2 Corinthians 2:15-16 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one, an aroma from death to death; to the other, an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
At first glance, most people probably think Paul was using this example by referring back to the Burnt Offering under the Old Covenant that was offered every day at the Temple, yet that was not the case.
Now even though those early morning sacrifices under the Old Covenant were indeed described as a pleasing aroma and pleasant fragrance unto the Lord, Paul referred here to a different fragrance and aroma.
When you look at the context of 2 Corinthians, you’ll notice that the fragrance Paul referred to was a sweet aroma of victory, a smell everyone knew all too well back in the day, especially in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "BUT thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and who spreads the aroma of His knowledge through us everywhere."
Paul gave us a picture well known back in the day of when the Romans were victorious during battle, as it was their custom to have the victorious soldiers parade through the main streets of cities like Corinth with their defeated enemy bound behind them.
Along with these parades, various fragrances of incense and certain flowers were burned to spread a smell, a sweet aroma, throughout all the streets that penetrated into every home to make the people aware of the sweet taste of victory!
For every resident who celebrated the victory, the fragrance was pleasant, but for the defeated foe who lost the battle and were on their way to be executed, the same fragrance was a smell of death.
This is why Paul reminded believers that our lives in Christ spread the sweet aroma of Christ's victory everywhere. Every step in Christ is like that victory parade that declares that Jesus got the victory over sin and death for us who believe.
Yet the reality is, around us won’t just be those who celebrate with us, because for the unbeliever, faith in Christ will be a reminder of death.
So, for all believers in Christ, remember, your life in Jesus will spread a pleasing aroma of Christ's victory everywhere, and at the same time, your faith in Christ will also be a fragrance that reminds those in unbelief of death.
Amen