Is Vaping a Sin?

E-cigarettes recently boomed in the smoking scene, with vendors advertising their products as safe and enjoyable alternatives to traditional cigarettes. However, as more research is done on the dangers of vaping, more attention is being brought to the adverse side effects these supposedly safe products are causing, including addiction. As a Christian recovery center, we utilize Biblical concepts in treating addiction, so we couldn’t help but look into the question, “Is vaping a sin?”

What Is Vaping?

Vaping refers to the act of smoking e-cigarettes, JUUL, or other similar devices that are battery-powered and produce vapors instead of smoke. Vape pens or e-cigarettes are electronic devices that contain cartridges filled with various chemicals, including flavoring, nicotine, or marijuana.

Vape pens heat these chemicals to produce vapor, which is what users inhale. Although what’s being inhaled is vapor instead of smoke, it’s filled with toxic chemicals and carries the same dangers as secondhand cigarette smoke.

 

In fact, vaping is addictive like cigarettes are because cartridges contain nicotine, which is the primary addictive substance in tobacco products. This, along with the additional chemicals and flavorings in e-cigarette cartridges, has contributed to addiction and health problems like lung disease in users.

When you vape, you’re inhaling various chemicals into the lungs, straining your respiratory system. These chemicals can wreak havoc in your body, from the lining of the lungs to your esophagus to your teeth.

 

Vaping also makes it difficult for the lungs to filter out air, affecting your breathing and increasing your risk of disease. Particles can also be lodged into the lungs from vaping, leading to disease, illness, and even cancer.

What Does the Bible Say About Vaping?

Although it’s bad for you, is vaping a sin? Well, first, we have to understand what sin is. Sin refers to an immortal act and transgression against divine law. Another way to understand sin is that it is an act of offense against God, thus separating us from Him.

Different types of sin are mentioned in the Bible, including pride, greed, lust, dishonesty, adultery, and more. According to the Bible, not only does sin hurt God, but it can also affect our relationships, career, finances, and our health.

So, is it a sin to smoke or vape? Although there are no specific Bible verses about smoking, there are verses about addiction.

When determining whether something is a sin, we can always look to other Biblical principles. Bible verses like 1 Corinthians 6:12 and Matthew 6:24 remind us that not everything available to us is good for us and that we can’t serve two masters (one of them being God).

The Apostle Paul magnifies these points, reminding us that our freedom in Christ doesn’t mean we should do everything available to us. These passages can be applied to the topic of addiction, which includes vaping.

It’s important to use discernment when deciding to vape or do other things that we aren’t sure about. Another verse that reminds us of this is Romans 14:23: “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”

Although it’s referring to eating “unclean” meat or meat that has been used in pagan sacrifices, the wisdom can still be applied to other decisions that we make. Basically, this verse says that doing something like vaping, where you’re unsure of whether it’s a sin, should be considered a sin because it isn’t done in faith or according to God’s word.

Again, while there aren’t specific mentions of vaping and smoking in the Bible, we can use the wisdom of other Biblical points to discern whether this action is truly a sin. So, in light of Scripture, vaping is a sin because it creates an addiction that may take precedence over your relationship with God.

Help for Drug Addiction

Not only is smoking a sin and a detriment to your spiritual health, but it can also negatively impact your physical health, as well. Vaping can contribute to nicotine addiction and can be considered a gateway drug, as well. These substances open the door to more dangerous and addictive drugs, such as prescription pills, heroin, cocaine, and more.

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, our faith-based inpatient rehab can help. We offer various levels of care for addiction, including medically monitored detox, treatment, therapy, and more.

Recovery is possible for everyone and anyone. To learn how you can begin your journey to an addiction-free life, call Faith in Recovery today at 888-280-4763. Our team is here and waiting to help.

Related Reading:
Jesus and Drug Addiction: What Would Jesus Say?   Best Daily Devotionals for People in Addiction Recovery