The Fragrance Of Christ

Have you ever been at a place your life where things are just not working? Have you ever had a season of life that you wished was over? I have and the Scripture that is before us is a refreshing reminder of who we are in Jesus the Christ. If you will, it awakens the soul to freshness again.

2 Corinthians 2:14,15a NIV

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…

The word – fragrance – is a pleasant word. It does not mean stench. It is an inviting word and brings pleasant things to mind. Through us he spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

The Bible says that to God, we are the aroma of Christ. How is this aroma seen in the Word of God? Romans 8:28,29 NIV – We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What does it mean to be called according to his purpose? It is the aroma to be conformed to the likeness of his son.

Several years before his death, Karl Barth – a Swiss theologian – came to the United States for a series of lectures. After a very impressive lecture, a student asked a typically American question. He said, “Dr. Barth, what is the greatest thought that ever passed through your mind?” The aging professor paused for a long time as he obviously thought about his answer. Then he said with great simplicity:

Jesus loves me!
This I know.
For the Bible tells me so.”

Our Lord testfies as to who we are in Jesus the Christ.  We are the fragrance of Christ to everyone around us. We are the aroma of Christ to God. Let us live our journey as a thankful people.