I do not actually have an explicit "definition" of sin. Definitions can be a cop-out - a way of over-simplifying something.
Drew -
I’m not sure of your logic,
“Definitions can be a cop-out, a way of oversimplifying something?†(emphasis mine) I think being vague and
not defining the manner in which one uses words could be classified as more of a cop-out than in doing so. But then, that’s just me.
Yet to some degree, I can
somewhat relate to your shot at it,
The kingdom of God is about healing, redeeming, and restoring all of created reality to its "Edenic" state, or something similar. Any activity that works against that unfolding project would, in my view, constitute "sin".
For the sake dialog I will agree to that with one addition,
“any activity that (an individual) works against that unfolding project. . . “
Having said that, 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 surmise the thread has become, “Is Smoking Cigarettes A Sin?†A lot of opinions have been shared along with the reasons for it. I think it would be fair to say that we all agree that it is unhealthy, but
clearly a sin?
If it were possible for our physical (decaying, earthly) bodies to be restored to its’
“Edenic state, or something similar†(and by ‘Edenic’ I assume you mean as in the Garden of Eden) then I could see myself on board with you (based on your definition of sin). Yet we know that is not possible; hence a new body we look forward to.
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).
With that said my stance is this. 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 has 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 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.
So to agree that smoking cigarettes is
clearly a sin for every Christian is something I cannot do. I can accept that perhaps it has become one for you. But me? I haven’t received that revelation; and even if I did, I don’t think I could put that strong a personal conviction on someone else. Especially when not addressed in written His word.
Be blessed, Stay blessed!