Life to Life

In 2nd Corinthians 2, Paul writes to the brethren in Corinth about the triumph we have in Christ. The Apostle had come under criticism from some in the area. Some scholars say there was another letter to Corinth between the two letters we have today but it has been lost to history. That letter may have contained a severe rebuke of those critical of Paul and had led to their repentance. Paul appeals to the Corinthians to forgive them as they should.

He illustrates the victory of the forgiveness found in Christ through the triumphal parades that Roman generals would receive after conquering the enemy. As the generals returned home, they would march through the cities along the way. They would be in the front with their captives following behind. The cities would turn out in adoration of the conquering heroes. Incense would be spread along the pathway lauding the victors and triggering dread for the captives who would be enslaved or executed.

The Good News of Jesus had become this fragrant perfume. To those who had submitted to Christ and bore the marks of willing servitude, the Gospel was the fragrance of “life to life”. To the others it was the fragrance of “death to death” (vs. 15-16). Our attitudes towards Jesus Christ, like the incense, is evident in how we live our lives. We may say one thing and live another. I’m reminded of Peter warming himself beside the fire prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. Even the way he denied Christ, revealed he had been with Jesus. You might say he had the essence of Jesus of all over him, similar to how he had told the Messiah to wash his entire body just a few hours prior.

I believe that we put on Christ in baptism which continues our molding into the image of the Son. As our journey on this earth continues, we become more and more like him through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We are to become the essence of the risen Savior. As that process continues people will have a decision to make about us and our message. It is either a message of “life to life” or “death to death.” Only they can choose.

Travis