"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Eph 5.1-2). The word "savour" denotes a fragrance or aroma. In some passages it is translated as "odour" and is found in connection with the acceptable sacrifices that are offered to God. In the passage above, Christ is affirmed as a sacrifice to God and therefore a "sweetsmelling savour". The idea of something having a fragrance or aroma implies that it has a specific character. In this case that character is such that it is recognized by God and is "sweetsmelling" not abominable as in the case of something that is offensive. This has a connection with the sacrifices of the patriarchs and also with the Law of Moses.
When Noah and his family emerged from the ark, Noah offered a sacrifice to God. We are told that God "smelled a sweet savour" and remembered man. The sacrifice that Noah offered was one of thankfulness and praise for the preservation that God had brought to his family. Later in the Law, the sacrifices that were to be offered were to be of a specific nature. That nature would then be characterized by a "savour" or aroma that would please God. Instructions for offerings to be performed by the priests were characterized in this way as well. "And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD." (Ex 29.18). The book of Leviticus, which outlines instructions for the sacrifices, and the manner in which they were to be offered speak in a similar manner. (Lev 1.13,17 Lev 2.2, Lev 3.5, Lev 4.31, Lev 6.15). This is only a partial list but the meaning is the same.
The "savour" or aroma, characterized sacrifices which were done in accordance with God's instructions. God would therefore accept such sacrifices on the part of those who were faithful. Under the Old Law this was one way in which the sacrifices connect with Christ. In the New Testament, this figure is used to speak not only of the sacrifice of Christ, but also of the praise and service of Christians who act in accordance with divine instruction. Paul characterizes the support of the Philippians that he had received in these terms. "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." (Phil 4.18). Their work was done in accordance with God's will and therefore was acceptable to the Lord. Acceptable service on the part of the Corinthians was also put in these terms, as well as the knowledge of Christ. "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.And who is sufficient for these things? " (2 Cor 2.14-16). Those who serve God have the "savour" of God in their hearts. True service to God is therefore acceptable and is a "sweet smell" being in accordance with the will of God when carried out in spirit and in truth. In the latter part of the passage above we also note that there is a "savour of death" in those who reject the Gospel, or, do not worship and serve God in spirit and in truth. Otherwise our service may be an offensive odor to God if we are not conducting ourselves in the manner in which we should. False doctrines also will present themselves to God as an offensive aroma since they are not rendered in obedience to the instructions that we have in the New Testament. The sacrifices and service of the faithful are characterized as well pleasing to the Lord. Failure to meet God's requirements will cause God to reject us and that which we do in His name. We have to ask ourselves if our service and beliefs are what God wants them to be.
TLC