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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is it a sin to play the lottery? | Bible general Archive 1 | janie | 16171 | ||
Where in the Bible can I find that it is a sin to play the lottery, football boards, etc. | ||||||
2 | Is it a sin to play the lottery? | Bible general Archive 1 | Lionstrong | 16987 | ||
Dear Janie, This is what I posted on this subject a while back. "Is gambling sin? To be specific, are there any commands of God whereby one may deduce that gambling is sin? For we know that there is no command of God expressly forbidding the practice of gambling. But just because there is no express command, it does not mean that such a prohibition is not implied in other commands of God. For example, on the basis of the Fifth Commandment, which says we are to HONOR our parents, Paul says children are to OBEY their parents. Also, on the basis of this same commandment, Jesus teaches that it is sin not to financially help our parents. So from this one command the Scripture itself deduces two others. I presently hold gambling on a level with drinking. Whereas the Bible gives ample warning of the dangers of the use of intoxicating substances, it does not forbid the use of them. (As an aside, it is also interesting to note that although the practice of gambling is probably as old as drinking, the omniscient God did not see fit to give man any warnings of its dangers, in contrast to the warnings our pastors give us.) Hence, we partake of the fruit of the vine at the Lord’s Table. One may extol the virtues of the stewardship of our funds, and others may decry the evils of gambling addiction, but none may call sin what God does not. This is what I’m afraid some well-meaning Christians do. And an activity is sin only when it violates an express OR implied command of God. And the question is, what is/are the command(s)?" Peace, Lionstrong |
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3 | Is it a sin to play the lottery? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 16996 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings, my friend. I think that what you are saying could be interpreted as 'gambling is okay because the Bible does not expressly call it sin, or even hint at the dangers of overuse, as is warned with alcohol abuse.' While this may be literally true, as you wrote about 'implied command' there are plenty of warnings. "Do not worship other Gods before Me!" is pretty clear. The dangers of riches, wealth and mammon are clearly written, as is the seeking of them. Some may say that it is a matter of scale, but my experience tells me that when one starts 'wanting,' the cravings multiply. Those who are blessed with self-control are not given license to 'dabble,' as their example could be detrimental to children and those of weaker constitution. (if HE can do it, why can't I?) This is called responsibility, and sometimes requires the sacrifice of personal freedom. Please remember also that a few thousand years of drinking to excess have not changed the basics of alcohol. However, the 'face' of gambling has been altered radically over the years, especially with the advent of mass-media, and more recently, electronic devices and information technologies. Those in Biblical times did not have to worry about media 'hype' and the invasion of their homes by 'armchair' gambling. It has never been easier to 'bet a few bucks' on stakes that increase daily. The opportunities to squander *your* money are infinite! I believe it is foolish to minimize this 'new age' form of frivolous 'play.' (TV and the internet are not clearly denounced in the Bible either, but few would deny the potential danger of these modern 'tools' of 'entertainment.') While the Bible does speak of the positive side of alcohol consumption (Communion, Timothy's health), there are no Scriptures that encourage us to use our money for foolish 'fun' or entertainment, or play games for a few shekels that will benefit only one person. My point is that comparing drinking with gambling does not work. Now as to 'office pools' and 'church bingo,' I suppose that some may call this 'innocuous.' But I *bet* that the *serious* participants have a tendency to pursue 'other' forms of 'personal pleasure' as well. :-) (Note- One of my fellows here says that I use 'I bet...' often when I speak English! Fortunately, Japanese has no equivalent phrase :-)) Lionstrong, I am no prude! But to ignore the temptation of 'little' sins is to invite the opportunity of escalation to 'greater' sins. Denying this 'human condition' is not wise. Is it possible that the 'well-meaning Christians' have a point? Peace to all in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | Is it a sin to play the lottery? | Bible general Archive 1 | Norrie | 17039 | ||
Let's see, if we follow the reasoning that because it's not spelled out in the Bible, it's OK, I guess we can assume that since there's nothing specifically saying no, it must be OK to smoke crack, shoot heroin, all that kind of stuff, right? I don't think so. :) | ||||||
5 | Is it a sin to play the lottery? | Bible general Archive 1 | Lionstrong | 17067 | ||
Dear Norrie, ......... ¶¶ I wrote, "But just because there is no express command, it does not mean that such a prohibition is not implied in other commands of God." ............... Peace, Lionstrong |
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