Is smoking a sin?

DPMartin · Jul 3, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
We teach the Law covenant is fulfilled Rom 10:4, and we live under the new covenant Jesus made on the last day of his life Luke 22:29.

Abraham through the establishment of Israel has always been a prophecy, or as some like to say, the shadow of things to come, the Kingdom come may be a revelation of sorts, but covenant, i don't see it in this:

Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Ronald David Bruno · Jul 3, 2021

I remember a teaching I heard from a wise theologian.
He said, "Anything that controls you is your master (like a habit or addiction), is sin for you. Don't let anything have mastery over you." It is against your own body and as others point out, effects others too.
He went on giving examples. "IT is not a sin to drink wine, but if you are an alcoholic, it is sin for you." Gluttony is a deadly sin and so is smoking. If will cut 10 years out of your life.
I smoked as a teenager for a few years. I remember my first drag - I coughed. That should have raised a red flag, but the stupid thing to do was to try to fit in with your peers and force yourself - take it like a man. The first alcohol I had was nasty too, I was brave and attempted to challenge this substance at fouteen over my Grandmothers house during Easter. I kept sneaking a drink out of the punch bowl, then started drinking the volka when I was drunk. The room was spinning I was sick and the toilet became my friend. It's funny how one hugs the toilet as if it is a life preserver. Like a teddy bear, you go to sleep with it in your arms! That was a hard lesson not to allow Mr. Alcohol to be my master any more.
I learned to quit cigarette smoking at 18 years old. I was sick at home with strep throat, it was cold and rainy outside and I decided to walk to the store in the rain to buy cigarettes. I had my umbrella, opened the pack, lit one up, inhaled and started a non-stop hacking cough. In the cold rain, it just hit me - What the heck am I doing to myself? I thought how stupid am I? I quit at that moment.
Kids might think smoking is cool at the time until they see an older, half-dead guy speaking through a voicebox connected to a hole in his throat!

Robert Gwin · Jul 4, 2021

DPMartin said:
Abraham through the establishment of Israel has always been a prophecy, or as some like to say, the shadow of things to come, the Kingdom come may be a revelation of sorts, but covenant, i don't see it in this:

Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

I see your point DP, it is the version of the Bible you are using that is restricting you from seeing what was actually said. The NWT reads: (Luke 22:28, 29) 28 “However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials; 29 and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom,

It was acually a covenant. When using the KJ version of the Bible it helps to have a Strong's concordance. The original word is:
diativqhmi Diatithemai (dee-at-ith'-em-ahee);
Word Origin: Greek, Verb, Strong #: 1303

to arrange, dispose of, one's own affairs

1. of something that belongs to one
2. to dispose of by will, make a testament
to make a covenant, enter into a covenant, with one

Brakelite · Jul 4, 2021

No-one will be condemned for smoking or overeating. They will be condemned for not believing God's word that says murder is a sin. Although self murder as a result of addiction may be less egregious than the willful murder of another... Take note tobacco companies.
PS unbelief in God's word is the only thing that keeps us from heaven. Unbelief in His forgiveness... Unbelief in God's power to overcome.

DPMartin · Jul 4, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
I see your point DP, it is the version of the Bible you are using that is restricting you from seeing what was actually said. The NWT reads: (Luke 22:28, 29) 28 “However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials; 29 and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom,

It was acually a covenant. When using the KJ version of the Bible it helps to have a Strong's concordance. The original word is:
diativqhmi Diatithemai (dee-at-ith'-em-ahee);
Word Origin: Greek, Verb, Strong #: 1303

to arrange, dispose of, one's own affairs

of something that belongs to one

to dispose of by will, make a testament

to make a covenant, enter into a covenant, with one

is KJV restricted, or more accurate considering its a translation by the English in the language that is the English's language. also the JW's bible is modified and not a proven translation, as in the KJV where as its been in public scrutiny for over 400 yr's. the nwt is less than 100 and is considered bias, whereas the KJV has not been considered so, even though many know the apocrypha is excluded in many copies.

also in 1947, when the "New World Bible Translation Committee" was formed, composed of Jehovah's Witnesses who professed to be anointed and they are the ones who made the NWT. whereas the KJV was translated by as much as 40 scholars commissioned by King James using Hebrew Greek and the Latin respectfully. sorry the KJV is the one you should use.

Robert Gwin · Jul 5, 2021

Backlit said:
No-one will be condemned for smoking or overeating. They will be condemned for not believing God's word that says murder is a sin. Although self murder as a result of addiction may be less egregious than the willful murder of another... Take note tobacco companies.
PS unbelief in God's word is the only thing that keeps us from heaven. Unbelief in His forgiveness... Unbelief in God's power to overcome.

I hope you are correct sir, I am of course not the judge. One thing is for certain, not one righteous person will be overlooked.

