Is smoking pot a sin? - Page 6

dumplingsteven · 02-17-2009, 08:46 PM

but what if the laws given by the government contradict themselves..

jamesglewisf · 02-17-2009, 10:20 PM

That's for the courts to decide, not you. If you want to know whether it is legal or not, go light one up in a police station. If you get arrested, then it is a sin.

Again, you are trying to figure out how to do something that you know is a sin. Quit it. As Jesus would say, "Go and sin no more."

dumplingsteven · 02-18-2009, 12:14 PM

it is legal here in the US as long as you have a card the authorities cant do anything.. and another thing is what if you smoke in a country that considers it legal is it still a sin?

jamesglewisf · 02-18-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesglewisf

Here is the problem ya'll. I am not omnicient. Only God is. But I've read the entire Bible, all the way through, over 10 times in the past 15 years. I have studied it. I have read commentaries on it. I have listened to some of the best preachers in the United States teach on it. I have scoured the internet about it. And I can assure you that there is no place in the Bible where God says it is right or wrong to smoke pot. Similarly, there is no place in the Bible where God says it is right or wrong to drink alcohol. Since there is no specific prohibition or commandment regarding pot, you just have to make sure there isn't some other prohibition or commandment that is related.

There are three other related commandments - 1. Don't get drunk. (Eph 5:18) 2. Be controlled by the Holy Spirit. (Eph 5:18) 3. And obey the government. (Rom 13:1) You can make an argument that don't get drunk and be controlled by the Holy Spirit are subjective, but obey the government is objective. There is no doubt that smoking pot is against the law. Therefore, it is a sin.

As soon as it becomes legal, then you can argue with your Creator whether or not you are violating the first two. All I can tell you is that He said to Be holy (Lev 11:44). Not kinda holy. Not somewhat holy. But be holy. That means we don't scoot our toes up as close to the line as possible. That means we avoid even the appearance of sin. It means we stay as far away from the line as possible.

There is this mentality in mankind that says, "How far can I go before it is sin?" That isn't the question that God wants you to ask. You are supposed to flee immorality (1 Cor 6:18), not scoot up next to it.

As I said, if it isn't illegal, it is between you and God on the other two commandments in Scripture. I'm leaning toward holiness. You do what you want.

Dude111 · 02-18-2009, 05:37 PM

Whats the big thrill of smoking this anyway??

(My friends were doing it one time and i took a puff (BURNED MY THROAT -- Wont do that again!!))

Ivy · 02-18-2009, 06:12 PM

I'm glad I'm old fashioned. Also glad neither of my kids ever wanted to try it. They were typical college kids, but never went that route. Thank God!!

I'm not a Bible scholar, but like Jim, have read the Bible a lot and Bible history in college and found it fasinating.

I think overindulgence in anything is wrong, and according to some scriptures, a sin.

Dude111 · 02-19-2009, 02:04 PM

I think burning my throat was a sign for me not to ever try it again!! (Cause i have no desire to)

hotroyalty · 06-08-2009, 04:43 PM

we memorize them all.

ohioan · 06-26-2009, 04:13 PM

You know, there are many, many things that are illegal in this country that are not illegal in other countries (think third world). Does that mean that anything not explicitly listed in the Bible and not explicitly listed as "sin" in the Bible is completely and utterly without consequence just because it isn't "illegal"? (The answer that should have popped into your mind is "no") Just because you can't find the word "pot" in the Bible (notice that cigarettes are not in there, neither is PCP, ecstasy, metamphetamine, etc.) does not mean that there isn't clear guidance to those who are willing to listen to it. If you search the Bible looking for only what you want to see, then you'll only read what you want to believe. And, while you may be "saved," you clearly are not able to consecrate yourself as we are called to do in I Pet. 1:15-16 "But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy."

We should all know at least to steer clear of anything that invites doubt into our minds (as in you aren't sure one way or the other). The honest truth is that God does have an opinion on this topic, as He does on all others. But here we sit, quibbling about what He thinks when we purposely ingest or smoke substances that alter our minds and reduce our self control. Not only does "pot" affect your senses, it can also make you feel paranoid. Alcohol is similar (however, in this country, it is now legal) in that it changes your ability to accurately perceive things.
**As a side note, alcohol was, at one time, illegal in this country. Was it then sin during those years only? Do you think that God's opinion on mind-altering substances changes with our laws?**

Self-control is a necessary part of a believer's life as it is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23) and it protects us from temptation (I Cor. 7:5, II Pet. 1:5-11). Anything that we eat, drink, or smoke that negatively affects our ability to perceive, react, or control ourselves is therefore against the will of God for a person's life. Living a holy life (Lev. 11:44-45, Rev. 22:11) is not something that we can do apart from God. We require His grace in our lives to live a life outside of the desires of the flesh, but He is faithful to help us (Phil 1:6) as we live lives that are pleasing to Him. Of course, as this process takes place and we become more set apart (by our actions, not just our words) then OTHERS will notice and wonder why and how we are able to live in such a way.

