Will I be forgiven for smoking if I keep doing it? I know the Bible says if we sin willfully there remains no more sacrifice for sins.
Yes, Jesus’ sacrifice does cover your fallen flesh’s need for nicotine.
There are some substances which the body becomes dependent on. Caffeine and nicotine are two of these chemicals. When people drink coffee and strong black tea, their bodies become addicted to it. They need the substance to feel good and energized. If they stop drinking coffee or tea, they get bad headaches, some throw-up, and feel tired. Breaking this addiction may take days, and their bodies will take weeks or months to adjust to feeling normal without it. Is drinking coffee an unforgivable sin? No. Our bodies are fallen and weak. People choose to drink caffeinated beverages even though it is addictive. It is an unhealthy (therefore sinful?) habit.
In the same way, people get addicted to nicotine through smoking. Smoking is a physical addiction. Upon stopping, the body and brain will have strong cravings and reactions. Without nicotine, the body begins to crave carbohydrates. Some people can’t sleep, and others will develop a persistent cough. Many develop flu-like symptoms: mild fever, sinusitis, body aches, and malaise. Because the brain is missing nicotine, it is not functioning normally either. People become irritable, stressed, and have difficulty concentrating. Nicotine addiction is a physical disease.
Yes, smoking is sinful because it harms the body. But it is also a serious sickness. Thankfully, today, doctors can help people quit. There are good prescription medications, over the counter gums and tablets, and support groups for quitters. You need to get professional, medical help.
What kind of sin is an addiction? It is a “hamartia,” or a falling short of obeying God due to our fallen flesh. Jesus’ sacrifice covers that sin. “If we confess our sins (hamartia), he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. Yes, there is a certain willfulness in it, because we return to it. But we don’t return because we oppose God with hard hearts. An unforgivable sin is an act of open defiance against God. Smokers return because their bodies actually need the nicotine to function normally. The body is not trying to sin. The body is creating strong cravings to get more nicotine so it can function.
So, be wise. Attack this disease with a doctor’s help. Whatever you have been trying has not been working. Instead, ask God for more help and direction. James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Breaking any addiction takes a long time. Don’t give up. As long as you have a willing heart to try to stop – God will forgive you!