Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, incense holds significant symbolic meaning, often representing the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This imagery is richly woven throughout Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament, where incense was a critical component of worship and sacrificial rituals. The New Testament, however, deepens this symbolism by associating incense with the merits of Christ, highlighting His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.Old Testament Foundations In the Old Testament, incense was a vital element of the tabernacle and temple worship. Exodus 30:34-38 provides specific instructions for the composition and use of sacred incense, which was to be burned on the altar of incense before the Holy of Holies. This fragrant offering symbolized the prayers of the Israelites rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests, signifying the continual intercession on behalf of the people. The sweet aroma was pleasing to God, symbolizing the purity and sincerity required in worship and prayer. Christ as the Fulfillment In the New Testament, the symbolism of incense is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelation vividly portrays this imagery, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before the throne of God. Revelation 5:8 states, "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection are the ultimate fragrant offering to God, surpassing the Old Testament sacrifices and rituals. Ephesians 5:2 exhorts believers to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, Christ's self-giving love is likened to the pleasing aroma of incense, underscoring His role as the perfect mediator. Intercession and Mediation The merits of Christ are further emphasized in His ongoing intercessory role. Hebrews 7:25 declares, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Christ's intercession is akin to the incense that continually rises before God, ensuring that the prayers of believers are heard and answered. This intercessory role is also highlighted in 1 John 2:1-2, where Christ is described as our advocate with the Father, emphasizing His unique position as both the sacrificial offering and the mediator who presents our prayers to God. The Believer's Response In light of Christ's merits, believers are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This spiritual act of worship is a response to the grace and intercession of Christ, who has made a way for believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). The imagery of incense thus serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous and efficacious intercession of Christ on behalf of His people. As believers, the call is to live lives marked by prayer, purity, and devotion, reflecting the sweet aroma of Christ's sacrifice in a world in need of His redemptive love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 8:3,4And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ's Priestly Office Importance of Small Things in Religion Faith Obedience The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ... Christ. Christ a Complete Saviour: Prayer Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law Resources Can a Christian burn incense? What does the Bible say about burning incense? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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