Seamus Hammond
The use of incense as an offering to God is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. Burning incense is considered a divine command, with God instructing Moses and Aaron on the specific times, places, and methods of burning incense (Exodus 30). It is believed that the sweet fragrance of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising up to God, and it is used to create a sacred space and honor Him. However, some argue that incense can be an abomination to God if used with the wrong intentions or in association with pagan religions and idolatry. The Bible provides insights into the role of incense, with references in the Old Testament and Revelation, but it is not mentioned specifically in the earliest Church Fathers. While some Christians may avoid using incense due to its association with pagan practices, others view it as a wholesome, faithful ritual rooted in scripture. Ultimately, the use of incense is a personal decision, and individuals must pray and seek God's guidance on the matter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Frankincense |
| Other names | Altar of Incense, Prayers of the Holy Ones |
| Material | Resinous substance |
| Burning method | Placed upon glowing charcoal |
| Burning time | Perpetual |
| Burning place | Before the Lord |
| Purpose | Holy act of worship, prayer, sacrifice, purification, sanctification, honour, petition, connectedness, reverence, celebration |
| Users | Priests, Deacon or another minister, King Uzziah, Moses, Aaron, Jesus, Christians, Jews, Orthodox Church, Swahili people |
| Bible references | Exodus 30, 1/3 Kings 9:25, Isaiah 1:13, Malachi 1:11, Isaiah 60:6-7, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3-4, Numbers 7:14, Deuteronomy 33:10, Exodus 30:34-38, John 17, 1 John 2:1, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:8, Deuteronomy 12:30-32, Psalm 141:2, Proverbs 21:2, Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Galatians 5:13 |
| Warnings | Avoid using the same practices as pagans or idolaters |
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What You'll Learn
- Frankincense is a key ingredient in incense, which is symbolic of Christ
- Incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God
- Burning incense is a divine command, and a holy act of worship
- Incense is used to create a sacred space and to honour God
- Incense is used to symbolise the continual prayers of God's people
Frankincense is a key ingredient in incense, which is symbolic of Christ
Secondly, frankincense is symbolic of Christ's priestly role. In the Old Testament, frankincense was used in Temple rituals, particularly when priests offered incense. The Magi's gift prophetically pointed to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who would offer his own life as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, rather than the blood of animals.
Thirdly, frankincense is symbolic of prayer. The act of offering frankincense to Jesus was a way for the Magi to entrust their prayers and the prayers of all humanity to him as the one true Mediator between God and man. The rising smoke of incense is often associated with prayers ascending to heaven.
Lastly, frankincense is symbolic of Christ's universality. The Magi, coming from distant lands, represented the Gentile nations. Their offering of frankincense, an act associated with divine worship, foreshadowed the inclusion of all peoples in God's plan of salvation through Christ.
Frankincense is also symbolic of holiness and purification. In the Old Testament, it was a key ingredient in the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and Temple. The Lord instructed Moses to use frankincense in holy anointing oil and grain offerings, setting them apart for God. This serves as a reminder of our call to holiness and to be set apart for God's purposes.
The burning of incense is a divine command, with God instructing Moses and Aaron on the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It is to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship. Incense is used in the Mass, where it is associated with reverence and sacrifice. It gives a visual reminder of prayers being offered to God, rising like incense before Him.
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Incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God
Incense has been used for centuries as a way to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God. In the Bible, the burning of incense is described as a holy act of worship, with God commanding Moses and Aaron to burn incense perpetually before him (Exodus 30). Incense was also offered in the Temple (1 Kings 9:25) and is mentioned in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies.
The use of incense in religious ceremonies is believed to create a sacred space and honour God. In the Catholic tradition, incense is used during the Offertory of the Mass to symbolise the Church's offering and prayer rising to God. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that after the bread and wine are placed on the altar, "the Priest may incense the gifts placed on the altar and then incense the cross and the altar itself, so as to signify the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense in the sight of God". This act of incensing is also seen as a mark of honour for those participating in the celebration and their offerings.
In the book of Revelation, John describes his vision of the heavenly temple, where the prayers of the saints rise up to God like sweet-smelling incense (Revelation 5:8). This idea of prayers rising like incense is also present in Psalm 141:2, which says, "Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice". Similarly, in Revelation 8:3-4, an angel is described as offering incense along with the prayers of the holy ones, which rise before God as smoke.
The use of incense as a symbol of prayer is also connected to the idea of purification and sanctification. Incense, particularly frankincense, has been associated with Christ and was considered a pure offering by the Jews. The early Jewish converts to Christianity continued to incorporate incense into their worship practices, seeing it as a way to symbolise their prayers rising to God.
While some Christians may be cautious about using incense due to its association with pagan religions, those with pure intentions who wish to honour God through its use are generally considered to be acceptable. Ultimately, it is believed that God knows the heart and motives behind the use of incense, and it is the sincerity of the prayer that matters most.
