The Sweet Aroma Of Christ: A Divine Fragrance

The Bible uses the experience of smell to create certain images and teach lessons. In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul describes Christians as the aroma of Christ, which can be interpreted as Christians being like a fragrance that spreads the knowledge of God. This metaphor draws a parallel between the aroma of Christ and the scent of victory in a Roman military parade, with Christians being part of God's victorious army. The aroma of Christ is described as sweet-smelling and pleasing to God, representing the faith and devotion of believers.

Christians are the aroma of Christ

The Bible says that Christians are the aroma of Christ to God. This concept is derived from 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where the apostle Paul writes:

> "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"

Here, Paul is using an olfactory metaphor to describe the impact that Christians, as followers of Christ, have on the world. Just as a pleasant or unpleasant smell can evoke strong emotions and memories in people, so too can Christians evoke different responses in those around them.

The Aroma of Conquest

To understand the full meaning of this passage, it is important to consider the cultural context of Paul's time. In the Roman world, a highlight of civic life was celebrating the victory of an army returning from war. Triumphant military parades were held, with jubilant crowds honouring their conquering heroes by throwing garlands of flowers and burning incense to their gods. However, these parades also included the defeated foes, who were shackled and led to their execution. While the scents of the parade evoked feelings of victory and life for the Romans, they signified defeat and death for the captives.

In the same way, Paul describes Christians as participants in a spiritual triumphal procession led by Christ, our conqueror and saviour. We, who were once enemies of God, have been captured and transformed by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Our eternal union with Christ is a cause for celebration, and we march behind Him as warriors, not slaves. However, to those who remain unmoved by God's grace, our procession emits a decaying stench of death and decay.

A Sweet Fragrance to the World

As believers in Christ, we are called to be His pleasing aroma in the world. We do this by being Christ's representatives and ambassadors on earth. Through our actions, behaviours, and words, we emulate the sweet scent that Jesus exuded during His ministry. By sharing the gospel and serving others, we transfer our scent of life to those who are giving off the stench of spiritual separation from God.

The more mature our faith and the deeper our relationship with God, the stronger the aroma of Christ that we exude. Just as a pleasant fragrance can bring joy and evoke fond memories, so too can our lives bring hope and point others towards the love and salvation found in Christ.

Four Ingredients for a Pleasing Aroma

Creating a life that is a pleasing aroma to God requires certain ingredients. Firstly, purity is essential. This means removing any immoral or impure thoughts, words, and actions from our lives, just as impurities are removed to create a pure and sweet-smelling fragrance. Secondly, spirituality is key. We must be filled with the Spirit, investing our time in praise, prayer, and thanksgiving rather than worldly pursuits. Thirdly, an ordered life is necessary. This includes submitting to God and living in harmony with others, including our families, communities, and workplaces. Finally, perseverance is vital. We must stand firm in our faith, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ, even in the face of adversity and attacks from Satan.

The aroma of conquest

Paul uses this olfactory metaphor to describe the two groups of people in relation to their response to the gospel: those who are being saved and those who are perishing. For those who receive the Word of God and embrace Jesus as their savior, the aroma of conquest is a sweet fragrance, a scent of life and triumph.

But for those who remain unmoved by God's grace, the same aroma becomes a decaying stench of death and decay. It is a reminder of their impending spiritual death and separation from God.

As believers, we are called to be Christ's representatives on earth, spreading this aroma of conquest. Our lives should be a sweet fragrance, reflecting the love, grace, and victory that we have in Christ. Through our words and deeds, we make Christ visible to the world, leaving an aroma that draws people towards Him.

However, we must also remember that our aroma of conquest will not always be received positively. To those who reject the gospel, it will be a sour stench, a reminder of their impending spiritual death. Yet, we must persevere in faith, knowing that our aroma pleases God and that we are part of His victorious army, led by Jesus Christ.

