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,^[a] 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.