Are You a Sweet Savour of Christ?

© 2023 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

In the following passage, the phrase “a sweet savour of Christ” refers to a pleasant smell or sweet fragrance.

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

As true Christians obey Christ in preaching the gospel, the apostle Paul likens them to a sweet fragrance to God.  Obviously, God’s righteousness is shown when sinners respond favorably to the gospel and are saved.  However, the above passage shows that God is vindicated even when people reject the gospel.  When people reject God’s offer of salvation, they also demonstrate His righteousness.  Their rejection proves that, on judgment day, when God banishes them to the lake of fire, He will be righteous.

People who have lost family members to murderous acts by wicked people, often seek “justice” for their departed loved ones.  By this they mean that the wicked perpetrator needs to be lawfully punished for his or her heinous acts.  There seems to be an almost subconscious understanding that sin deserves punishment.

Sometimes Christians who seek to preach the gospel, as Christ commanded, do not see multitudes respond positively.  They become discouraged because they have not seen many people saved through their efforts.  However, when Christians faithfully present the gospel of Christ, God is pleased with the aroma of their work.  This faithfulness is our responsibility.  The response to this faithfulness is the responsibility of the hearers.  It is not the gospel preacher that changes hearts but, rather, God Himself.

Are you an unsaved person constantly rejecting Christ?  God will righteously hold you accountable on judgment day.  Are you a Christian following Christ and seeking to win the lost for Him?  Then you are “a sweet savour of Christ” in the nostrils of almighty God.  Don’t become discouraged, but keep on doing what He has called you to do.  He will take care of the results.

 

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