RUSSELL SANDERS
12-10-2024
THE BURNING OF INCENSE

Some people burn incense in their home because they like the sweet-smelling odor that comes from it. They often do it in ignorance of the true purpose of the burning of incense.

Burning incense has always been a spiritual act, regardless of whether one understands it or not. If it is not done as a deep devotional act of worship to Almighty God, they are unwittingly opening themselves to the dark side. Burning incense is always an act of worship to a spiritual entity. If you do not do it as unto the Lord, and just for the pleasant odor, Satan may claim it as being unto himself.

There is no such thing as “innocently” doing it just for the pleasing smell, although you may sincerely think that. It is always, even if innocently or ignorantly done, as an act of worship or adoration.

It is good if, and only if, you do it specifically unto the LORD, otherwise, it goes unto the “hosts of heaven,” that is, the heavenlies where many spirits roam, including demonic spirits.

Jeremiah 19:13 condemns the practice, saying, “The houses of Jerusalem, and…of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because…they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven…”

“The host of heaven” refers to all spirit beings including the dark ones. This defilement of incense burning is compared to the “place of Tophet.” So, what is the place of Tophet?

Tophet was the place at the valley of Hinnon, [Gehenna] where the children were passed through the fire [burned alive] as an act of worship unto the evil one. Hmmm. That does not speak well of burning incense, does it?

I must repeat myself, if you are going to burn incense, make sure you are only doing it as an act of worship to the Lord. Any other use of it opens you up to the dark side influences.

Incense is a good thing when properly used as a specific act of worship to the Lord. Even the magi [wise men] brought incense in worship of Jesus at his birth [frankincense].

Be wary about the usage of incense unless you have a clear understanding of its spiritual significance.