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Burning incense is a divine command, and a holy act of worship
The burning of incense is a divine command and a holy act of worship. God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it symbolised the continual prayers of God's people rising up to Him. In Exodus 30, God commanded that specific incense be burned on the altar, and none other. The Bible also mentions that when the Tabernacle was replaced by the Temple, incense was offered there (1/3 Kings 9:25).
Burning incense during prayer and worship is an ancient Christian tradition, still maintained by the Orthodox Church. It is used during mass to represent the prayers of the faithful rising to God. It is a symbol of purification and sanctification. In Psalm 141:2, we see that burning incense is an act of worship: "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the holy ones, went up before God.
Incense is also mentioned in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies, dating to the first century: "O God, who accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noah and Abraham, the incense of Aaron and Zacharias, accept from the hands of us sinners this incense for a sweet fragrance and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people."
However, some Christians may struggle with using incense due to its association with pagan religions. In Isaiah 1:13, it is mentioned that when the people fell away into sin and idolatry, their offering of incense was hated by God. Therefore, it is important to consider the motive behind burning incense. If our motivation is to increase the power of our prayers or to be more pleasing to God, we may be falling into legalism or mysticism.
Ultimately, God knows our hearts and intentions. If we approach the act of burning incense with a pure heart and out of worship, it can be a wholesome and faithful ritual.
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Incense is used to create a sacred space and to honour God
Incense has been used for centuries as a way to honour God and create a sacred space. In the Bible, we see references to the burning of incense as a holy act of worship, with God commanding Moses and Aaron to burn incense perpetually before Him (Exodus 30). Incense was also offered in the Temple (1/3 Kings 9:25) and is mentioned in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies.
The use of incense is often associated with prayer and sacrifice. In Revelation 8:3-4, an angel is described as offering incense along with the prayers of the holy ones, symbolising the connection between incense and prayer. This idea is further reinforced in Psalm 141:2, where burning incense is compared to an act of worship, with the psalmist asking God to set their prayer before Him as incense.
For Christians, incense holds symbolic significance. Frankincense, in particular, is regarded as a rich spicy scent that is pleasing to God. It has been associated with Christ and was even among the gifts presented by the Magi (Matthew 2:10-11). The act of burning incense during mass represents the prayers of the faithful rising to God, symbolising purification and sanctification.
In addition to its use in Christian rituals, incense also holds significance in other cultures. For example, in Swahili culture, incense is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in healing practices.
While some Christians view incense as a way to enhance their connection with God, others caution against its use due to its association with pagan religions and the potential for it to be misused in occult practices. Ultimately, the motivation behind burning incense is crucial, as God weighs our hearts (Proverbs 21:2) and knows our intentions.
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Incense is used to symbolise the continual prayers of God's people
The use of incense during prayer and worship is an ancient Christian tradition, still maintained by the Orthodox Church. Incense is a resinous substance that gives off a balsamic odour when burned on glowing charcoal. The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the holy ones, rises before God.
In the Bible, God commanded Moses and Aaron to burn incense perpetually before Him as a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). Incense was also offered in the Temple (1 Kings 9:25). However, when the people fell into sin and idolatry, their offering of incense was hated by God (Isaiah 1:13). Isaiah prophesied that incense would again be received by God, offered by all nations in worship of the Lord (Isaiah 60:6-7).
John in Revelation describes an angel with a golden censer, offering incense along with the prayers of the saints, which rise like a sweet fragrance before God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). Similarly, Psalm 141:2 compares prayer to incense: "Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense". The smoke of incense symbolises the continual prayers of God's people, rising like a sweet fragrance that pleases God.
In the Mass, incense is used to honour holy people and objects. The priest may incense the bread and wine on the altar, the cross, and the altar itself, signifying the Church's offering and prayer rising to God. This act symbolises the connection between the altar of sacrifice, those offering the sacrifice, and those uniting themselves with the sacrifice. Incense thus serves as a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God, representing their continual ascent to heaven.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense is a divine command and a holy act of worship. It symbolises the continual prayers of God's people rising up to Him.
God likes frankincense, a resin produced by a family of desert trees that grow in southern Arabia. It is derived from a sap that dries, forming crystalline lumps of an amber/gold colour.
Burning incense symbolises prayer and sacrifice. It is also used to reverence people and things.
The Bible mentions burning incense in Numbers 7:14, Deuteronomy 33:10, Exodus 30, 1 Kings 9:25, Isaiah 1:13, Malachi 1:11, Isaiah 60:6-7, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3-4, and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.
Some believe that burning incense is an abomination to God, while others believe it is a wholesome, faithful ritual rooted in scripture and justified by faith. God knows your intentions, so if your heart is pure before the Lord, it is not wrong.
