Antonio Mcgowan
The use of incense to please God is a topic of debate among Christians. While some believe it is an abomination, others argue that it is a wholesome, faithful ritual rooted in scripture. Incense was common in the Old Testament, and certain denominations continue to burn it. The Bible mentions incense 24 times, and God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for burning it. It symbolises the continual prayers of God's people rising up to Him, and Catholics burn holy incense as part of purification rituals. However, because of its association with pagan religions, some Christians may struggle with its use.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used to symbolise prayer
The use of incense as a symbol of prayer is prevalent across many cultures and religions. Incense is often used as a sacrificial offering to deities or spirits, or as an aid in prayer. The practice is believed to have originated in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC, with the Egyptians of the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) being the first non-Asian culture to adopt it.
Incense has been used in Christian churches, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, Methodist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican denominations. In the Old Testament, it was the priest's job to burn incense, and this practice is still maintained by the Orthodox Church. The Bible contains 24 verses referring to incense, and in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2, it is written: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
In the New Testament, the apostle John writes in Revelation 5:8, "the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones." This passage symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven rising up to God, with the smoke of the incense representing the prayers of God's people.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, and this practice is still common in modern-day India and among Hindus worldwide. In Mandaeism, incense is offered on stands called kinta during rituals such as baptism and death masses, with various prayers recited when the incense is offered.
While some Christians may view incense as linked to pagan religions and idolatrous practices, others believe that God knows their intentions and that burning incense during prayer and worship is an ancient and wholesome Christian tradition.
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Burning incense is a divine command
The burning of incense is a divine command, with the Bible containing 24 verses that refer to it. God gave Moses and Aaron explicit 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). Incense was also offered in the Temple (1/3 Kings 9:25).
Burning incense is a symbol of purification and sanctification. It is used during Mass to represent the prayers of the faithful rising to God. The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the holy ones, rose up before God (Revelation 8:3-4). Incense is also mentioned in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies, dating to the first century.
However, the use of incense can be contentious for some Christians. Incense has been associated with pagan religions, and some Christians may struggle with its use as a result. Additionally, when the people fell away into sin and idolatry, their offering of incense was hated by God (Isaiah 1:13). It was offered to Baal and other demonic idols, and God detested this use of incense.
Despite these concerns, some Christians continue to burn incense as a way to honor God and create a sacred space. It is believed that God can see into people's hearts and knows their intentions, so burning incense with pure intentions can be acceptable. Ultimately, the decision to burn incense or not may depend on the branch of Christianity being practiced.
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Incense is used to create sacred spaces
The use of incense to create sacred spaces is a long-standing tradition in many religions, including Christianity. Incense has been used in Christian rituals since the earliest days of the faith, with the Bible making numerous references to its use. According to the Book of Exodus, God gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions for burning incense, including the times, places, and methods. This act of worship was to be performed perpetually before the Lord.
In Christian liturgy, incense is often used during Mass or the Offertory to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God. This practice is mentioned in the Bible, where John describes the elders in his vision of the heavenly temple as having "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8). The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the holy ones, rises before God as a sweet-smelling fragrance that is pleasing to Him.
The use of incense in Christian rituals is not universal, and its acceptance varies across different denominations. Catholics, for example, typically incorporate holy incense into their church services as part of purification rituals performed by priests. The Orthodox Church also maintains the ancient tradition of burning incense during prayer and worship. However, some Christians may be cautious about using incense due to its historical association with pagan religions and its potential to become an act of idolatry.
Despite these concerns, many Christians believe that incense can be used to honour God and create sacred spaces. The act of burning incense symbolises the sanctification and purification of the worshippers and their offerings, connecting them to the sacrifice of Christ. Thus, the use of incense in Christian worship serves as a powerful reminder of the presence of God and the importance of sincere and heartfelt prayer.
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Incense is used in purification rituals
The use of incense for purification rituals is a common practice in many cultures and religions. In the context of Christianity, the Bible mentions incense in 24 verses, and it was common in the Old Testament. While some Christians may choose not to burn incense due to its association with pagan religions and idolatrous practices, others continue the tradition. For example, Catholics typically burn holy incense in church as part of purification rituals led by priests. The ingredients for this holy incense, which include myrrh, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, are said to have been handed down to Moses directly from God.
Frankincense is believed to possess powerful purification properties, removing negativity and restoring balance to the body, mind, aura, and environment. It is often combined with myrrh to increase its potency, and this combination is used to purify negative influences, increase spirituality, clear the mind, and provide protection during ceremonies. The burning of frankincense and myrrh is also associated with meditation and healing rituals, and it was historically offered to deities in ancient Egypt.
In addition to frankincense and myrrh, other types of incense are used for purification rituals as well. For example, thyme is burned to purify magical spaces before rituals, while white sage is used to eliminate negative energy and purify sacred spaces and ritual tools. The scent of incense can also promote a sense of peace and tranquility, as well as aiding in reflection and gratitude.
The act of burning incense is a ritual in and of itself, and it is often used to support spiritual practices like yoga and meditation by creating a calming environment. The smoke from the incense serves as an invitation to slow down, take a moment to breathe, and ground oneself in the present moment. Whether it is used to give thanks, reflect on the past, or simply enjoy the scent, burning incense can be a meaningful way to connect with one's surroundings and engage in a deeper state of reflection and gratitude.
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Incense is used in worship
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies and worship for thousands of years. In India, for example, incense has been used since 3,600 BC and is still used today in daily Hindu worship. It is also used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto shrines.
In the Christian tradition, the use of incense in worship is inspired by passages in the Bible and has been employed since antiquity. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The Bible contains 24 verses referring to incense. In the Old Testament, God gave Moses instructions on how to build the Tabernacle, the traveling temple of God, which included an altar of incense. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
Incense is used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction and exposition of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar, and at other services. It is used by the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches.
However, some Christians may struggle with using incense due to its association with paganism. Over time, incense was used for less Christian purposes that did not please God, and it was condemned. Christians who were saved from paganism may find the use of incense challenging as it could be construed as an approval of idolatrous practices.
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Frequently asked questions
No, burning incense is not a sin. In fact, it is mentioned in the Bible as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. However, some verses warn against using any practices for the wrong reasons (i.e. idolatry).
God is said to like incense when it is used as a symbol of purification and sanctification. Incense is also used to honour holy people and holy things.
Yes, burning incense is considered a holy act of worship. In the Bible, God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for burning incense, and it was to be burned perpetually before the Lord.
Yes, burning incense is mentioned in the book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Some Christians burn incense, but not all. It depends on the branch of Christianity. Catholics typically burn holy incense in church as part of purification rituals.