On the other hand, you can "get saved" and attempt to "blend in" with the world. It's been done before, so you won't even get any "originality points," but hey, at least it won't have "cost" you anything during your brief time on this earth. So you've always got that option...

Dude111 · 06-29-2009, 06:46 AM

Welcome to the site my friend

METALWORKSGRAPH · 07-02-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnceByten

DO you think smoking pot is a sin?

I don't want to debate the legalities of it.

I havea friend that is a good Christian, he goes to church every week, meets outside the church to study the bible, is a great husband and father. BUT, he is social pot smoker.

Does this decrease his chances of getting into heaven??

jamesglewisf · 07-02-2009, 06:19 PM

Going to heaven has nothing to do with going to church every week, studying the Bible, or smoking pot. You don't get into heaven based upon your performance because unforgiven sinners are not allowed in heaven. Since every man is a sinner, no one can get in based upon his own good or bad works. The way you get into heaven is believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and that he rose from the dead to secure a place in heaven for you.

That said, you don't get to just have part of Jesus. You get all of him or none of him. He is the Lord God, not just some good guy. So, if you truly are a Christian, then you will still sin, but you should sin less and be quicker to repent of it. It sounds like your friend has a blind spot about being a pot smoker. If he knew it was a sin and openly continued doing it, then I would question whether he was really a Christian or not. The good news is that if he is truly a Christian (and he probably is), then God will punish him for smoking pot. He promises that he will chasten his children because he loves them - the same reason that we chasten our own children.

You cannot ignore the legality of something if you are a Christian. If it is illegal, it is a sin to do it. We are commanded by God to obey the laws of our government unless they contradict God's law.

jamesglewisf · 07-02-2009, 06:21 PM

And to an earlier post - if it is legal to smoke pot in your country, then you are not breaking the law to smoke pot. For that reason, it would not be a sin. But it is a sin to not be controlled by the Holy Spirit. If you are smoking pot, you are not in control of the Holy Spirit, so it is still a sin, even if it is legal in your country. But if it is illegal in your country, then it is doubly a sin. The sin is breaking the law, regardless of how you do it or where you do it. You are supposed to obey the laws where you are.

Dude111 · 07-02-2009, 07:41 PM

Why would anyone want to Jim??

One time when i was @ a friends house they were all smoking it and offered me some,I TOOK ONE LITTLE PUFF AND MY THROAT WAS BURNING!!

I wont ever do that again!! (Perhaps that was a sign from above to not get involved in this)

guarddog · 07-29-2009, 01:11 AM

The singular act of smoking pot is not a sin, but a life revolving around the next toke is sinful. Pot isn't the only thing that isn't inherently evil but can be used to live a sinful lifestyle. Gluttony in any form is a sin, we humans can take anything that our God blessed us with and turn it into an idol. I say fast from food, drink, and anything you consume, because the only thing we need is the Holy Spirit, the rest is just part of the physical world and doesn't last, sacrifice the idols to God.

02-17-2009, 08:46 PM	#76
dumplingsteven Smart Feller Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4	i.c. but what if the laws given by the government contradict themselves..

02-17-2009, 10:20 PM	#77
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,401	That's for the courts to decide, not you. If you want to know whether it is legal or not, go light one up in a police station. If you get arrested, then it is a sin. Again, you are trying to figure out how to do something that you know is a sin. Quit it. As Jesus would say, "Go and sin no more." __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

02-18-2009, 12:14 PM	#78
dumplingsteven Smart Feller Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4	no, see it is legal here in the US as long as you have a card the authorities cant do anything.. and another thing is what if you smoke in a country that considers it legal is it still a sin?

