Why does the church use incense in places of worship?
1. Connection to Old Testament Worship
"Incense" is mentioned over 100 times in the Bible and was an integral part of worship in the Old Testament. The altar of incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-10) and later in the Temple was used to burn incense regularly as an offering to God. Incense was an aromatic substance made of gums and spices to be burned. It was made according to a definite prescription of gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense in equal proportions, and was tempered with salt (Exod.30:34-Exod. 30:35). It could not be made for ordinary purposes (Exod.30.34-Exod.30.38; Lev.10.1-Lev.10.7). The use of incense in Christian worship can be seen as a continuation of this ancient practice.
2. A form of worship to Christ
The three gifts given to Christ by the Magi was gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The second two were resins both commonly used as incense. The newborn King received His first worship from gentiles by the gifts of incense!
2. It models the worship of Heaven
The prayers of the saints are depicted as rising before God along with the smoke of the incense.
Revelation 8:3-4, "And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel."
3. Purification and Sanctification of a sacred space
Incense is traditionally used to purify and sanctify the space in which it is burned. The sweet fragrance is a symbol of holiness and setting aside the space for God.
4. Symbolism of our Prayers Rising to Heaven
Incense is often seen as a physical representation of prayers ascending to God. This is based on biblical imagery, particularly from Psalm 141:2, which says, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
5. The Presence of the Holy Spirit
The smoke of the incense symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Just as the smoke fills the space and is perceived by the senses, so the Holy Spirit fills the hearts and minds of the worshippers, permeating the entire environment.
6. The Presence of God
Throughout the OT the presence of God was made manifest in the form of a cloud of smoke. In 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 we have a description of when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Temple build by Solomon, "and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; 13 and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
7. Symbol of Sacrifice
Incense is also associated with sacrifice. Just as incense is consumed by fire, it represents the offering of oneself to God, symbolizing the worshippers' devotion and willingness to sacrifice for their faith.