Question: Do you feel that chewing tobacco or dipping snuff is wrong? Intro: The Bible does not specifically mention tobacco or its use. Therefore the question must be answered by the application of principles that are contained in the Bible. 1. The use of tobacco is harmful to one's body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease and cancer. The apostle Paul taught Christians that their bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19,20; Rom. 12:1). 2. The use of tobacco is an offensive habit. Chewing and dipping with appropriate spitting have an offensive smell as well as appearance. Matt. 7:12. 3. The tobacco habit is an expensive habit. Often users will spend money on tobacco before groceries, medical care, or spiritual matters receive consideration. (1 Cor.4:2- Stewards ought to use wisely that which is intrusted to their care.) 4. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is that of example. Can you picture Jesus dipping snuff or chewing tobacco? The practice could easily "turn off" one from any thing you would like to teach him about his soul. 1 Cor 10:32,33: "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." Conclu: David Lipscomb (Q & A, p. 693): "To me, it would be a sin to use tobacco. I regard it as a filthy, useless habit that injures many and does few any good...". Question #50: If you chew tobacco, dip snuff or smoke cigarettes will you go to hell? Intro: The Bible does not specifically mention tobacco or its use. Therefore the question must be answered by the application of principles that are contained in the Bible. 1. The use of tobacco is harmful to one's body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease and cancer. Fifty years of medical research provides overwhelming evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, cancer of the larynx, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It has been linked to coronary artery disease, oral cancer, peptic ulcer, carcinoma of the bladder and cirrhosis of the liver. The death rate for smokers is about 70 percent higher than for non-smokers. The apostle Paul taught Christians that their bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19,20; Rom. 12:1). Not only is smoking harmful to the health of the use, but also to the health of those around him. Non-smokers often suffer from the second hand smoke which they must inhale from the smoker. It's not unusual to see a young mother smoking, with several small children forced to breath her second hand cigarette smoke. But the ad assures them, "You've come a long way, Baby." 2. The use of tobacco is an offensive habit. Smoking, chewing and dipping with appropriate spitting have an offensive smell as well as appearance. Matt. 7:12. 3. The tobacco habit is an expensive habit. Often users will spend money on tobacco before groceries, medical care, or spiritual matters receive consideration. (1 Cor.4:2- Stewards ought to use wisely that which is intrusted to their care.) 4. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is that of example. The practice could easily "turn off" one from any thing you would like to teach him about his soul. 1 Cor 10:32,33: "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." Paul said, "that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. A Christian who smokes cannot exert the best influence on others. Even many who are not Christians frown upon the use of tobacco. In that case a Christian who smokes would definitely hurt his potential influence upon reaching that non-Christian with the Gospel. (Rom.12:1,2). 5. Many times a decision can be made regarding right and wrong by asking the question, What would Jesus do? Can you picture Jesus smoking, dipping, or chewing as He invites all to come unto Him, Come learn of me? "O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to ward. O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart." Conclu: David Lipscomb (Q & A, p. 693): "To me, it would be a sin to use tobacco. I regard it as a filthy, useless habit that injures many and does few any good...". (source consulted: Jimmy Thomas, Ask and the Bible Answers, p.87)