Bible Questions and Answers

The short answer is that burning incense and lighting candles should have no place in Christian worship. It is a tradition of men. Neither is it commanded by Christ or the apostles and there is no other source of doctrine. The practice was introduced by apostate Christianity and borrowed from the ceremonial Law of Moses, where the priests burned incense and lit the lamps in the Holy Place. The ceremonies were a shadow of that which was to come and Paul describes them as weak and beggarly elements.

Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

In Christ we are freed from Priest-craft and ceremonial observance.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The only observance required is that of the ‘Lord’s Supper’. Those who have believed the gospel and been baptised into Christ are to meet regularly to break bread and drink wine in remembrance of his sacrifice. It provides an opportunity to examine ourselves in the light of the life of Christ to see whether we are conforming to his image.

1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he (Jesus) had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

This is what the first century converts did.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

All other ceremonies, elaborate buildings and fancy dress are the marks of apostate Christianity.

I hope you have found this helpful.

May God bless you,
Glenn