Seamus Hammond
Incense burning is a common practice in many religious traditions, including Christianity. The Bible mentions incense in the story of the Epiphany, where the Christ child received gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh from the Magi. The practice is also referenced in the book of Revelations, which describes worship in Heaven with angels offering prayers to God with incense. While some Christians embrace incense burning during worship, others view it with caution, associating it with pagan rituals. The motivation behind the act is considered essential, with the Bible emphasizing obedience and a sincere heart over sacrifices and rituals like incense burning. Ultimately, the decision to burn incense as a Christian is a matter of personal conviction and interpretation of Scripture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense in the Old Testament | Done specifically in one place and only by the chosen priests, the descendants of Aaron |
| Incense in the New Testament | Not mentioned in Scripture |
| Incense in modern times | Used by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches during worship |
| Incense in the home | Some say it is wrong, as it was a pure offering to God |
| Incense as a substitute for prayer | Not necessary, as we no longer need to burn incense to approach God |
| Incense as a pagan ritual | Some associate it with paganism |
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What You'll Learn
Burning incense in the Bible
Burning incense is mentioned several times in the Bible, and it is still practised by some Christians today. In the Bible, incense is often associated with worship and prayer, and it is offered to God. The book of Exodus describes God's instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding the burning of incense, specifying the ingredients to be used and the times, places, and methods of burning. According to Leviticus, the high priest was to burn incense twice daily, once before the morning sacrifice and again after the evening sacrifice. The altar of incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, standing in the Holy Place in front of the Holy of Holies.
Incense is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where it is used in heavenly worship and is said to represent and carry the prayers of the saints up to God. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches continue to use incense in worship based on these descriptions of heaven.
The Bible also mentions the importance of the correct motives for burning incense. God is not pleased when incense and sacrifices are offered without a heart that is truly devoted to him. For example, in Isaiah, God expresses his hatred of the Israelites' offering of incense when their hearts were far from him, and they had fallen into sin and idolatry.
Some Christians today may choose to burn incense as a form of worship or simply because they enjoy the fragrance. While there is no explicit prohibition in the Bible against burning incense, some Christians may have concerns about the motives and potential legalism or mysticism associated with the practice. Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes that the purity of motives and obedience to God are more important than sacrifices or rituals.
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Incense in Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship for centuries, with its roots in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses to create a blend of "fragrant spices, gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense" to be used as incense. This was to be a sacred offering, and only the descendants of Aaron, the chosen priests, were permitted to burn it.
Today, the practice of burning incense is observed in various Christian denominations, including Orthodox, Catholic, and Episcopal Churches. The use of incense is often based on descriptions of worship in the Book of Revelation, where incense represents the prayers of the saints rising to God. For instance, in Revelation 8:3-4, an angel stands before the altar with a golden censer filled with incense, which he offers alongside the prayers of the saints.
However, the use of incense in Christian worship is not without controversy. Some Christians associate the burning of incense with pagan practices and believe it is too close to ritualistic activities. They argue that it is not necessary to burn incense to approach God, as the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies has been removed through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
The motivation behind burning incense is also important to consider. If the intention is to increase the power of prayers or to be more pleasing to God, some Christians believe it may lead to legalism or mysticism, which could distract from true worship.
Ultimately, the decision to burn incense or not within Christian worship varies among individuals and denominations. While some find it to be a meaningful way to enhance their spiritual experience, others may choose to refrain due to personal convictions or the potential for causing offense.
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Incense in the home
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC and the Egyptians of the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC). It has been used in Christian worship practices since the time of the ancient Israelites, who burned incense on a golden altar constructed by Moses according to God's instructions (Exodus 30:1-10).
Today, the Orthodox and Catholic Churches continue to use incense in their worship, based on the descriptions of worship in Heaven in the book of Revelation. Incense is also used in some Lutheran churches and has seen a resurgence in the emergent church movement, which seeks to return to 'vintage' Christianity.
For Christians, the use of incense in the home is a personal choice and is not mandated by Scripture. Some Christians cherish the rich symbolism and spiritual significance of incense, viewing it as a powerful tool that transforms a secular space into a sacred one. The smoke of incense rising in the home can serve as a physical reminder of God's presence and the ascension of prayers to Him. Introducing incense into the home can create a deeper, more meaningful worship experience, connecting Christians to the ancient roots of their faith.
