“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
Jewish people were familiar with the “fragrant offerings” and sacrifices that were required in the Old Testament. Paul uses their understanding to explain that Jesus is the definitive fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. We’re no longer required to make these offerings. Instead, we’re to live sacrificial lives which become symbolic fragrant offerings to God. Elsewhere Paul writes, “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1 ).