The aroma of our prayers

In the Old Testament, God instructed the priests of Israel to burn aromatic incense—a blend of five exotic spices—on the golden altar inside the Holy of Holies. The incense symbolised the people's prayers, and its fragrance was so sacred and sweet to God that any deviation from the prescribed recipe was met with swift punishment.

God prescribes specific types of prayers, which are especially pleasing to Him. These include prayers of:

• Thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1)
• Forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
• Intercession (1 Timothy 2:1)
• Praise and adoration (Psalm 148:1–14)
• Utter dependence (Matthew 7:7)
• Seeking wisdom (James 1:5)
• Petitions and supplications (1 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6)
• Seeking peace (Philippians 4:6–7)
• Salvation (Romans 10:9–10)

God holds these prayers so dear that He collects them in "golden bowls" in heaven (Revelations 5:8).

The power of prayer is in its ability to transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. When we pray for others, we spread the aroma of Christ, sharing His love and grace with those who may be struggling or lost. Our prayers have the potential to bring hope, comfort, and a sense of divine connection to those who need it most.

May our prayers continue to rise like incense, filling the hearts of those around us with hope and faith, and creating a sweet aroma that pleases God and brings glory to His name.

The aroma of our witness

As Christians, we are called to be the aroma of Christ, spreading the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere. But what does this really mean, and how can we live up to this high calling?

Firstly, it's important to understand the context in which the apostle Paul uses this olfactory metaphor. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, he compares the spread of the gospel to a Roman triumphal procession, where captives of war were marched through the streets while incense was burned and garlands of flowers were carried, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. This aroma was pleasing and life-giving to the victors but signified defeat and death to the prisoners.

In the same way, the aroma of Christ that we carry has two different effects on those who perceive it. To those who are being saved, it is a fragrance from life to life, a sweet scent that brings hope and joy. However, to those who are perishing, it becomes a fragrance from death to death, a stench that reminds them of their impending doom.

So, how can we ensure that our witness effectively spreads the aroma of Christ? Here are some key aspects:

Purity

Paul emphasizes the importance of personal purity as the first ingredient in creating the aroma of Christ. This means removing any immoral or impure thoughts, actions, or influences from our lives. It includes avoiding improper sexual activity, greed, swearing, and derogatory behaviour or speech.

Spirituality

The second ingredient is spirituality, which involves making spiritual practices a priority in our lives. This includes praise, prayer, and thanksgiving, as well as being filled with the Spirit and allowing that to guide our words and actions.

An Ordered Life

A life that reflects Christ is one that is orderly, especially in our everyday affairs involving family and work. This means wives being subject to their husbands, husbands loving their wives, children obeying their parents, parents leading their children with tenderness, employees being honest and profitable, and employers being fair.

Perseverance

The final ingredient is perseverance, which involves standing firm in our faith, being wise in the Lord, and recognizing the true enemy—not the allurements of the world, but Satan himself. It's about gaining ground through evangelism, teaching, prayer, faithfulness to the church, and service to others.

In conclusion, as we live our lives with these ingredients in place, we become the aroma of Christ, spreading a fragrance that draws people to Him. It is a powerful witness that impacts others, whether they are being saved or perishing. May we always strive to be worthy vessels of this sweet-smelling aroma.

The aroma of our love

Our love is a powerful force that transforms lives. It is a light in the darkness, a comforting presence in times of trouble, and a beacon of hope for those who are lost. Through our love, we spread the message of Christ, using our words and actions to manifest His sweet aroma in the world.

Our love is a sacrifice, a fragrant offering to God. It is an act of worship, a way to show our gratitude for the blessings we have received. Like the pleasing aroma of burnt offerings in the Old Testament, our love rises to Heaven as a sweet-smelling sacrifice, honouring the Lord.

Together, we are a force for good, a shining example of what it means to follow Christ. Through our love, we find strength and purpose, and it is our sincere hope that our aroma will guide others on their path to salvation.

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