Burning incense is an ancient practice that is still used today in many religious ceremonies. Incense is aromatic, and the smoke from burning it is believed to be fragrant. It was used in worship by many ancient cultures, including the Jews and Babylonians.
While the use of incense is not limited to Christians, there are some things that Christians should know about burning incense.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the burning of incense. There are a few scriptures that mention incense, but none of them explicitly say that Christians should not burn incense.
That being said, there are a few reasons why some Christians may choose to avoid burning incense. One reason is that the Bible does mention that incense was often used in pagan worship rituals. For Christians who want to avoid anything associated with paganism, burning incense may not be the best option.
Another reason some Christians may choose to avoid burning incense is because of the potential health risks. Incense smoke can contain harmful chemicals, and breathing in too much of it can be dangerous. If you are Burning incense, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and take precautions to avoid breathing in the smoke.
What Does The Bible Say About Burning Incense?
The use of incense in religious ceremonies is mentioned throughout the Bible.
The Book of Exodus says that when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he instructed them to make a special incense for use in worship. This recipe is found in Exodus 30:34-38.
Incense was also used in the temple of Jerusalem. 1 Kings 9:25 says that when King Solomon dedicated the temple, “he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. He also made fragrant incense and placed it on the altar, three times per year.”
The Book of Revelation mentions incense as well. In Revelation, an angel is seen holding a censer full of incense. The incense represents the prayers of God’s people. (Revelation 8:3)
So What Does all This Mean for Christians Today?
Simply put, we can see that the Bible approves of the use of incense in religious ceremonies. While we may not have to make our own incense like Moses did, we can still enjoy the fragrance of incense as part of our worship experience.
Summary
Ultimately, whether or not Christians should burn incense is a personal decision. If you are comfortable with burning incense and it does not conflict with your beliefs, then go ahead and do so. However, if you are unsure about whether or not it is right for you, it may be best to avoid it.
If you do choose to burn incense, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are using a quality incense that is free of harmful chemicals.
Second, be mindful of the amount of smoke you are creating and take steps to avoid breathing it in. Finally, be respectful of those around you who may not be comfortable with the smoke.
Burning incense can be a beautiful and spiritual experience, but it is important to do so safely and respectfully.
Christians have different opinions on many things, eating pork, being cremated, or whether or not it’s ok to believe in evolution.
In conclusion, Christians can burn incense but should do so responsibly and with caution. If you are unsure about whether or not burning incense is right for you, consult with your pastor or another trusted Christian leader.