Christians--Can you explain to me why smoking is so evil?

Question

Can and does God use someone who smokes? IF a person smokes does this disqualify them from leadership? What scripture (besides we are the temple of the Holy Spirit) can you give me that really exposes why smoking is against God? Can a person lose their salvation from smoking?

Answer 1

The Bible doesn't mention smoking. Here are some verses that could be applied to the practice of smoking although they were not written with smoking tobacco in mind.

1 Corinthians 6:12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.

Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

IF a person smokes does this disqualify them from leadership?

Many Christian leaders have smoked in the past. C H Spurgeon used to smoke until he was pressured by some members of his congregation to give it up. J Vernon McGee smoked for many years but after he came down with lung cancer he gave it up.

What scripture (besides we are the temple of the Holy Spirit) can you give me that really exposes why smoking is against God?

The argument that smoking defiles the temple of the Holy Spirit is in direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches.

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

Can a person lose their salvation from smoking?

Of course not. Our salvation is by grace through faith and engaging in smoking which is not mentioned in the Bible has no effect upon the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross.

Answer 2

As far as I know, the verse you refer to about our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit is the only one that would indicate that smoking is bad. For the leadership question, you could say that smoking would be a stumbling block for those who think it is evil, therefore you shouldn't smoke so as not to cause those who believe that to stumble. My personal opinion is that smoking, like drinking, is something that people can point to and say "That is a sin and I don't do it, therefore I am more righteous than you," but I don't think smoking is any worse than eating at McDonald's three times a week or begin overweight. Both of those things are also harmful to the temple of the Holy Spirit. Everything in moderation is the key, but the problem with smoking is that it is so addictive and therefore it is hard not to let it become habitual.

Answer 3

I can honestly answer this question, because not only am I a Christian, but a smoker as well. It doesn't state in the bible that smoking is a sin. Smoking isn't a healthy way to keep your body or your temple, that's the only thing wrong with it. Unfortunately, it is easier said then done to quit smoking. No one can lose their salvation because of smoking, it would be the same as losing your salvation for eating unhealthy food.

I had a preacher in my church years ago, who was obese. He came to me and told me that I could no longer work with the teens because I smoked. Since he is a man of God, I can't nor will I criticize him for his opinion. But, it does speak of gluttony. I don't know, I personally think that people should be more concerned about the souls of others then whether or not I smoke.

Answer 4

I don't think smoking will disqualify you from being used by God if you have accepted Christ into your life and gained salvation. The Holy Spirit will make you not want to smoke any longer..It will make you want to quit..But, quiting is something that you will have to do..There are many things on the market today that will help with that. A new pill is out for it as well. You are not condemned by God if you smoke..He surely doesn't like it though I would imagine..and would want you to quit..That is why the Holy Spirit residing in you speaks to you constantly that you need to stop.

Answer 5

You absolutely can not lose salvation from smoking!!!! That defeats the whole purpose of the Jesus dying on the cross. I know a lot of Christians are so vocal about being against smoking, not that is a good habit....it is destructive to your body. So is eating at McDonalds everyday. I find that Christian's who are judgmental and gossip to be more destructive than smoking, and God forgives us of all of those sins. I think a lot of people pick and choose what "sins" are acceptable to them, when in reality sin is sin.....
As far a leadership is concerned....leaders in the church are held to higher standards and should try to take care of body mind and spirit as God wanted us to. I don't really think if they smoke they are against God, they just have a struggle. Just my opinion.

Answer 6

it is interesting how you stated that scripture- so you must know it is something that God could not be pleased with because it does destroy your body. However, that said, God uses sinners or He would not be able to use anyone- that does not mean God is pleased with you- smoking is against the body that God has made you- it is not healthy and can cause cancer, and ultimately death- my dad died from cancer that was caused by smoking. No you cannot lose your salvation from smoking- remember once saved always saved, however your effectiveness for the Kingdom, may not be as a great.

Answer 7

Of course God can use someone who smokes. Charles Spurgeon smoked cigars and C. S. Lewis smoked a pipe. I would add though, that smoking is unwise. There are known health risks associated with it. As a 52 year old I can testify that lifelong habits catch up with you sooner or later, and smoking surely does. The other way smoking is unwise is that in our current Christian culture it is taboo. Though it is no worse than gluttony Christians do not treat it that way. They tend to see smoking Christians as carnal or worldly. When I pastored churches this was a great source of frustration to me. Some of the non-smokers who were grouchy and temperamental would pitch a fit if a smoker was involved in some significant church responsibility. They couldn't see that their grouchiness was worse than smoking. Still, I have always counseled smokers to try to quit since this habit will seriously hinder their ability to minister to people in our culture (not to mention the health risks). The Bible nowhere mentions tobacco but that does not necessarily mean it is acceptable to God. The Bible does not mention cocaine, heroine, or methamphetamines either. I am not saying tobacco is in the same class as these drugs; I am just pointing out that the Bible does not speak to every specific kind of behavior. It gives us principles or paradigms which we can apply to specifics. I think the biblical concepts of wisdom and stewardship would teach us that God does not want his children to smoke any more than we would want our children to. I also think it is fair to compare smoking to gluttony which the Bible does call sin. This does not mean a smoker can not go to heaven. They will probably get there faster than other believers!

Answer 8

I don't think there's any reason Christians should be explicitly against smoking. Yeah it's unhealthy, but so is eating a Big Mac. Is that a sin? Hardly.

So yes of course God could use someone who smokes, its not a sin, salvation does not hinge on your smoking habits, and there is no scripture against it.

I would never say it's "wrong" to smoke. I think it's a pretty stupid thing to do, but I also think it's none of my business.

Answer 9

It isn't evil, but it is unlikely to help one live a long life.
If you serve God it may cut your service short, thus depriving some people of your love and wisdom.

My father smoked from 17 - 70 and died aged 73. I think his life was shortened by smoking. He served God all his life and was the preeminent scholar of his generation teaching and writing about the theology of both Martin Luther and John and Charles Wesley. He had many friends and a large number of students who remained influenced by him and appreciated his humility and love. He smoked pipes cigars and cigarettes and while this was frowned on by some of his colleagues, he carried on in the best tradition of an eccentric English Professor.

No you cannot lose your salvation from smoking.

I know of no other scriptures which specifically warn about smoking.

Answer 10

A person can't lose their salvation from smoking (or drinking),
it simply has to do with health and also as follows.
In Christianity, it has been "historically" inappropriate
to smoke - it was an image that was turned from when smoking became popular in the first place.
It was the rebellious and movie stars who looked "cool"
smoking and had non-christian life styles -
It is an association, an image - as well as health!