Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald----DT- 08-22-07
Mrs. E. G. White

"Clad in the vestments of humanity, the Son of God came down to the level of those he wished to save. In him was no guile or sinfulness; he was ever pure and undefiled; yet he took upon him our sinful nature. Clothing his divinity with humanity, that he might associate with fallen humanity, he sought to redeem for man that which by disobedience Adam had lost, for himself and for the world. In his own character Jesus manifested to the world the character of God; he pleased not himself, but went about doing good. His whole history, for more than thirty years, was of pure, disinterested benevolence."

Boblee, I am more inclined to believe avoidable health destroying habits (choices) constitute a sin. It's a touchy subject, especially when dealing with someone who is struggling with a bad habit and who also wants to become a Christian.

But I believe in the long run it's better for the person to understand the truth about bad habits. I have found that people who are struggling with addictive behaviours are honest with themselves and the nature of their habit. They are not trying to find excuses for their poor choices, nor do they seek to sugar coat them or down play the problem, instead they are looking for power to overcome, and they are turning to Jesus in desperation.

Smoking isn't a sin? Hmm... I think Paul would definitely disagree with that.

1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Defile:

G5351
φθείρω
phtheirō
fthi'-ro
Probably strengthened from φθίω phthiō (to pine or waste): properly to shrivel or wither, that is, to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figuratively by moral influences, to deprave): - corrupt (self), defile, destroy.

I don't see how anyone can say smoking doesn't fit this description.

In a general sense, of course, both Mike Lowe and Gary K. are correct. Bad habits of any kind should be eliminated; for our own good if for no other reason. But their scenerio of a person trying to break the habit doesn't cover all the bases. How about the person who has no idea that smoking is harmful as was the case with many when I was growing up.

A similar situation is developing in another field today. It seems that the direct cause of Syndrome X, which includes diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and some heart, liver, and kidney diseases, are a direct result of the combination of a lack of omega-3 fatty acids and the hydrogenation of the fats we do get in our diet. So, have we been sinning by eating margarine and Crisco and bread, crackers, and cookies made with hydrogenated oils or the onions and potatoes fried in them? It seems obvious that since we aren't "rebelling" against anything, we cannot say we have been sinning. But since our bodies are being damaged, it also seems obvious that such foods are evil. Many similar examples have occurred in the past. Remember that miracle, DDT? Or white bread? Even Mrs. White was instrumental in pointing out apparently harmless foods, drinks, and activities in her day which were killing people.

I believe three reactions should dominate our thinking in regard to sin and evil. One, as was evident in previous posts, if we find something is harming us, do all in our power including using the power God offers us to eliminate that evil. Two, actively search for such harmful entities in our lives. And three, refrain from judging each other in regard to what we have learned. Inform, perhaps and that kindly and gently, but do not judge.

Bob Lee

This may be getting away from the intent of this topic some, however, sin is still sin, whether a known sin or an unknown sin such as the breaking of the 4th Commandment by worshipping on Sunday instead of the Sabbath, however, as I already stated, sin is still sin.

The sin of ignorance is still a sin. Of course, God does not hold us accountable. However, the blood of Jesus accommodates it the same as any other sin. All sin produces cause and effect results even though we may not be able to trace its origin.

Boblee, amen! We should never judge or condemn one another - no matter how open the sin. But that's not to say we should never seek kind and compassionate ways to help sincere people eliminate sin in their life.