Bible Question: Where in the Bible can I find that it is a sin to play the lottery, football boards, etc. |
Bible Answer: 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 |