Robert Gwin · Jul 5, 2021

DPMartin said:
is KJV restricted, or more accurate considering its a translation by the English in the language that is the English's language. also the JW's bible is modified and not a proven translation, as in the KJV where as its been in public scrutiny for over 400 yr's. the nwt is less than 100 and is considered bias, whereas the KJV has not been considered so, even though many know the apocrypha is excluded in many copies.

also in 1947, when the "New World Bible Translation Committee" was formed, composed of Jehovah's Witnesses who professed to be anointed and they are the ones who made the NWT. whereas the KJV was translated by as much as 40 scholars commissioned by King James using Hebrew Greek and the Latin respectfully. sorry the KJV is the one you should use.

Truth can be found in the KJV sir, just a bit more difficult. From your post I can see that you teach differently than me. It is feasible that both of us can be wrong, but one thing is for certain we both cannot be right in our understanding, so how much to you think the version of choice contributed to that? I think it is considerable.

CharismaticLady · Jul 5, 2021

1 Corinthians 6:
12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

The problem with becoming addicted to anything, whether alcohol, drugs or tobacco is you give up your own power over it. It has power over you. So it is not helpful to even start. But I don't think it is a mortal sin, like breaking a royal law.

Robert Gwin · Jul 6, 2021

CharismaticLady said:
1 Corinthians 6:
12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

The problem with becoming addicted to anything, whether alcohol, drugs or tobacco is you give up your own power over it. It has power over you. So it is not helpful to even start. But I don't think it is a mortal sin, like breaking a royal law.

I think the reason the governing body is so against it, is one who would deliberately do harm to themselves, and put others in jeopardy as well, really be showing the proper respect for the sanctity of life. They have determined it to be a disfellowshipping offense among us witnesses of Jehovah. I do not disagree with their decision to do so maam. I can understand your point, but on the same line of thought why do you think that a drunkard is any worse? Jehovah did put that in print 1 Cor 6:10

Brakelite · Jul 6, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
I hope you are correct sir, I am of course not the judge.

You cannot discern from scripture the plan of redemption, and who will be saved and who lost?

Robert Gwin said:
One thing is for certain, not one righteous person will be overlooked.

"There is none righteous, no not one". So how does one become righteous... Even more than the Pharisees... To get a pass?

Wrangler · Jul 6, 2021

Ronald David Bruno said:
I remember a teaching I heard from a wise theologian.
He said, "Anything that controls you is your master (like a habit or addiction), is sin for you. Don't let anything have mastery iver you."

The wise theologian knew his Bible. Freedom in a political sense is somewhat possible but not in a metaphysical sense. Within our nature, we can be free indeed, but are still controlled, and therefore enslaved, by our nature, no?

They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
2 Peter 2:19

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus ...
Roman 1:1 (NLT)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36

marks · Jul 6, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
A more understandable version of the Bible might help Marks.

I prefer the KJV. I've found that this is the translation where I find the fewest instances where, as I'm reading, I find places where I have to stop and remember, the Greek reads such-and-such.

So many translations get so interpretive as to make the text virtually unrecognizable. I prefer the Majority Manuscript first, second to the the Received Text. I can't really read the NIV, for instance, I'm constantly stopping as I'm seeing the ways they translate.

The KJV NT reads most like the Greek text to me, so I stick with that.

Robert Gwin said:
Paul was indicating that if it would stumble a disciple if he ate meat, then he would not. Likely today, you might understand that although drinking is not a sin, we might abstain in the presence of someone that had a problem with it.

Yes, of course. And that person who might be stumbled by Paul eating meat, it would be so because that person felt eating meat sacrificed to idols is sin, even if Paul didn't. For Paul to eat, he would not be sinning, but to the one who thought it sinful, if they ate, doing what they believed to be sin, to them it IS sin.

Drinking, for my wife to drink, this is not sin, she is permitted. For me, if I drink, it is sin, I am not permitted. All in faith. It's not the meat, it's not the drink, it's righteousness, what we believe about it, and how we act, given that belief.

Much love!

marks · Jul 6, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
They have determined it to be a disfellowshipping offense among us witnesses of Jehovah. I do not disagree with their decision to do so maam.

Am I understanding rightly, that you will disfellowship someone for smoking or drinking? Even when we're talking about moderate behavior?

Much love!

Robert Gwin · Jul 7, 2021

Backlit said:
You cannot discern from scripture the plan of redemption, and who will be saved and who lost?

"There is none righteous, no not one". So how does one become righteous... Even more than the Pharisees... To get a pass?

Through the blood sacrifice of Jesus sir. Our responsibility is to do the will of Jehovah, Jesus said it is they that would receive everlasting life in the Kingdom of God. Mat 7:21-23

The first step of everlasting life is found at John 17:3, we have to come to know God and Jesus, we do this by taking in knowledge of them. If I can be of help, please feel free to ask. We offer Bible studies, and I will be glad to have one with you.

