Since Gambling
Is Not Mentioned In The Bible,
Is It Really Wrong?
The dictionary defines gambling
as "to play a game of chance for money or other stakes, to wager money
or other stakes on uncertain outcome, to expose something of value to risk or
hazard in the advantage of gain." A simple definition of gambling would
be: desiring the possession (prize) of another, the gambler creates a risk (that
of losing his own possession) in an attempt through chance to gain the possession
of another with nothing given in exchange. It is a greedy desire to have what
belongs to another.
Gambling takes many forms: card games, dice, numbers, betting on elections or
sporting events, buying sweepstakes tickets, lotteries, playing slot machines,
punch boards, bingo (for money or prizes), raffle tickets, matching for cokes,
or even pitching for pennies. Also, whether you are gambling or not does not
depend upon the amount you are risking. It may be $5,000 or $5, it may be 50
cents or 1 cent, the principle is the same. Only the amount differs.
Jesus said a tree is known by its fruits (Matthew 7:15). What are the fruits
of gambling? Its fruits are corrupt from the word "go." Gambling conflicts
with the Bible in at least six major areas: It violates the principle of: 1)
Earning a living through righteous means (Ephesians 4:28), 2) Loving your neighbor
as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39; 7:12), 3) Shun- ning the appearance of evil (Romans
12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22), 4) Christian stewardship (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2
Corinthians 9:6-7), 5) Showing a Christ-like example (Romans 12:17), 6) God's
plan for the home (Ephesians 5:23-31; 6:1-4). Gambling is a greedy desire to
get something for nothing at the expense of the loser. It is not an innocent
past time or fund raiser. It is covetousness. Colossians 3:5 says covetousness
is idolatry; and, idolatry and sin.
Gambling, in any form, is wrong-- sinful. It was not given by God. It is not
authorized by God. It stands condemned by God. Are you guilty of gambling? There
is hope for you. You can be forgiven if you sincerely obey the gospel by believing
in Jesus the Christ (John 8:24), repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38), confessing
faith in Christ (Acts 8:37) and being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins
(Acts 2:38; 22:16). Obey the gospel today!
by Garland M. Robinson
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