06-26-2009, 04:13 PM	#84
ohioan Smart Feller Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1	You know, there are many, many things that are illegal in this country that are not illegal in other countries (think third world). Does that mean that anything not explicitly listed in the Bible and not explicitly listed as "sin" in the Bible is completely and utterly without consequence just because it isn't "illegal"? (The answer that should have popped into your mind is "no") Just because you can't find the word "pot" in the Bible (notice that cigarettes are not in there, neither is PCP, ecstasy, metamphetamine, etc.) does not mean that there isn't clear guidance to those who are willing to listen to it. If you search the Bible looking for only what you want to see, then you'll only read what you want to believe. And, while you may be "saved," you clearly are not able to consecrate yourself as we are called to do in I Pet. 1:15-16 "But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy." We should all know at least to steer clear of anything that invites doubt into our minds (as in you aren't sure one way or the other). The honest truth is that God does have an opinion on this topic, as He does on all others. But here we sit, quibbling about what He thinks when we purposely ingest or smoke substances that alter our minds and reduce our self control. Not only does "pot" affect your senses, it can also make you feel paranoid. Alcohol is similar (however, in this country, it is now legal) in that it changes your ability to accurately perceive things. As a side note, alcohol was, at one time, illegal in this country. Was it then sin during those years only? Do you think that God's opinion on mind-altering substances changes with our laws? Self-control is a necessary part of a believer's life as it is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23) and it protects us from temptation (I Cor. 7:5, II Pet. 1:5-11). Anything that we eat, drink, or smoke that negatively affects our ability to perceive, react, or control ourselves is therefore against the will of God for a person's life. Living a holy life (Lev. 11:44-45, Rev. 22:11) is not something that we can do apart from God. We require His grace in our lives to live a life outside of the desires of the flesh, but He is faithful to help us (Phil 1:6) as we live lives that are pleasing to Him. Of course, as this process takes place and we become more set apart (by our actions, not just our words) then OTHERS will notice and wonder why and how we are able to live in such a way. On the other hand, you can "get saved" and attempt to "blend in" with the world. It's been done before, so you won't even get any "originality points," but hey, at least it won't have "cost" you anything during your brief time on this earth. So you've always got that option... Last edited by ohioan; 06-26-2009 at 04:15 PM. Reason: typo

07-02-2009, 06:19 PM	#87
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,401	Going to heaven has nothing to do with going to church every week, studying the Bible, or smoking pot. You don't get into heaven based upon your performance because unforgiven sinners are not allowed in heaven. Since every man is a sinner, no one can get in based upon his own good or bad works. The way you get into heaven is believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and that he rose from the dead to secure a place in heaven for you. That said, you don't get to just have part of Jesus. You get all of him or none of him. He is the Lord God, not just some good guy. So, if you truly are a Christian, then you will still sin, but you should sin less and be quicker to repent of it. It sounds like your friend has a blind spot about being a pot smoker. If he knew it was a sin and openly continued doing it, then I would question whether he was really a Christian or not. The good news is that if he is truly a Christian (and he probably is), then God will punish him for smoking pot. He promises that he will chasten his children because he loves them - the same reason that we chasten our own children. You cannot ignore the legality of something if you are a Christian. If it is illegal, it is a sin to do it. We are commanded by God to obey the laws of our government unless they contradict God's law. __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

02-18-2009, 05:37 PM	#80
Dude111 An Awesome Dude Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,844	Whats the big thrill of smoking this anyway?? (My friends were doing it one time and i took a puff (BURNED MY THROAT -- Wont do that again!!))

02-18-2009, 06:12 PM	#81
Ivy Fart Smeller Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 12	I'm glad I'm old fashioned. Also glad neither of my kids ever wanted to try it. They were typical college kids, but never went that route. Thank God!! I'm not a Bible scholar, but like Jim, have read the Bible a lot and Bible history in college and found it fasinating. I think overindulgence in anything is wrong, and according to some scriptures, a sin.

02-19-2009, 02:04 PM	#82
Dude111 An Awesome Dude Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,844	I think burning my throat was a sign for me not to ever try it again!! (Cause i have no desire to)

06-08-2009, 04:43 PM	#83
hotroyalty Smart Feller Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	we memorize them all.

06-29-2009, 06:46 AM	#85
Dude111 An Awesome Dude Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,844	Welcome to the site my friend

07-02-2009, 06:21 PM	#88
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,401	And to an earlier post - if it is legal to smoke pot in your country, then you are not breaking the law to smoke pot. For that reason, it would not be a sin. But it is a sin to not be controlled by the Holy Spirit. If you are smoking pot, you are not in control of the Holy Spirit, so it is still a sin, even if it is legal in your country. But if it is illegal in your country, then it is doubly a sin. The sin is breaking the law, regardless of how you do it or where you do it. You are supposed to obey the laws where you are. __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

07-02-2009, 07:41 PM	#89
Dude111 An Awesome Dude Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,844	Why would anyone want to Jim?? One time when i was @ a friends house they were all smoking it and offered me some,I TOOK ONE LITTLE PUFF AND MY THROAT WAS BURNING!! I wont ever do that again!! (Perhaps that was a sign from above to not get involved in this)

07-29-2009, 01:11 AM	#90
guarddog Smart Feller Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3	no The singular act of smoking pot is not a sin, but a life revolving around the next toke is sinful. Pot isn't the only thing that isn't inherently evil but can be used to live a sinful lifestyle. Gluttony in any form is a sin, we humans can take anything that our God blessed us with and turn it into an idol. I say fast from food, drink, and anything you consume, because the only thing we need is the Holy Spirit, the rest is just part of the physical world and doesn't last, sacrifice the idols to God.