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K
There is nothing in the bible that states that gambling is a sin. As in all things people look only at the bad side of things and not the good aspects. As things are it is how you apply meaning to what you are doing. If you do it for fun than no it is not a sin, but if you let it control your life than yes. In all things we can do for Gods glory, for He should come first in all things.
Welcome to the family rose.
I flee from all forms of gambling because I have a conviction in my heart about it. To me it is a form of greed but I wont put that one somebody else. Ask God if it pleases Him, allow Him to convict your heart..and remember, its not about following a set of rules but having a relationship with the living God and desiring to please Him in all things
Oh and also, check your motives as to why your doing it plus also think about where you could be sowing that money, making the rich richer? God bless
I flee from all forms of gambling because I have a conviction in my heart about it. To me it is a form of greed but I wont put that one somebody else. Ask God if it pleases Him, allow Him to convict your heart..and remember, its not about following a set of rules but having a relationship with the living God and desiring to please Him in all things
Oh and also, check your motives as to why your doing it plus also think about where you could be sowing that money, making the rich richer? God bless
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the main thing about stuff like this is this: how much self-control do you have. if you buy the occasional lotto ticket and do not have a gambling addiction, it is fine. but like alcohol, if you have addiction problem, then stay away. we have to learn to examine ourselves and be honest to ourselves in these matters.
All I can say is the one mention of gambling I can think of in the Bible is here:
And when they had crucified Him, they divided and distributed His garments [among them] by casting lots so that the prophet’s saying was fulfilled, They parted My garments among them and over My apparel they cast lots. -Matthew 27:35
And they crucified Him; and they divided His garments and distributed them among themselves, throwing lots for them to decide who should take what. -Mark 15:24
And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided His garments and distributed them by casting lots for them. -Luke 23:34
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, one share for each soldier, and also the tunic (the long shirtlike undergarment). But the tunic was seamless, woven [in one piece] from the top throughout. So they said to one another, Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots to decide whose it shall be. This was to fulfill the Scripture, They parted My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. So the soldiers did these things. -John 19:23-24
By this example alone, while my Savior died upon a Cross for me, they shamefully and selfishly gambled for His clothes, I would say that gambling is wrong and I would not want to be associated with such a history as this. These are my thoughts on it.
*Psalm 22 is the foretelling of Christ's suffering on the Cross, and is where the 'casting lots' is mentioned.
And when they had crucified Him, they divided and distributed His garments [among them] by casting lots so that the prophet’s saying was fulfilled, They parted My garments among them and over My apparel they cast lots. -Matthew 27:35
And they crucified Him; and they divided His garments and distributed them among themselves, throwing lots for them to decide who should take what. -Mark 15:24
And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided His garments and distributed them by casting lots for them. -Luke 23:34
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, one share for each soldier, and also the tunic (the long shirtlike undergarment). But the tunic was seamless, woven [in one piece] from the top throughout. So they said to one another, Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots to decide whose it shall be. This was to fulfill the Scripture, They parted My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. So the soldiers did these things. -John 19:23-24
By this example alone, while my Savior died upon a Cross for me, they shamefully and selfishly gambled for His clothes, I would say that gambling is wrong and I would not want to be associated with such a history as this. These are my thoughts on it.
*Psalm 22 is the foretelling of Christ's suffering on the Cross, and is where the 'casting lots' is mentioned.
C
Gambling is not mentioned in the Bible, and casting lots is not only associated with the soldiers at the cross. In the old testament, many times lots were cast to determine the will of God or to expose sin in the camp.
As with all things "“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." (1 Cor 10:23 ESV).
Gambling can take over your life and ruin your relationship with God and others, it is up to you to decide if you want to take that risk. As for me, I have a weakness to certain things so I stay away. The most important thing is your relationship with God, if anything has any chance of breaking that up, rather not indulge. Loose out on temporary pleasure/fun/games in order to secure eternal love/joy/peace.
As with all things "“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." (1 Cor 10:23 ESV).
Gambling can take over your life and ruin your relationship with God and others, it is up to you to decide if you want to take that risk. As for me, I have a weakness to certain things so I stay away. The most important thing is your relationship with God, if anything has any chance of breaking that up, rather not indulge. Loose out on temporary pleasure/fun/games in order to secure eternal love/joy/peace.
It's amazing how we can excuse and play things off to justify our lives and our choices. Although there was the casting of lots in the Bible when they were narrowing down the one's who were causing God's judgment and the division of land and such, it is not the same as what the soldiers did. For them, it had a completely different relevancy and purpose.
C
Myst, you really need to read what is written before adding in info from other sources.
If you read your quote you added, it says: "The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas (Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments (Matthew 27:35)." (sorry, not sure how to add your quote to the message)
The first part of the quote tells of the apostles casting lots -after Christs death. Then the second part speaks of casting lots during Christs death. We know about casting lots before Christ too. Yet you seem to only focus on the casting of lots by the soldiers as the only (bad) history of lots for your reason to denounce Gambling. Casting lots has way more history than that, and the good part of the History continued after those soldiers too. No one is trying to justify our lives and choices by picking and choosing which parts of the Bible (or History) we want, beware that you don't either.
