(4.12) Incensation of the Gifts, Altar and Priest
The priest will incense the gifts and the altar. The priest may also be incensed by the deacon.
Origin and Meaning
The practice of using incense can be traced back from both the Old and New Testament scriptures. Just like any offerings, it should be done under the right circumstances with a holy intention in order to be acceptable to God.
When Israel was wicked and sinning to God, he expressed no appreciation with offerings and incense as written in Isaiah 1:13;
“bringing offerings is futile;
Incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and calling of convocation – I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity” (Isa 1:13).
When done in the right manner and holiest of intention, it is considered a heavenly practice as written in Rev 8:3-4 when:
“Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”