According to an article called “Smoking” by Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser that was updated in 2022 by Our World In Data from the University of Oxford, nearly a quarter of the world’s population smokes tobacco. This is a significant number of smokers. But while smoking is popular throughout the world, is it permissible for Christians?
Smoking did not exist in biblical times, so the Bible does not explicitly address whether or not smoking is permissible. Individuals, churches, and denominations have different opinions about the matter. Perhaps the greatest Christian advocate for smoking was Charles Spurgeon. As we analyze the issue of smoking, we must do so with an attitude of humility and a genuine desire to obey God. 
We must not ask if something is permissible within Christianity with an ulterior motive of determining how close we can get to sin without actually sinning. On the contrary, we should run from sin and strive for holiness in our lives. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the arguments both for and against smoking in Christianity.
Smoking Is Permissible in Christianity
Michael Reeves presents Charles Spurgeon’s position on smoking cigars in his book Spurgeon on the Christian Life (pages 30-31). Spurgeon believed that smoking cigars was a way for him to enjoy God’s good creation. He attributed his smoking of cigars to the alleviation of intense pain, the calming of his weary mind, and the ability to achieve good and refreshing sleep. He also believed that smoking cigars provided benefits for his throat.
Spurgeon argued that there was liberty within Christianity that allowed him to smoke. Romans 14-15 have many lessons about liberty for Christians. Paul instructs believers to welcome each other (15:7), not “to pass judgment on himself for what He approves” (14:22), and to act in a way that “proceeds from faith,” (14:23).
To the Corinthians, Paul expands on this idea of liberty. He explains that individual liberty is not “determined by someone else’s conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:29) and that there is freedom where the Spirit is (2 Corinthians 3:17). To the Galatians, Paul explains that it was “for freedom [that] Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). But Paul exhorts Christians not to act with their liberty in a way that causes their siblings in Christ to stumble or sin (Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
Spurgeon thoroughly believed that he was smoking cigars in a way that allowed him to bring glory to God. He submitted to the fact that he was called to do everything for the glory of God, whether that be eating or drinking or whatever He did. When he felt the benefits of smoking, he lifted up prayers of thanksgiving and blessed God’s name as a result.
Smoking Is Not Permissible in Christianity
Though the Bible does not address smoking directly, there are certain principles spanning the Bible as a whole that can and should be considered in the smoking debate. The first of these principles has to do with avoiding lawful things if they are unhelpful or become life-dominating (1 Corinthians 6:12). Regardless of the fact that Christianity might technically allow for the liberty of smoking, it is clear that smoking is unhealthy and causes serious problems. It is also addictive and creates a sense of problematic dependence.
A second principle to consider is the fact that the Holy Spirit dwells in His people. Indeed, Christians no longer belong to themselves to act in whichever ways they please. Jesus bought them with His blood, and they have a responsibility to take care of their bodies as a result (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Smoking causes health problems and speeds up death. It seems to be unquestionably poor stewardship of the gift that is life.
Along the same lines, smoking is very expensive. Christians are called to steward their finances well, and Jesus Himself warned that their spending habits have an impact on their spiritual lives (Mark 10:25). Spending excessive amounts of money on smoking does not equate to wise and godly stewardship of our economy.
A third principle that seems to indicate that smoking is not permissible in Christianity is the biblical emphasis on self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Smoking is a habit that hinders the ability of an individual to exert self-control. Smokers’ bodies experience cravings and withdrawals, and their behavior is greatly altered and impacted based on the presence or absence of nicotine.
A final consideration from the Bible that we should apply to the question of smoking is the biblical mandate to consider the needs of others above our own needs or desires (Philippians 2:4). We are to be considerate of others in our actions. Smoking certainly impacts everyone who is nearby. The smoke smells terrible and soaks into clothing and furniture. It also has the potential to cause health problems for anyone who breathes it in. Some people are allergic to it, others are repulsed by it, and still others end up developing lung cancer as a result of it.
Walking in love, pursuing peace, and edifying one another are far more important than indulging in any liberty. Christians must not do anything that causes their brother or sister in Christ to stumble. And they must not do anything that destroys the work of the Lord (Romans 14:15-21).
Smoking has very little benefit, but it has the potential to cause a lot of harm. Charles Spurgeon might be correct in his conjecture that smoking is not sinful in and of itself. It would have to be a type of smoking that did not result in ungodly stewardship, compromise your self-control, or harm or offend anyone around you. 
It is quite possible that Spurgeon himself would have changed his position had he known about the detrimental health effects of the habit. It is important for Christians to consider all sides of the matter and live according to their conscience. Christians are called to live in holiness rather than just avoiding sin. But sinful or not, smoking does not impede salvation for those who have repented from sin and trusted in Jesus. Jesus came to save smokers and non-smokers alike.