What does the Bible say about marijuana?

[glad4mercy]

Do you guy's really think I would be denied fellowship over saying something such as I've said in this thread? Really? And I'm compared to a stumbling drunk?

If so I would ask how many fornicators are allowed fellowship in your churches? How many adulterers are allowed fellowship eh? You know the ones that have been divorced and remarried, some more than once just because they were "unhappy and unfulfilled"? I wonder how many don't see anything wrong with drinking a few beers on Friday night and showing up bright and early on Sunday for worship?
How many gossips do you have? How many liars? I'm sure not everyone who comes to worship is in excellent shape and you have some overweight people there. Where do you draw the line of healthy eater who eats a little too much and glutton and do you tell the one you deem a glutton that they aren't welcome to fellowship?

Fornication, adultery, lying, and gossip cannot be compared to eating a hamburger. You see eating one hamburger is not a sin, ( I would think that one beer is not a sin either even though I am an abstainer). Yet if we think we can go around fornicating, or lying, or gossipping, ( whether all the time or only occasionally, it doesnt matter) and still say we are walking with God, we are sadly mistaken. These are not things that are lawful, (but not expedient), like hamburgers, they are not things we need to exercise moderation in, these four things you mentioned are out and out sins that break God's heart.

I know you don't mean what you said the way I am answering it, Brian. I am only saying this to make the distinction between three things...

1. that which is lawful, but not expedient.
2. that which is lawful if practiced in moderation.
3. that which is sinful in and of itself and to be completely avoided

with respect and regards
Glad4mercy.

[BrianW]

Exactly. I agree with you.

[-SEEKING-]

Sure got pretty exciting in here.

[Sojourner55]

First, remember that not everything we should consider ungodly is so specifically described in Scripture. I can't think of a single passage that directly addresses the sexual abuse of a child, but I know instinctively that it's wrong. And yes, there is a vast difference between that and smoking pot, but the right/wrong principle is the same. The point is, we cannot give something a pass because it is not directly referred to in Scripture.

Secondly, we should consider the lesson inherent in what Paul taught regarding the eating of food that had been sacrificed to idols in 1 Cor 10:23-33. He said all things are permissable, but not all things are expedient in our walk with God and witness. We may not see a particular thing as a big deal, or even feel convicted about condoning it. Yet we are held to a higher standard as mature Christians, and should avoid even the appearance of impropriety, for the sake of those around us. As Paul taught, just because we can, doesn't mean we should. And moreover, because our bodies have become the property of our God, we need to forego what we may think is acceptable, in deference to what the Spirit tells us--thereby avoiding the error of grieving or quenching the Spirit.

Third, we become a new creature in Christ, and are called on to leave the old, worldly things behind. We are not to conform to the world's standards, but to the Lord's. Would Jesus roll up a doobie and smoke it with us? No? Then why should we feel comfortable doing something we know He wouldn't--whether it is deemed legal or not.

Fourth, remember that old, worldly habits can be just the compromise that can be used as a foothold by Satan and his minions to separate us from our devotion to God. It has happened many times in the history of the Church, to many once-godly people--including prominent ministers of the Gospel. "Give no place to the Devil."

Like I said, I used to be a pothead, and nobody enjoyed getting high more than me. (Still, I wish I had all the money today, that I wasted on it). And to be honest, I don't think there is anything inherently evil in it, even today. It is, after all, something the Lord made to grow out of the ground. However, like poppy plants and tobacco, there are both good and bad ways to use it--just as great harm has been done in the lives of people because of all three of these things. Bottom line: is the recreational use of marijuana something we should bring into our new life in Christ--or is it a conformance with the world that we should leave behind? Just my two cents.

[glad4mercy]

Exactly. I agree with you.

Great. Personally, I would put smoking pot in the third category, based on scriptural principles about being sound minded and sober, etc. I also would say that the Bible doesnt say that listening to certain kinds of music or watching certain kinds of movies, or TV shows, etc ( to name a few) are sinful, but principles in the Bible let us now they are.( whatsoever things are good, pure, etc...) I think it would be highly sinful of me to go back to listening to satanic Death Metal again.

So there are many things that the Bible doesnt mention by name or say that they are sinful, yet we know that they are sinful, or lead to sin based on scriptural principles.

[glad4mercy]

First, remember that not everything we should consider ungodly is so specifically described in Scripture. I can't think of a single passage that directly addresses the sexual abuse of a child, but I know instinctively that it's wrong. And yes, there is a vast difference between that and smoking pot, but the right/wrong principle is the same. The point is, we cannot give something a pass because it is not directly referred to in Scripture.

