What does it smell like to you?

II Corinthians 2:15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 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? (NASB)

It's funny how different aromas cause different feelings to arise in different people. I love the smell of coffee brewing. I usually drink a couple of cups of Maxwell House Lite (half the caffeine) each morning. When I smell that coffee brewing, it makes me feel wonderful inside. My wife, however......hates both the taste AND smell of coffee. What seems so wonderful to me, smells absolutely dreadful to her. The Gospel has a similar "polarizing" effect on people.

To those of us who are being saved, it is indeed a wonderfully sweet smelling perfume or cologne. To those who reject the message of God's grace, it is indeed a stench in their nostrils...the very scent of death. It is a constant reminder that death and hell await the unrepentant. In this particular passage of scripture, Paul draws on the imagery of a victory processional. Those who triumphed in battle would often march their captives to the slaughter. As they marched there would be incense offered up to their pagan gods. To the victor of course, this would be the smell of victory.....to the captive...the smell of impending death.

The gospel is indeed a "life and death" matter. That's why Paul says "and who is adequate for these things?" As a minister of the gospel, I certainly don't feel worthy enough to be entrusted with such grave responsibilities as preaching for the souls of men. And yet God has entrusted the message of Heaven and Hell to earthen vessels like you and I. Don't be surprised if some people think your message stinks....it's because it is a reminder of the "second death" that awaits the sinner.

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