Heidi Norton
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. In Christianity, the use of incense is a contentious issue. While some denominations, such as Orthodox Christians, use incense at almost every service, others, particularly Protestants, reject its use due to its association with pagan sacrifices and idolatrous practices. The Bible does not explicitly forbid the burning of incense, and some Christians argue that it serves as a symbolic prayer and a reminder to pray. Ultimately, the decision to use incense is a matter of personal conviction and the motivation behind it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use in Christian worship | Incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and other services. |
| Religious significance | Incense is believed to symbolise the incorruptibility of God, the transformation from body to soul, and the idea that the entire world is sacred. |
| Biblical references | The Book of Revelation mentions angels using incense to offer prayers to God. The use of incense is also mentioned in Exodus, Chronicles, and Matthew. |
| Historical context | The use of incense in Christian worship dates back to the 4th or 5th century. It was previously associated with pagan sacrifices and honouring emperors as deities, which early Christians avoided. |
| Denominational differences | Incense is commonly used in Orthodox Christian, Lutheran, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Most Protestant churches reject the use of incense due to its association with Old Testament ceremonial law. |
| Personal conviction | Some Christians believe it is a matter of personal freedom and choice to burn incense, while others may associate it with pagan practices and idolatry. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Christian worship
The use of incense in Christian worship is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. Incense has been used in religious rituals and ceremonies for thousands of years, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The practice of burning incense can be found in various religious traditions, including Christianity.
In Christian worship, the use of incense is not mandatory, and Christians have the freedom to choose whether to incorporate it into their religious practices. While some Christians choose to burn incense during worship services, others may avoid it due to its historical association with pagan rituals and sacrifices.
Incense is commonly used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and other services. The smoke and scent of incense are believed to symbolize the sacredness of the rituals and the act of prayer. The Bible also mentions the use of incense by angels to offer prayers to God in Revelation 8:3–5.
However, the use of incense in Christian worship has been a subject of debate among different denominations. Some Protestant churches, influenced by the teachings of Calvin and the Puritans, reject the use of incense as they view it as a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law that should not be continued in the New Covenant. They believe that reverting to Old Covenant practices implicitly denies the finished work of Christ.
On the other hand, Orthodox Christians consider the use of incense as an integral part of their worship, burning it during almost every service. They view incense as a way to connect their senses to their lives as people of faith and as a reminder to pray. Additionally, some Christians argue that the use of incense symbolizes the incorruptibility of God or illustrates the transformation from body to soul.
Ultimately, the decision to use incense in Christian worship varies among individuals and denominations. While some embrace it as a meaningful aspect of their religious practices, others may choose to avoid it due to its historical associations or theological interpretations.
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Incense in the Bible
Incense has been used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and other services. The use of incense in Christian worship can be traced back to biblical times, where it was a significant part of the Israelites' and early Jewish religious practices in the Temple.
The Bible mentions that God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense as a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). Incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord. However, when the people fell into idolatry, their offering of incense was despised by God (Isaiah 1:13) as it was not a genuine expression of devotion.
Incense is also mentioned in the New Testament, where the Gospel of Luke reveals a shift in tradition, indicating that ordinary priests were permitted to offer incense (Luke 1:9–10). The role of incense in the Bible is symbolic of prayer and the connection between God and His people. This is exemplified in Psalm 141:2, where David writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4).
While the use of incense in Christian worship is not mandatory, some Christians may choose to incorporate it into their religious practices as a way to connect their senses to their faith and symbolize the sacredness of the world. However, it is important for Christians to consider the potential association between incense and pagan religions, which may cause discomfort for those who were previously involved in pagan practices.
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Incense in the Old Testament
The use of incense in the Old Testament is deeply rooted in biblical times and holds significance in the religious practices of the Israelites and early Jews. The altar of incense is first mentioned in Exodus chapter 30 as an item inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The altar was constructed of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and featured four "horns" at each corner, similar to the altar of sacrifice. Detailed instructions were given to Moses and Aaron regarding the times, places, and methods of burning incense, with Aaron being instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a daily offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:7–8).
