". . . here is my (limited knowledge) definition of sin that I go by: “Any action (or lack of) that a person takes which is in direct contrast to what God has revealed to him or her.â€
". . . I also believe there are several means in which the revelation of God (to include His plan, purpose, and will) may come to an individual (i.e. the bible, intimate prayer, others, and creation itself to name a few). Nonetheless, it becomes a personal revelation, a personal knowledge. And never will any such ‘revelation’ go against who He has revealed Himself to be as declared in His written word."
". . . I think it would be fair to say that we all agree that it is unhealthy, but clearly a sin?"
". . . Because ‘smoking’ is not specifically mentioned in the bible (like murder, theft, immorality, etc.), yet references to ‘health’ are (and those references in no way refer back to an Edenic state), we are challenged with the question, “Is smoking cigarettes a sin?†. . . an action we take that directly contrasts the personal revelation we have of God for our lives (my definition)."
". . . For some it is, for some it’s not. And that depending on what the Lord has personally spoken to that individual. It’s like women using lipstick. Some in the church are adamantly against it. And that’s okay, I have no problem with them or it. In fact, it can further enhance my wife’s beauty.
However, if at some point the Lord speaks directly to me (for whatever reason, who can argue against God?) that lipstick is an unholy item in my life and for me to steer clear of it - and with that revelation I hang out at the cosmetic counter, it then becomes a sin for me. It is now an individual matter between the Lord and I. Though it may not be written as ‘sin’ in His word, it is now written in my heart that it is."
". . . In turn, I cannot emphatically state what the Lord (by design) has for me, MUST also be the same for everyone else a as well. A personal revelation within a personal relationship. I may attempt to share this knowledge with others, but to restrain others because of my own restraints would also become a sin for me."
". . . Especially when not addressed in written His word."