2 Corinthians 2:15-16a For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.
Believers are a fragrance of Christ Jesus to God among the people who are being saved and the people who are perishing. Those who believe in the message of Christ are compared to responding positively to a good aroma. This Christ Jesus aroma manifested through us penetrates the area wherever we go, affecting the people. Some people believe and are saved while other people reject the aroma of Christ Jesus and face death. Those who refuse to believe in the message of Christ remain in their sin which results in their perishing. They are dead in their trespasses and sins and will end up perishing. eact in disbelief to the (those who reject Christ Jesus and refuse to follow God).
To one person the believer in Christ Jesus is an aroma “from death to death” while to another person the believer in Christ Jesus is an aroma “from life to life.” To the person who rejects Christ, followers of Christ Jesus represent death to them. They hear about Christ and are condemned because they reject him. The believer is a source of death to them. To those who accept the message of Christ, the witness of believers is a source of life.
There are many different smells in this world. Some of them are good, bring pleasure, and improve life. Others are foul and cause pain. God’s aroma brings new life and joy to those who believe. This same aroma brings death to those who refuse to listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent of their sinful ways. Paul’s illustration is that we as believers are this aroma. We should expect two types of responses from people. Some people will respond positively to us and our testimony about Christ, while others will reject us and even persecute us.
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