Can A Person Be A Smoker & Still Be Saved

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

That's why I quoted that we should all work out our own salvation with God....


Jesus said we are not defiled by what goes into the body and Paul said we can defile the temple, our bodies. How do we harmonize these two statements?

I'd do a word study. If I had time, I'd do it right now, but I don't.

When Paul said "defile the temple" maybe he was referring to the mind? Paul spoke quite often on the mind, and the battlefield of our thought processes.

He also said "Bodily exercise profiteth little", so I don't see him putting an emphasis on the physical.

But, that's just speculation on my part - I would need to study it out further.

I just think Jesus' statements made it crystal clear, at least in my opinion.

[OneAccord]

Not to justify smoking, but, we need to bear in mind that smoking is not just a "habit" like biting fingernails is a habit. Smoking, chewing, dipping is a chemical dependency. Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals known to man. I know its hard for people who have never used tobacco to understand why it is so hard for people to stop the disgusting habit. Its because its not just a habit. I read recently that the chemicals in tobacco products are more addictive than in Meth. Some of the chemicals are naturally occuring, but many are injected into the product to keep people addicted.

I realized that I didn't answer the question. No, I don't think a person will be lost for being chemically dependant on tobacco. However, as they grow in the Lord, I believe the Holy Spirit will 1) convict them for the harm they are doing to themselves and to others, and 2) will "endue them with power from on high" to stop.

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by Sam

14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”
17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:14-23 NKJV

So maybe the question is, Why would someone that has received salvation want to continue in the bondage and addiction that cigarettes bring with their usage?


Whom the son has made free is free indeed!!

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by stmatthew

So maybe the question is, Why would someone that has received salvation want to continue in the bondage and addiction that cigarettes bring with their usage?


Whom the son has made free is free indeed!!

I would agree with this assessment.

However, that wasn't the question of the thread, lol.

[Brad Murphy]

And following the train of thought, after being saved, people should begin to lose weight and start taking better care of their bodies...

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Not to justify smoking, but, we need to bear in mind that smoking is not just a "habit" like biting fingernails is a habit. Smoking, chewing, dipping is a chemical dependency. Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals known to man. I know its hard for people who have never used tobacco to understand why it is so hard for people to stop the disgusting habit. Its because its not just a habit. I read recently that the chemicals in tobacco products are more addictive than in Meth. Some of the chemicals are naturally occuring, but many are injected into the product to keep people addicted.

Originally Posted by stmatthew

So maybe the question is, Why would someone that has received salvation want to continue in the bondage and addiction that cigarettes bring with their usage?


Whom the son has made free is free indeed!!

One mind, and OneAccord!!

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Not to justify smoking, but, we need to bear in mind that smoking is not just a "habit" like biting fingernails is a habit. Smoking, chewing, dipping is a chemical dependency. Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals known to man. I know its hard for people who have never used tobacco to understand why it is so hard for people to stop the disgusting habit. Its because its not just a habit. I read recently that the chemicals in tobacco products are more addictive than in Meth. Some of the chemicals are naturally occuring, but many are injected into the product to keep people addicted.

I don't care if a person is a Christian or an atheist, smoking is one of the most foolish things you can do to your body!

Forget whether it's heaven or hell, it's plain stupid!

I sympathize with those who are addicted, but there are several programs, medications, patches, gums, etc that can help one break free of this.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Brad Murphy

And following the train of thought, after being saved, people should begin to lose weight and start taking better care of their bodies...

Now you're just meddlin'........

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Brad Murphy

And following the train of thought, after being saved, people should begin to lose weight and start taking better care of their bodies...

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

Now you're just meddlin'........

AMEN!!!