Some behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol are deemed as socially and culturally unfit and unacceptable. Additionally, smoking is quite unhealthy and can pose serious health threats. Though we know smoking is culturally unacceptable and unhealthy, is it a sin? Is smoking a sin?
The Bible does not mention or talk about smoking directly. However, several passages in the body talk about taking care of our bodies and guide us as Christians if smoking is right or wrong. Paul tells us in the book of 1st Corinthians 6:12 that everything is permissible, but is everything beneficial? Therefore, as Christians, not all activities that don’t have a ‘sin’ label are good for us.
So, what does the Bible say about smoking? Did people smoke in biblical times? Why do some people believe smoking is a sin? Is occasional smoking a sin? What does the church say about smokers? Does smoking violate your body as the temple of God? Should you smoke as a Christian? Can smokers go to heaven? Can a Christian work where tobacco is sold? How can a Christian quit smoking? What are some bible verses about taking care of your body? Continue reading to get the answers to these questions and more.
What does the Bible say about smoking?
As mentioned above, the Bible does not mention smoking directly. However, several passages guide us on how and why it is essential to take care of our bodies. The book of 1st Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Therefore, the main question should be if smoking actually does glorify God. Everything we do as Christians should bring glory to God. Most importantly, what we do to our bodies. The Bible encourages us to keep our bodies pure as they are a temple of God. Speaking from a societal moral and health point of view, smoking actually ruins your body.
Additionally, the Bible says in 1st Corinthians 10:31, let everything we eat and drink glorify God. If smoking doesn’t, then you should not engage in the activity.

Did people smoke in biblical times?
There is nowhere that the scripture mentions people smoking. The only thing that the scripture talks about is getting drunk. Therefore, there is not enough biblical evidence to ascertain that people smoked during those times. Theologians and bible readers also have limited to no views on whether people smoked during biblical times.
Why do some people believe smoking is a sin?
Some people believe smoking is a sin because though the Bible does not talk about it, it does not glorify God in any way. Theologians from Got Questions Ministries because it does not fit the Bible’s moral standards. Paul tells us in the book of 1st Corinthians 6:12 that though some things are lawful, are they beneficial?
Additionally, the book of 1st Corinthians 6:20 urges us to glorify our bodies because they were paid for by a hefty price. By glorifying our bodies, it means that we need to take care of our bodies and respect them. Only feed them with whatever makes them healthier.
Consequently, the book of 1st Corinthians 10:31 says let everything we eat and drink bring God the glory. Therefore, is smoking beneficial? Does smoking glorify God? Does smoking glorify our bodies? The answer to these questions is no. Therefore, theologians believe it is a sin because it does not meet the above standards.
Is occasional smoking a sin?
There is no direct answer to this question. However, to try to answer it, we can look at Jesus’ view on the equality of all sins. Jesus says just by hating your brother, you have already been killed because all sin is the same before the eyes of God. Therefore, we can conclude that smoking is just smoking, whether occasionally or regularly. However, theologians note that just because a person smokes does not mean they are not saved, nor can it cause one to lose their salvation. From their point of view and Jesus’ description of sins, we can conclude that smoking occasionally is a sin. But just like any other sin, it can be forgiven.
What does the church say about smokers?
Some churches do not have a statement for smokers, while some condemn the activity because it jeopardizes our health. Evangelist Billy Graham notes that it is not a good view for Christians to be viewed as smokers. Therefore, the issue of smoking has been complicated by churches, and they do not have one common stand on it. Some say it is wrong, while others permit it.

Does smoking violate your body as the temple of God?
Because smoking violates our bodies’ health-wise, they violate our bodies as the temple of God too. Harming your body physically might limit you from serving God fully. There is a high possibility that you will develop an illness that will limit you from being fruitful in the kingdom of God. God tells us in the book of 1st Corinthians 3:16-17 that if anyone violates his temple, he will destroy them. Smoking destroys the temple of God.
Should you smoke as a Christian?
Theologians and scholars believe that Christians should not smoke. Smoking does not uphold the righteousness of God, nor does it glorify God. The book of Romans 6:13 says, “Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God, as those who have brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.”
Can smokers go to heaven?
Some bible readers claim that smoking will not prevent you from going to heaven; instead, it can get you there before your time as it poses significant risks to your health. However, there is no biblical proof because smoking can be ruled as a sin according to the biblical moral standards mentioned above. Smoking does not glorify God or take us a step forward in caring for our bodies. The Bible is clear that those who engage in sinful activities won’t see heaven unless they repent. Therefore, smokers who have repented will go to heaven.
Can a Christian work where tobacco is sold?
Similarly, there is no straight answer to this question. This is a matter of conscience and conditioning. Growing up, the cultural and societal setting teaches us that smoking is terrible and immoral. Therefore, those who smoked and drank were considered immoral, and the church viewed them as sinners. Consequently, tobacco does more harm to our bodies. Some scholars believe that working where tobacco is sold is morally wrong because you will push forward items destroying God’s temple and our bodies.

How can a Christian quit smoking?
A Christian can quit smoking. If you are addicted to smoking, the first thing is to admit your struggle and seek help. One of the methods of quitting smoking is going to a rehab center. Additionally, reading the word of God will help you overcome such habits. The scripture says that the word of God is like a double-edged sword and is alive and powerful. Therefore, reading God’s word on why taking care of our bodies is essential will help you quit the habit.
Bible verses about taking care of your body
1st Corinthians 3:16-17 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are temple.” According to this verse, we should take care of our bodies as Christians. We should not engage ourselves in whatever does not add value to our bodies.
1st Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything”. If smoking is addictive, then it becomes a master to the smoker. Though smoking does not have a sin label on it, is it really profitable and helpful? The answer is no.
References
25 Important Bible Verses About Smoking (12 Things To Know)
What is the Christian view of smoking? Is smoking a sin?
Did people smoke during biblical times?
Can smokers still go to heaven?
Church Views on Smoking and Tobacco Usage

As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.