We are the sweet aroma of Christ - Day of fast 19/21

 BY Argie Simonis

"Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place.

For we are to God a sweet smell of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

To the one we are the smell of death to death; and to the other the smell of life to life." 2Cor. 2:14-16

In Paul's day, the word triumph he mentions here was associated with the triumphal procession (parade) of a Roman general returning from a victory. He marched his army through the streets, together with the captives and spoils of victory, which were given to the people. In this parade there were also censers that dispensed a pleasant aroma.

So Paul here tells us that in the same way we are participating in the triumphal procession of Christ, spreading that fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.

This fragrance spread by those who bring the message of Christ has two different effects on two different kinds of people:

1. To those who reject the Gospel of Christ, this message produces the odor of death:

"And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you." Acts 24:24-25

2. To those who receive this message of Christ, it releases the fragrance of life:

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believe you this?

She said to him, Yes, Lord: I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." John 11:25-27

Is this smell just symbolic? I can't say for sure, but what if there were spiritual "odors" that come from our actions? Bad deeds releases a stench of death that attracts demonic activity, and good deeds give off the odor of life that is pleasing to the Lord. 

So, the rejection of the Gospel leads to death, and to those who believe it, is the sweet savor of eternal life.

Amen 🙏