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Prayer & Worship

Incense

Before God

Ex 40:5Incense before the ark of GodIncense used in worship has a long history. Here the Lord is commanding Moses on its proper use, on an altar of gold, no less.
Lk 1:10-11Incense in the TempleIncense used in Temple worship during the Gospel age.
Rv 8:3-4Incense as prayer at altarEven in heaven, incense is used in supplication and worship by angels as prayers to God on high.
Ex 30:8To be burned foreverGod tells Moses that incense is for use everlasting, for all generations.

With incense in worship (a) sanctioned by God, (b) used in Old Testament times, (c) at the time of Christ, (d) in heaven, and (e) for use in perpetuity, who then can deny its role in proper worship today?

Improper use

Lv 10:1-2Offense to GodOffenders destroyed
Ex 30:9profane mixtures forbiddenEx 30:34-35 is very exact about the composition of the required incense.

Ordered by God

Ex 25:6Offering as firstfruitsGod details the use of incense in worship ceremonies.
Ex 30:1Altar for burning incense
Ex 30:20An offering to God
Ex 30:36Incense "most holy"

Pagan use

1 Mc 1:57-58Incense for the AbominationSacrilegious ceremonies that mimic valid practices do not invalidate the valid practice. Instead, the invalid practice mocks God, taking what rightfully belongs to God and putting it to unholy uses.
1 Mc 2:15Incense at Pagan altarOrdered by the civil authorities