However, some Christians may view incense with controversy due to its historical association with pagan religions. Christians who were previously involved in pagan practices may struggle with using incense, as it could be construed as an approval of idolatry. Additionally, Christians are cautioned against using incense with the wrong motives, such as attempting to increase the power of their prayers or be more pleasing to God, as this could lead to legalism or mysticism.
Ultimately, the decision to burn incense in the home rests with the individual Christian's convictions and motives. If the purpose is simply to enjoy the fragrance, there is no significant difference between burning incense and burning a candle. However, if the intention is to incorporate it into worship practices, Christians must be mindful of the potential impact on other believers and avoid any practices that could cause them to stumble in their faith.
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Incense in the Old Testament
The use of incense in the Old Testament is deeply rooted in the concept of worship and prayer. The altar of incense, first mentioned in Exodus 30, was a significant element of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. This altar, constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, stood in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated it from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Testimony resided as a manifestation of God's presence.
Aaron, the high priest, was tasked with burning incense on this altar each morning and at twilight as a regular offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense was to be burned perpetually, and its sweet fragrance was a holy act of worship, pleasing to God. However, the Lord desired not just the ritualistic burning of incense but also the sincerity of heart and life from his people. During Isaiah's time, God expressed his displeasure with the Israelites' disobedience, despite their continued observance of temple rites: "Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me" (Isaiah 1:13).
The altar of incense held symbolic significance, representing the intercession of Christ and the perpetual nature of his mediation. It served as a reminder that Christ's work on earth and in heaven is a sweet-smelling savor to God, akin to the prayers of believers rising like incense. This symbolism is echoed in David's prayer in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before you like incense," and in Revelation's vision of heaven, where the elders hold "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8).
The use of incense in the Old Testament underscores the importance of a pure heart and a life devoted to God, alongside the rituals and offerings. It serves as a reminder that true worship is not just about external actions but also about the internal state of one's heart and soul.
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Incense in modern Christianity
Incense has been used in various religious traditions, including Christianity, for centuries. In modern times, its use among Christians has been a subject of debate, with some arguing for its spiritual benefits and others expressing concerns about its pagan associations.
The Bible mentions incense in multiple passages, including the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child, which included frankincense and myrrh. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses on how to make a specific blend of incense for sacred use. The burning of incense was typically done in one place and only by the chosen priests, the descendants of Aaron. However, King Uzziah's attempt to burn incense resulted in leprosy, as it was considered a sin for anyone other than Aaron's descendants.
In the New Testament, Christians have the freedom to burn incense or not, and it is seen as a matter of personal conviction. Some Christians burn incense during prayer and meditation as an affirmation of their dedication to God. They believe that the aroma serves as a reminder of their obedient commitment to their faith. Additionally, the Orthodox and Catholic Churches use incense based on the descriptions of worship in the book of Revelation.
However, some Christians express concerns about burning incense due to its historical association with pagan practices. They argue that while Jesus received incense as a gift, using it in religious rituals may be too close to pagan rituals and could become a trap of legalism or mysticism. Some Christians also emphasize that their prayers are sufficient, and they do not need the addition of incense.
Ultimately, the use of incense among modern Christians varies, with some embracing it as a spiritual aid and others avoiding it due to its potential pagan associations. Christians must examine their motives and intentions when considering the use of incense, ensuring that their actions align with their faith and do not cause stumbling blocks for others.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is widespread across a variety of different religious traditions, including Christian worship. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches use incense based on the descriptions of worship in Heaven in the book of Revelations. However, some Christians associate the burning of incense with paganism.
The Bible mentions incense in the Old Testament, which was burned specifically in one place and only by the chosen priests, the descendants of Aaron. In the New Testament, it is mentioned in the book of Revelations.
There are differing opinions on this matter. Some Christians believe that burning incense is acceptable if done with the right intentions and not as a ritual or sacrifice. Others believe that it is too close to pagan activities and should be avoided. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal conviction and interpretation of Scripture.
