Two weeks ago today there was a disturbing article in the Valley News reporting a significant drug bust on the corner of Dana and Maple streets. What is most alarming about this incident is the fact that this happened just a block away from our church, which is in a fairly safe, residential neighborhood. A couple was arrested and charged with possession of heroin - 700 small bags to be precise.
Although the Bible has quite a bit to say about the dangers of alcohol, there is not an abundance of scripture regarding the use of drugs. In the new Testament there is a Greek word pharmakeia used in various forms which is defined by Strong's as meaning medication, drugs or poison. This word is most often used in the Book of Revelation and pertains to the "last days."
Galatians chapter five not only lists the "fruit of the Spirit" but also catalogs the "works of the flesh" in the preceding verses. Please note that the word witchcraft is translated from this same word pharmakeia. Drug abuse, probably not as prevalent in the 1600's, was associated with the divinations of false religion and mystics of Bible times.
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
We see this word used again in various forms repeatedly used in Revelations translated as the word sorcery.
"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." Revelation 9:20&21
The scene described takes place during the Great Tribulation, Daniel's 70th week. Notice the correlation between the "sorcery" (drug use) and false worship. It is evident by this and other passages that Satan uses drugs to deceive his victims in the end times.
Revelation chapter 18 depicts the destruction of the one world system referred to as "Babylon the Great." Drug abuse is cited here as being the agent of deception.
"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Revelation 18:23
Chapter 21 is the start of eternity with a new Heaven and a new earth without sorrow, pain, death or tears for all those who believe. However, verse eight plainly declares that the "second death" is the judgment that awaits those who have not put their faith in the crosswork of Christ and repented of their sins. Drug users will be together in the lake of fire along with the murders and whoremongers according to God's Holy Word.
"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:6-8 (sorcerers = pharmakeus)
There may drugs in your home or at your school. There are drugs in prison as well. But there won't be any drugs in Glory. Neither will the drug abusers be allowed through the gates.
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Revelation 22:14&15 (sorcerers = pharmakos)
My dear friend, many years ago as a young man the devil deceived me into addicting my flesh to the daily use of so-called "recreational drugs." At the time I did not understand and neither could I see how this sinful practice was changing my personality and degrading my behavior. When I repented and trusted Christ as my Savior, He delivered me and forgave me of all my sins and made a new person out of me, free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol. He will do this for you if you will only come as a sinner, turn from your sin, and trust Jesus as your Savior. You will be "born again" and sealed by God the Holy Spirit. Then and only then will you truly be set free.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Cor 5:17
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Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ - Philippians 1:6
2 comments:
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