Robert Gwin · Jul 7, 2021

marks said:
I prefer the KJV. I've found that this is the translation where I find the fewest instances where, as I'm reading, I find places where I have to stop and remember, the Greek reads such-and-such.

So many translations get so interpretive as to make the text virtually unrecognizable. I prefer the Majority Manuscript first, second to the the Received Text. I can't really read the NIV, for instance, I'm constantly stopping as I'm seeing the ways they translate.

The KJV NT reads most like the Greek text to me, so I stick with that.

Yes, of course. And that person who might be stumbled by Paul eating meat, it would be so because that person felt eating meat sacrificed to idols is sin, even if Paul didn't. For Paul to eat, he would not be sinning, but to the one who thought it sinful, if they ate, doing what they believed to be sin, to them it IS sin.

Drinking, for my wife to drink, this is not sin, she is permitted. For me, if I drink, it is sin, I am not permitted. All in faith. It's not the meat, it's not the drink, it's righteousness, what we believe about it, and how we act, given that belief.

Much love!

There are many versions of the Bible for sure Marks, the great thing is that although every one of them use different words in translation, God's message remains unaltered. Pick the Bible you best understand is a great philosophy, as you can find truth in most any of them. I too do not like the NIV as they have removed God's name for a novice to observe. Is this dangerous? Of course, one must call upon His name for salvation Rom 10:13. In fact, if you can keep the name of someone from someone, then the two will never become friends. Isn't that interesting?

Robert Gwin · Jul 7, 2021

marks said:
Am I understanding rightly, that you will disfellowship someone for smoking or drinking? Even when we're talking about moderate behavior?

Much love!

Smoking, yes. Drinking, no. Drunkards, yes.

Brakelite · Jul 7, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
Through the blood sacrifice of Jesus sir. Our responsibility is to do the will of Jehovah, Jesus said it is they that would receive everlasting life in the Kingdom of God. Mat 7:21-23

The first step of everlasting life is found at John 17:3, we have to come to know God and Jesus, we do this by taking in knowledge of them. If I can be of help, please feel free to ask. We offer Bible studies, and I will be glad to have one with you.

Uh, no thanks. I've been sharing the gospel and the biblical doctrine of the full divinity of Christ and His part in the Godhead with Witnesses for over 40 years. A Bible study now isn't going to change what I have already accepted as Truth.

marks · Jul 7, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
Smoking, yes. Drinking, no. Drunkards, yes.

And again your Scripture foundation for kicking someone out of your church for smoking cigarettes is . . . what again?

Are you looking at 1 Corinthians 3, where God tells us that dividing the body is destroying it, and if you do that, God will destroy you? That's where most people go to condemn smoking, but the passage isn't about that. Did you have another one in mind?

Much love!

marks · Jul 7, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
Our responsibility is to do the will of Jehovah, Jesus said it is they that would receive everlasting life in the Kingdom of God. Mat 7:21-23

I believe any true and honest study of the Bible shows without question that Jesus Christ is YHWH. I too would be happy to share with you my reasons.

I've found that any disagreement over the understanding of Scripture, if discussed in fairness and honesty (if not you never reach the conclusion), ends when either one party discovers a truth they didn't understand before, or one party says of a passage in particular, Yes, is SAYS that, but what it MEANS is, and they will go on to say how it doesn't mean what it says.

In some cases, the words are pointed to as symbolic prophecy, but in cases of doctrine, and Who Jesus is, I find we have more sure words.

Much love!

forever · Jul 7, 2021

Robert Gwin said:
The Bible does not mention smoking, or other means of using tobacco. However, it contains principles showing that God does not approve of unhealthy and unclean habits and thus views smoking as a sin.

Respect for life. “God . . . gives to all people life and breath.” (Acts 17:24, 25) Since life is a gift from God, we should not do anything that would shorten our life, such as smoking. Smoking is one of the main causes of preventable death worldwide.

Love of neighbor. “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Smoking around others does not show love. Those who are routinely subjected to secondhand smoke are at higher risk of some of the same diseases that smokers often suffer from.

The need to be holy. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” (Romans 12:1) “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Smoking is unnatural and incompatible with being holy—that is, clean and pure—because tobacco users intentionally consume toxins that seriously damage their body.

How do you feel about it?

honey i smoke until this very day and not little
wut? i can hit the vodka regularly
do i care ?
no

.. but what i do care about is that i feel dirty in this body
it is appalling .. it is a neverending dumb silly and stinking curse
- and i m not talking about not showering

and i never understood
until i understood that God feels the same about 'the soul imprisoned in this body'

... we use to think 'that God made this body'... but nothing is further from the truth

He considers "our soul pulluted : because of having come in CONTACT with this body"
that is the sin
in Hag. 2 that is very clear [but in many other prophets too]
about "the meat touching the robe"
but if you look up the hebrew text it writes -nphsh 'soul'
.. so the sóul becomes unclean by touching [=being born] in this body

please forget all the other type 'sins'.. they dont matter really ...

Is smoking a sin?

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