The altar of incense was not to be used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or drink offerings (Exodus 30:9). Instead, it symbolised the intercession of Christ, representing Christ's mediation on behalf of humanity. The perpetual burning of incense on the altar signified the ongoing nature of Christ's mediation. This act of worship was considered holy to the Lord and was atoned for with the blood of the sacrifice.
Incense is also mentioned in the Psalms, where David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2). This idea of incense as a symbol of prayer is further developed in the New Testament, where John, in his vision of heaven, describes elders holding golden bowls full of incense, representing the prayers of God's people (Revelation 5:8; cf. 8:3).
The use of incense in the Old Testament was not without its challenges. During Isaiah's time, God rebuked the people for their disobedience, despite their continued observance of temple rites, including the burning of incense (Isaiah 1:13). Isaiah prophesied that incense would eventually be received by God again, offered by all nations in worship of the Lord (Malachi 1:11; Isaiah 60:6-7).
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Incense in early Christian practices
The use of incense in Christianity goes back to biblical times. It was a major part of the Israelites' and the Jews' religious practices in the Temple. The Book of Revelation mentions angels using incense to offer prayers to God (Rev. 8:3-5).
However, the use of incense was not present in early Christian practices. It was often used in pagan sacrifices and to honour the emperor as a deity, so Christians avoided it in their religious celebrations. Early Christian writings up to the fifth century mention incense to reject it from Christian worship and condemn it for its sacrificial use. Incense was associated with the persecution of Christians, as it was used to force Christians to sacrifice and apostasy.
It wasn't until the 4th or 5th century that incense started being used in ordinary Christian worship. One theory suggests that it symbolises a time when burnt sacrifices were part of religious expression, representing the incorruptibility of God. Another theory suggests that through the transformation of resin to smoke, it illustrates the transformation from body to soul.
Today, incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of a church or altar, among other services. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, incense is used at virtually every service.
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Incense in modern Christian practices
The use of incense in Christian worship is a topic that has been widely discussed and has a long history. While some Christians choose to incorporate incense into their religious practices, others avoid it due to its historical usage in pagan rituals and sacrifices.
Incense has been used in various religious traditions since ancient times, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. In the context of Christian worship, the use of incense was not present in early practices due to its association with pagan sacrifices and rituals. However, starting from the 4th or 5th century, incense began to be incorporated into ordinary Christian worship.
Today, the use of incense varies among different Christian denominations. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, incense is considered an integral part of worship and is used at almost every service. During Mass, incense is often used during the entrance procession, at the proclamation of the gospel, at the offertory, or at the elevation of the Eucharist after the consecration. The smoke and scent of incense are believed to symbolise the spiritual nature of prayer and the presence of the sacred in the world.
On the other hand, some Protestant churches, particularly those influenced by the English Reformation and Puritan theology, reject the use of incense. This rejection stems from the belief that the use of incense was a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law, which is considered to have been fulfilled and superseded by the coming of Christ. Additionally, some Christians may be hesitant to use incense due to its continued association with pagan religions, which could be seen as an approval of idolatrous practices.
Ultimately, the decision to use incense or not among Christians is a matter of personal conviction and the interpretation of Scripture. While some view incense as a meaningful way to connect their senses to their lives as people of faith, others may choose to avoid it out of respect for the finished work of Christ and the potential for causing confusion or stumbling blocks for fellow believers.
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Frequently asked questions
The use of incense is a matter of conviction for Christians. While some Christians use incense in worship, others believe that it is a return to Old Testament sacrificial practices that are no longer necessary in light of Christ's finished work.
Incense is believed by some Christians to symbolise the incorruptibility of God, the transformation from body to soul, and the idea that the entire world is sacred.
The book of Revelation mentions angels using incense to offer prayers to God (Rev. 8:3-5). However, the use of incense was not present in early Christian practices and is associated with pagan sacrifices.
Yes, the use of incense varies among Christian denominations. For example, Orthodox Christians and some Catholic, Coptic, and Anglican churches use incense regularly during services, while most Protestant churches reject its use due to its association with Old Testament ceremonial law.
Some Christians who burn incense at home express concern about its association with pagan practices. However, others argue that burning incense for enjoyment or relaxation does not conflict with their faith and does not turn them into pagans.
