In college, I belonged to a society called Theta Epsilon Chi, a Greek acronym meaning “Triumphing in Christ.” Our theme verse came from Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth:

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

For years, I missed the paradox within these words. Paul is not picturing a victory parade of confident believers celebrating success in Christ. Rather, he sees himself not as a conquering slave but as a conquered slave. Paul describes himself, and all who follow Jesus, as those who have been triumphed over by Christ.

The Greek word translated “triumphal procession” appears one other time in the New Testament--Colossians 2:15, where Paul writes that Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, triumphing over them by the cross.” Again, the paradox of conquering by dying stands out. Followers of Jesus are wonderfully defeated--liberated captives who find our freedom in joyful enslavement to our King.

Paul's imagery would have been familiar to his readers living in the Roman empire: a victorious Roman general returning from battle with the spoils of war, leading a host of prisoners through the city, surrounded by music, flowers and the fragrance of incense. Paul takes this picture and says that we--Christ's captives--are the ones through whom God now spreads "the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.”

Once, we were God’s enemies--but through his gospel of lovingkindness, the walls of our rebellious hearts have been thrown down, and we raise the white flag of surrender to this victorious King.

And yet, this same fragrance which is the "aroma of life to life" to some is "the aroma of death to death" to others. (2 Cor 2:16) The same good news that bring salvation to the repentant becomes condemnation to the hard of heart.

When the confetti falls at the end of the Super Bowl, it covers both the victors and the defeated. So it is with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The fragrance of Christ fills the world, but not all receive it as sweet. For Christ’s conquered slaves, it is life here and life eternal. Tragically, for those who refuse, it is death here leading to death everlasting.

Gospel knowledge of Christ never leaves anyone unchanged. It draws us closer to salvation or nearer to hell--but never leaves us neutral. Paul’s powerful metaphor ought to humble us as those conquered by grace and motivate us to live as a fragrance that leads others to life.

Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free.

Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.

I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;

Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.