How does Exodus 30:36 connect with New Testament teachings on sanctification? The Old Testament Picture: Holy Incense Set Apart • Exodus 30:36 commands: “Grind some of it to a fine powder and place it in front of the testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.” • The incense was: – Exclusively the LORD’s; no common use allowed (vv. 37–38). – Placed “where I will meet with you,” symbolizing access to God’s presence. – Declared “most holy,” meaning set apart—sanctified—for divine worship. Key Bridge to New Testament Sanctification • Sanctification in the NT likewise centers on being set apart for God’s presence and purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 10:10). • The exclusive nature of the incense points to the exclusivity of belonging to Christ: believers are “a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). • The fragrant offering foreshadows Christ, whose self-sacrifice is “a fragrant aroma” to God (Ephesians 5:2). Believers share in that aroma through union with Him. Parallel Themes: Incense and Believer Sanctification Identity • OT: Only the priests handle the holy incense. • NT: All believers are now “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5, 9) empowered to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Approach • OT: Incense placed before the testimony where God meets His people. • NT: By the blood of Jesus we “draw near with a sincere heart … having our hearts sprinkled clean” (Hebrews 10:19–22). Exclusivity • OT: Any imitation incense brought death (Exodus 30:38). • NT: Sanctification means turning from worldly imitation to authentic life in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–25; 1 John 2:15–17). Fragrance • OT: Holy incense produced a unique aroma in the sanctuary. • NT: God “manifests through us the aroma of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14–16). Our sanctified lives spread Christ’s fragrance. Practical Takeaways for Daily Sanctification • Remember your identity: you’ve been ground, refined, and placed before God just as the incense was finely powdered and set before the testimony. • Guard exclusivity: refuse “imitations” of holiness; pursue obedience empowered by the Spirit (Romans 8:13). • Cultivate fragrant witness: let surrendered living rise like incense, pleasing to God and drawing others to Christ (Philippians 2:15–16). • Seek continual communion: the incense burned morning and evening (Exodus 30:7–8); likewise, grow in ongoing fellowship through the Word and prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Conclusion: A Seamless Story of Being Set Apart Exodus 30:36’s holy incense offers a vivid preview of New Testament sanctification: God refines, sets apart, and delights in His people’s fragrant devotion, all fulfilled in and through Jesus Christ. |
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