Originally Posted by Moparbyfar
Understandably there would be no mention of tobacco in the bible as it is native to only Sth America, Mexico and the West Indies and wasn't introduced to the rest of the world till the mid 16th century.
That said, there are principles clearly stated in the bible that are guidelines for our conduct and morals.
2 Cor 7:1 "Cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh..."
Eph 5:3 "let uncleanness of every sort not even be mentioned among you."
James 1:21 "Put away all filthiness..."
We are commanded to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30) and this also means worshipping him with clean bodies. Tobacco fouls ones body, breath, clothing and home. Is this showing love for neighbour, which is the second commandment (Mark 12:31), by polluting the air they have to breathe too? So smoking is obviously incompatible with the greatest commandments given to Christians.
Incidentally, these "christians" that you observe doing these things are fooling themselves but not God. 1 Pet 2:16 "Be as free people and yet holding your freedom not as a blind for badness, but as slaves of God." In other words, just because we have freedom of choice doesn't mean we use it as a cloak to do what we we like.
True Christians are at one with eachother and with God, having the same principles, morals and beliefs.
Matt 24:11 speaks of many false prophets arising to mislead many. But the fact that Eph 4:5 says that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" proves that there can only be one true Christian religion which Jesus started. It seems reasonable then that Jesus also said few would find the road to life (Matt7:14).
Interpretation has a lot to do with some of the confusion and differences within churches today, but as MWaves says, pray to God if you are really searching for the truth and he will answer (if you have the right motives) in time.
What we do learn from the bible is not that which is acceptable to ourselves but rather to God. There can be no compromise where God's requirements are concerned. This said, God cares about us and "will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, but along with the temptation he will make the way out in order for you to endure it." (1Cor 10:13)
So if you put enough faith and hope in God and make a real effort to please Him, you will become spiritually successful and will find the True Religion. ;)