Can a Christian with addictions to enter heaven?
Vincent from Georgia asked: “If a Christian is addicted to alcohol, pornography, or drugs, will God still send them to hell, even though they're constantly fighting the addiction?”
Vincent,
As we mature in Christ, the battle with sin does not get easier. It often gets more difficult. I remember as a young seminary student, visiting the office of one of my dear professors who was in his sixties. I said to him “It must be wonderful to be an older man and not have the struggle with things like a lust or other fleshly temptations.” He chuckled and then said to me: “Stephen, the older I get, the more difficult it becomes.” That was a great lesson for me as a young man.
The longer a person walks with Christ, the more His character is formed in you. As that happens, you become more sensitive to your sins. There are things about myself that bother me now that didn't bother me when I was a 20 year old. Why? Because sin I thought I could manage didn’t bother me then.
So Vincent, believers can and do continue to sin. For every one of us, it's going to be different. The struggle might be pride or greed or unkindness. The struggle might be those that you mentioned—drunkenness, pornography or drug use. However, a believer should never become comfortable with his sin or begin to cherish that sin. Loving and cherishing sin is an evidence that the person is not a believer because the Holy Spirit lives in all true believers and causes us to regret our sin.
Keep in mind that sin is always a choice. God tells us that with every temptation comes a way of excape. We never have an excuse for our sin. Labeling something an addiction does not alleviate the responsibility to remove the sin from our lives. We don't just fall into sin helplessly. Whenever we sin, it’s because we wanted to.
I've often told people that the mark of maturity is not that you don’t sin, but the span of time between your sin and confession. How long does it take you? Does it take you a day? Does it take you an hour? It only should take a moment. That's maturity.
So Vincent, a persistent struggle with sin does not keep a Christian from heaven. But the way that person deals with his sin is an indicator of his spiritual health. If he confesses, repents and seeks God's help to shun that sin, he is acting as God desires. If he loves, nurtures and never confesses his sin, he is not acting how God desires. In case of the latter, I suggest spending time evaluating if he truly is a child of God.
Thanks for your question,
Stephen
Note: Here are some other articles from Stephen Davey:
How Can Addicts Honor God and Stop Sinning
Can Christians With Addictions Go To Heaven
Go Deeper:
Addiction and Faith: A Christian's Path to Healing and Recovery
Many Christians find themselves in an internal conflict: their deeply held faith clashes with the crushing grip of addiction. This article explores critical questions like "Is addiction a sin?", "Can addicts go to heaven?", and how to find salvation while battling this disease.
Understanding Addiction: More Than a Choice
The Bible often discusses exercising self-control and avoiding behaviors that damage the body, which is God’s temple. However, addiction is a complex medical condition that goes beyond simple willpower. While initial substance use may be a choice and perhaps a sinful choice, the changes addiction makes in the brain significantly alter decision-making, making it extremely difficult to stop.
Addiction is Not a Sign of Utter Failure
Blaming yourself or feeling that God has abandoned you is understandable, but it's vital to remember that addiction does not define you. God's love and forgiveness are boundless, extending to all who struggle. If you have an addiction, you are grappling with a serious condition, You need help and hope, both of which Christ offers you.
Reconciling Addiction with Salvation
The Bible is unequivocal about the path to salvation: acknowledging our sins, repenting, and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior. Addiction does not nullify this. If you genuinely desire recovery and seek God's help, the path to salvation remains open. If you are a Christian with an addiction, your addiction does not change your status as a sin or daughter of God.
Finding Hope and Healing
Recovery is an ongoing journey, but the strength and support of faith can be a powerful resource. Here's how:
- Confession and Repentance: Openly admit your struggle to God and seek forgiveness. This lays the foundation for true change.
- Embrace Community Find support in your church or Christian-focused addiction support groups. They offer understanding and guidance without judgment.
- Seek Both Spiritual and Practical Help: Combine prayer and spiritual practices with professional treatment, therapy, and support groups. This holistic approach addresses both physical and spiritual needs.
- Lean on God's Grace: Recovery has challenges, but God's grace sustains you on this journey. Each step forward is a testament to His love and strength working through you.
Key Takeaways
- Addiction is serious and may require both medical and spiritual intervention.
- God's love and forgiveness extend to those fighting addiction.
- Salvation is attainable if you sincerely seek recovery and redemption.
- Your church and faith community can offer invaluable support when combined with professional help
Remember: You Are Not Alone, and Recovery is Possible
If you're a Christian struggling with addiction, there is hope. Cling to your faith, seek help, and trust in God's guiding hand. He wants you to know His strength, love, and the redemption He offers.
Resources
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline)
- Christian Recovery Programs: (Examples: Celebrate Recovery, Faith-based rehab centers)
Disclaimer: This article provides guidance and is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
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Comments
I was clean off of meth for 5 years and I got tricked into doing it. I thought it was a sub when it was really meth and for the past 4 years I’ve been going back and fourth doing it and then I’ll stop and then I do it and 2 weeks later I do it again and I can’t stop because I am so tired and exhausted all the time. I’m so depressed I’m so tired I can’t get out of bed even with the adderall.
I can’t do it there’s something wrong with me we just don’t know why I am so tired I fall asleep sitting up I can’t keep my eyes open. I then give in to meth because it’s the only time I can actually calm down and have motivation to get up and work or clean and get all of my stuff done I love God I am ashamed of this but I cannot stop.
I keep asking for help from him I can’t go to rehab I am barely making it as it is to pay my bills. I have to work. I am so scared I’m starting to lose things not because I am spending money on drugs but because God is taking them away from me because he is mad at me. I am so tired of doing this.
I don’t want to go to hell. I keep hearing him saying that was my last chance and it’s too late for me but idk if that’s God or the devil. Im so confused I just keep hearing I don’t have enough time now it’s too late for me and I’ll be dead at 45 now I Al almost 44. I am just so tied if being scared I’ve been an adddict all my life and I have lost almost all hope.
Let’s face it, the 7 deadly sins were preached in the Church for centuries. Until pastors that can’t button their sports coats decided not to mention it anymore.
I used to weight 265 lbs. and have found Church a very hard place to keep my “food sobriety.” Every celebration is around food.
Why not fast instead? Lol
Love, Rev. Dave
Also, join the neo-catechumenical Way. It does wonders for you. It’s helped me so much.