Secondly, we should consider the lesson inherent in what Paul taught regarding the eating of food that had been sacrificed to idols in 1 Cor 10:23-33. He said all things are permissable, but not all things are expedient in our walk with God and witness. We may not see a particular thing as a big deal, or even feel convicted about condoning it. Yet we are held to a higher standard as mature Christians, and should avoid even the appearance of impropriety, for the sake of those around us. As Paul taught, just because we can, doesn't mean we should. And moreover, because our bodies have become the property of our God, we need to forego what we may think is acceptable, in deference to what the Spirit tells us--thereby avoiding the error of grieving or quenching the Spirit.

Third, we become a new creature in Christ, and are called on to leave the old, worldly things behind. We are not to conform to the world's standards, but to the Lord's. Would Jesus roll up a doobie and smoke it with us? No? Then why should we feel comfortable doing something we know He wouldn't--whether it is deemed legal or not.

Fourth, remember that old, worldly habits can be just the compromise that can be used as a foothold by Satan and his minions to separate us from our devotion to God. It has happened many times in the history of the Church, to many once-godly people--including prominent ministers of the Gospel. "Give no place to the Devil."

Like I said, I used to be a pothead, and nobody enjoyed getting high more than me. (Still, I wish I had all the money today, that I wasted on it). And to be honest, I don't think there is anything inherently evil in it, even today. It is, after all, something the Lord made to grow out of the ground. However, like poppy plants and tobacco, there are both good and bad ways to use it--just as great harm has been done in the lives of people because of all three of these things. Bottom line: is the recreational use of marijuana something we should bring into our new life in Christ--or is it a conformance with the world that we should leave behind? Just my two cents.

Awesome post. ( 15 chars)

[Jemand]

2 Peter 1:1. Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
3. as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4. by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
6. to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
7. to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
8. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
11. for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12. Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. (NKJV)

[BrianW]

What I'm about to write certainly isn't meant to reflect upon anyone in this thread simply because I don't personally know anybody in this thread. It instead references Christians that I've met, interacted with and had fellowship with in my journey to increase my faith and knowledge and grow my love of the Lord.

It seems strange to me that most of these people I've met, and some of them are still great friends of mine, would (If we discussed it) and some have said (When we've discussed it) it's such a horrible thing for a Christian (Me) to say or even think that marijuana isn't inherently sinful. Of course a couple have agreed with me when it came up.

Some of these same Christians ( Of the first type) see nothing wrong with people who sit in front of a television and watch the filth that spews out of it. Maybe because they sit and watch the same junk programing. Television in and of itself isn't inherently sinful but some of the programing seems to me to be just poison for the mind and the heart. Your body is a temple. If you can't keep your body and mind clean....well you know the rest eh? ( Yes I have other pastor friends who have stood at the pulpit and gave the message of Quit Poisoning Your Mind With This Junk!)
I've sat with pastors that will argue all day long that drinking alcohol is a sin but I've sat with these same pastors-while on a trip-as they knocked back a couple with the attitude of "It's not an unforgivable sin." ( I do not think that drinking alcohol is a sin but I haven't touched a drop myself for many years for my own reasons.)
Gluttony is a sin but I see fat preachers and Christians all of the time. I'm still way fatter than I should be myself (Though I am working to correct that) but I don't see them preaching against it. Your body is a temple. If you can't keep control of yourself and keep your temple in good shape.....well you know the rest eh?

I could give more examples but I think that will do.

I don't judge the differences in these things but will give my opinion if asked.

What am I trying to say here? Something along the lines of:

Romans 14:1-4

New King James Version (NKJV)
The Law of Liberty

14 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.


I don't think that this scripture speaks only about meat. Do you?

I previously posted in the thread

Please understand this: I'm not advocating the use of pot in any way shape or form. It's recreational use is illegal in my country and medicinal use is illegal in my state. If I never used it again (And I won't as long as it's still illegal ) I wouldn't feel like I missed out or was denied anything. The question was was it a sin and I gave my personal opinion in trying to answer that question. I am -not- advocating it's use for others in any way shape or form.

And I meant that. Just the same way I mean what I say when I say that I do not see marijuana as being inherently sinful. Disagree with me? Cool. That's why we discuss things. If you prove me wrong? Cool. I've been wrong before and am not ashamed to admit I could be wrong about things in the future. The primary purpose of my being here on this board is to learn and grow.

