Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 305

November 1;      2 Corinthians 2:15;       151/260(III);        ‘The Fragrance of Christ’

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

How incredibly fascinating the Bible is.  The reference of the fragrance of Christ is an analogy to the Roman army’s victory parade.  In verse 14 we are taught that God the Father always leads us in triumph through Jesus.  Through us the Father diffuses the fragrance of Jesus’ knowledge (the Word) everywhere.  When the Roman army won a victorious battle there was a parade.  The conquering army and its leader paraded, the victors and the captives.  The fragrance of burning spices was smelled by both groups, the victors and the captives.  The fragrant aroma meant something completely different to both groups.  To the victors the fragrance meant the sweet smell of victory.  To the captives the fragrance meant, most likely death.  The analogy is that the victor’s fragrance refers to us who are saved and the captive’s fragrance refers to those who are perishing.  God’s Word (verse16) is the aroma of death leading to death to those who are perishing.  They are ‘dead’ spiritually while they live and ultimately will die spiritually, be eternally separated from the Lord, if they do not accept Jesus.  God’s Word is the aroma of life to we who are saved.  Again, verse 16 tells us, referring to Christians, the fragrance is life leading to life.  We have the life and blessings of God here is this world.  Then we will live eternally in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus.  We who are saved are ‘sufficient,’ capable, must, share our aroma with them.