I do not support gambling and feel that some people can have an extreme weakness to it, so would caution against it. But I do not want to give feelings on History as my reasons for not going down that path.
If you read your quote you added, it says: "The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas (Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments (Matthew 27:35)." (sorry, not sure how to add your quote to the message)
The first part of the quote tells of the apostles casting lots -after Christs death. Then the second part speaks of casting lots during Christs death. We know about casting lots before Christ too. Yet you seem to only focus on the casting of lots by the soldiers as the only (bad) history of lots for your reason to denounce Gambling. Casting lots has way more history than that, and the good part of the History continued after those soldiers too. No one is trying to justify our lives and choices by picking and choosing which parts of the Bible (or History) we want, beware that you don't either.
I do not support gambling and feel that some people can have an extreme weakness to it, so would caution against it. But I do not want to give feelings on History as my reasons for not going down that path.
You need to understand that the apostles knew God's intent for casting lots and didn't wager who would win what when they were choosing a disciple to replace Judas and you have to realize that the Roman soldiers did this at every crucifixion for things they wanted that previously belonged to the condemned and they wagered on the outcome of these, thus gambling. The Romans had no value or respect for God, and thus their casting of lots were not based on the Hebrew standards, they were based on the culture of the Romans, which we all know was a pleasure society. The Romans are the ones that ultimately fed Christians to lions and wagered on that, as well.
K
God gives me authority to make things simply for people to understand. The word or mention of gambling is nowhere in the bible. They talk about casting lots, this was a way of determining who gets what. We do kind of the same thing now days in our voting system. We vote to see who goes first in activities, we vote to see who gets elected as the Apostles did, and we vote on issues, bills, and so forth. This shows it is not personal ideas, but truth.
K
Historicist to covet means to want what others have. Yes gambling can contribute to bad things, but it also can improve ones life; emotionally, and financially. In another way if some one was to go and when 100,000 dollars on a lottery ticket, and they used 75% of that money feeding, clothing, and housing the poor, homeless, and helping the less fortunate in other areas of need. Do you think our Lord would be displeased with them, no He would be happy with what they are doing.
There are people who have justified stealing with your Robin Hood type excuse. Lotteries are regressive, the one in a million who win the million dollars do so off the backs of lower income people wanting to do the same. In the middle of course is a government which is more than happy to collect a hefty percentage of this regressive tax. Gambling is evil, a symptom of a decadent sinful society. Jesus would not have participated in it.
K
There is a big difference in stealing, and people who willing put their money into these lotteries knowing they may not win. Gambling is only evil if that is the emphasis you put on it, and use it for. If you use the money for good, and it does not control your life than it is not. Stop focusing only on the bad side of things. Glass of wine is good and healthy, but if you drink it to get drunk then it is wrong. But you Historicist would probably tell people it is evil to drink it just cause you would focus on the drunken side of it. All things are here to edify if used properly. We make things in to being wrong. Just like some Christians try to make some sins worse than another. When our Lord tried to make a point that they are not, there is only one sin He points out to be worse than others. Sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit ( Non-Belief ).
B
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Question: "Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling?"
Answer: The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.
What is wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily evil. People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord's work, not gambled away.
While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention events of “luck” or “chance.” As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
What would the Bible say about casinos and lotteries? Casinos use all sorts of marketing schemes to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often offer inexpensive or even free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness, and thereby a decreased ability to make wise decisions. Everything in a casino is perfectly rigged for taking money in large sums and giving nothing in return, except for fleeting and empty pleasures. Lotteries attempt to portray themselves as a way to fund education and/or social programs. However, studies show that lottery participants are usually those who can least afford to be spending money on lottery tickets. The allure of “getting rich quick” is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples’ lives being ruined.
Can lotto/lottery proceeds please God? Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before. Few, if any, truly give the money to a good cause. Further, God does not need our money to fund His mission in the world. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means. Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money or money stolen in a bank robbery? Of course not. Neither does God need or want money that was “stolen” from the poor in the temptation for riches.
First Timothy 6:10 tells us, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Hebrews 13:5 declares, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Matthew 6:24 proclaims, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Recommended Resources: Gambling: Don't Bet On It by Rex Rogers and Logos Bible Software.
Answer: The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.
What is wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily evil. People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord's work, not gambled away.
While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention events of “luck” or “chance.” As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
What would the Bible say about casinos and lotteries? Casinos use all sorts of marketing schemes to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often offer inexpensive or even free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness, and thereby a decreased ability to make wise decisions. Everything in a casino is perfectly rigged for taking money in large sums and giving nothing in return, except for fleeting and empty pleasures. Lotteries attempt to portray themselves as a way to fund education and/or social programs. However, studies show that lottery participants are usually those who can least afford to be spending money on lottery tickets. The allure of “getting rich quick” is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples’ lives being ruined.
Can lotto/lottery proceeds please God? Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before. Few, if any, truly give the money to a good cause. Further, God does not need our money to fund His mission in the world. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means. Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money or money stolen in a bank robbery? Of course not. Neither does God need or want money that was “stolen” from the poor in the temptation for riches.
First Timothy 6:10 tells us, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Hebrews 13:5 declares, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Matthew 6:24 proclaims, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Recommended Resources: Gambling: Don't Bet On It by Rex Rogers and Logos Bible Software.