I also remember something along the lines of: It's not what goes into the body that defiles it but what comes out that defiles it. Mark 7:15

[Jemand]

I am not overweight, I have never smoked anything, I do not watch the filth that is on television or at the cinema, I have not consumed so much as one drop of alcohol since the day that I was saved (except when partaking of the Eucharist in churches that use wine rather than grape juice), I obey all traffic laws and never use profanity (not even such words as ‘heck,’ ‘gosh’ or ‘darn’) when other drivers do not obey the law or fail to be courteous of me. I have no tattoos or body piercings, I am not divorced, I do not look at pornography, and I do not eat cheeseburgers or fresh fries. Moreover, I do not address fat pastors as “Pastor” or “Reverend,” let alone defile myself by sitting in a pew in their churches. But the fact that other Christians sin is no excuse for me to sin. God has blessed me with far better things to do than smoke a joint—and I do not believe that God has singled me out. When we yield to the Holy Spirit and love God with the totality of our being, and love others as we love ourselves, there is very little room for sin in our lives. I do, however, occasionally begin a sentence with a conjunction and sometimes I split infinites.

Perhaps some readers missed post #52 in this thread, so I shall post it again,


2 Peter 1:1. Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
3. as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4. by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
6. to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
7. to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
8. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
11. for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12. Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. (NKJV)

[BrianW]

Good for you (And I mean that sincerely-no sarcasm intended. Just saying this to be sure you know I mean it.)

I would like to point out though that the brothers and sisters I mentioned as examples in my last post are still my brothers and sisters in Christ and I love them dearly. The good Lord knows that I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I hold to His promise that I will be sanctified and perfected some day.

I've sat and listened to more than one pastor who was on the larger side give fantastic messages of hope and grace. Could they stand to lose a few? Yep. Does it make them unworthy? I don't think so and I fervently hope that no one interpreted what I wrote in my last post as saying that or that I meant that by any of my examples.
I need to lose a few myself and am working on it.

I believe that we all have our own "thorns in the flesh" that are real and that some of us have experienced others trying to put thorns unto or into us. They should deal with their own thorns instead if they have any. And while they are at it they should be checking their eyes for planks as well.

Those who have been born again all run the race to win but we aren't competing against each other because there isn't just one winner in this race. I've stumbled myself and needed a passing brother to reach out his hand to steady me just as I've reached out and steadied others. That's what brothers do for each other right?

The scripture you have posted is the standard we all should strive for I agree. "be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure" is fantastic. No argument there.

I personally hope I never forget to keep adding to the "brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." as well.

[Sojourner55]

Hi Brian,
Just to make sure there are no misunderstandings, please don't take anything I've said as being judgmental. Lord knows, I'm far too busy working on my own numerous faults and shortcomings to be casting dispersions on you or anyone else. I really don't think anyone else was, either--though it might seem that way. Actually, I think you deserve as much credit for being honest, as you do an exhortation to distance yourself from an element of the world. After all, there are probably hypocrites who do smoke pot, hoping no one finds out about it. Saying you would use it if it were legal is far better than such hypocrisy. (I've never understood sneaky Christians who worry about everyone's opinion except the only One that really counts--the One Who sees it all!

Everything I said, was intended to express my Biblical perspective of marijuana use--not to condemn anyone who chooses to use it. As much as I used to love it, it's now represents to me, a conformance to the world, rather than to Christ, and is better left "BC." Anyway, it looked to me like you may have felt people were judging you, and I didn't want you to feel that way. But remember, Paul didn't hesitate to call Peter out when he felt he was in the wrong; and we are indeed instructed to be concerned about possible compromises that can hurt our brethren. So, please take what I said in a Spirit of love, rather than judgment.

[BrianW]

No worries brother. You and others wrote your honest thoughts and opinions about the issue as did I. That's one of the main reasons this forum exists I think. And I thank God for it.

[glad4mercy]

Hi Brian,
Just to make sure there are no misunderstandings, please don't take anything I've said as being judgmental. Lord knows, I'm far too busy working on my own numerous faults and shortcomings to be casting dispersions on you or anyone else. I really don't think anyone else was, either--though it might seem that way. Actually, I think you deserve as much credit for being honest, as you do an exhortation to distance yourself from an element of the world. After all, there are probably hypocrites who do smoke pot, hoping no one finds out about it. Saying you would use it if it were legal is far better than such hypocrisy. (I've never understood sneaky Christians who worry about everyone's opinion except the only One that really counts--the One Who sees it all!

Everything I said, was intended to express my Biblical perspective of marijuana use--not to condemn anyone who chooses to use it. As much as I used to love it, it's now represents to me, a conformance to the world, rather than to Christ, and is better left "BC." Anyway, it looked to me like you may have felt people were judging you, and I didn't want you to feel that way. But remember, Paul didn't hesitate to call Peter out when he felt he was in the wrong; and we are indeed instructed to be concerned about possible compromises that can hurt our brethren. So, please take what I said in a Spirit of love, rather than judgment.

Brian, I also share these sentiments. I did not say the things I said in the spirit of debate or judgement, but was merely sharing my perspective on the matter. I enjoyed our discussion, and I thank you for I learned, ( and was reminded) of a thing or two. God Bless.