incense. After his death, the veil of the temple was removed, so burning incense is no longer necessary to approach God. However, some Christian denominations still burn incense today.
Yes, Christians can burn incense in their homes. Some Christians burn incense in their homes to create an atmosphere of churchly peace in their place of prayer.
