Since, Sense, Scents

“For since by one man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21–22). Death (mortality) came because of Adam’s disobedience; sin is why all people will die. Everlasting life comes from Jesus’ death and resurrection. He will raise all from death, the just and the unjust. But only those who accept God’s Son, born of the Spirit, will live in heaven throughout eternity. People who reject Jesus’ salvation seal their fate to live eternally separated from God.

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Paul addressed believers’ spiritual growth, calling long-time Christians who should be teaching others spiritually dull; they were still “drinking milk” and needed to learn the basics of God’s Word again. But the obedient listeners who the Word enriched by His “strong meat” were skilled in recognizing right from wrong and taught others.

“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them, that perish” (2 Corinthians 2:15). God accepts the sincere efforts of believers as we proclaim His Word, even though some will receive His truth and others will reject it. We are sweet aromas of Christ to Him if we are faithful in our endeavors.

Since sin caused death, and Jesus, the Word, is the answer to sin’s curse, we must let Him exercise our senses so we can train others in the way of right living. When we faithfully obey Jesus’ command and teach others His Word, our lives leave scents that are sweet-smelling fragrances of Christ unto God.