Interesting Questions-132
On smoking and drinking alcoholic
beverages
Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, September 2000, p.2
I RECENTLY RECEIVED a copy of Pasugo
from my best friend. The articles were so informative, inspiring,
and enlightening. I have two questions though. Is it a sin in
the sight of God to smoke? Does the Bible prohibit drinking
alcoholic beverages even without getting drunk?
Lawrence Cardinal
Baguio City, Philippines
Editor's reply:
People are responsible both to God and
to themselves to take care of their physical bodies which they
present when they serve the Lord. Hence, it is wrong to harmful
substances such as nicotine and alcohol.
Many studies have been made by medical
experts conclusively proving that one of the culprits of chronic and
fatal diseases is nicotine. Little by little, nicotine affects the
functioning of the heart and lungs, ultimately resulting in
premature death because of the failure of the systems in the human
body. Cancer is also one of the disastrous consequences of nicotine
intake.
This is why members of the Iglesia ni
Cristo are advised to stop smoking to avoid its dreadful
consequences. To the early Christians, Apostle Paul said:
“Now may the God of peace Himself
sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body
be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I
Thess. 5:23, New King James Version)
With regard to drinking alcoholic
beverages, the Lord Jesus Christ gave this warning:
“Be careful, or your hearts will be
weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of
life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” (Lk.
21:34, New International Version)
We should not fall into drunkenness as
it endangers our salvation. The apostles likewise admonished the
first Christians not to get drunk on wine because drunkenness leads
to debauchery (Eph. 5:18). This is one of the reasons why
no drunkards will inherit the
kingdom
of God
(I Cor. 6:9-10).
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for
that is debauchery; but ever be filled
and stimulated
with the [Holy] Spirit.
Eph. 5:18, Amplified Bible)
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous
will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,
nor sodomites,
10 nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit
the kingdom of God.
(I Cor. 6:9-10, NKJV)
The Bible describes wine as a mocker and
beer a brawler and those who are lead astray by them are not wise
(Prov. 20:1). Thus, the Holy Scriptures teaches that we should not
associate with drunkards (Prov.
23:20).
Wine is
a mocker,
Strong drink
is a
brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
(Prov. 20:1, NKJV)
Be not among drunkards
or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
(Prov.
23:20, English Standard Version)
Since being drunk with alcohol begins
with the intake of alcoholic beverages, it would be best for one to
refrain from drinking so as not to fall into drunkenness which will
jeopardize his salvation.
___________________
Note: Some cited verses are
printed in full to facilitate study.
Bible Study
Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free
to visit the
Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or
an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question
you have in mind. For the latest Worship Service Directory of
Iglesia ni Cristo Locales and Congregations outside the Philippines,
please visit www.iglesianicristoworshipservice.com or just click
link at home page.