The Full Aroma of Christ

Judges 13-16; 2 Corinthians 2 

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life...”

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Fragrances are marketed in different strengths, from concentrated perfume to ‘eau de cologne.’ Paul described the aroma of Christ as a fragrance others could smell wherever he went. This fragrance is the knowledge of Christ and upon closer examination should remind people of the character, ministry, and essence of Christ.

Are we a diluted ‘eau de cologne’ version of Christ, or the full perfume?

Paul also used the analogy of the triumphal procession of conquering heroes who returned from battle to describe his attitude and reception as he traveled on mission with Christ. Jesus has defeated the principalities and powers and through Christ we are seated with him in heavenly places. We minister in the authority and victory of Christ which is the smell of death to the powers of darkness, but life to those who are being saved.

When we engage with others today, is it the aroma of Christ or our sinful nature they will encounter?

“Lord Jesus, this day you increase, I decrease. Be glorified in and through me.”