Smoking or Non-Smoking: A Choice with Eternal Consequences
I guess I’m showing my age, but some of us remember being asked “smoking or non-smoking” when walking into a restaurant. There used to be smoking sections in restaurants, on airplanes, and on other forms of public transportation and public places.
When you heard the question “Smoking or non-smoking,” it was clear you had to choose. You can’t stay sitting on the fence, be undecided or say, “I’ll decide later.” One choice brings discomfort, irritation, and harm: the other offers fresh air and comfort. Simple and familiar as it is, this everyday question mirrors a far bigger and more serious decision everyone must face… Heaven or Hell. Life or death. Salvation or separation.
Hell, much like a smoke-filled room, is the result of rejecting what is good and life-giving. Smoke clouds vision, burns the eyes, and makes breathing difficult. Scripture describes hell as a place of darkness, fire, torment, and separation from God (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:15). It is not a scare tactic—it is a warning. Just as smoke damages the body over time, sin damages the soul. At first, people may tolerate it, excuse it, or even enjoy it, but the consequences are deadly. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
Smoking doesn’t usually destroy someone overnight. It happens gradually. In the same way, sin hardens the heart little by little. A person may say, “It’s not that bad,” or “I can quit anytime,” or “Everyone else is doing it.” But Scripture warns, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12). Hell is not a place God desires anyone to go. It is the tragic outcome of continually choosing self over God, rebellion over repentance, and darkness over light.
Heaven, on the other hand, is the non-smoking section—the place of clean air, peace, and life. It represents fellowship with God, freedom from sin, and eternal joy. Revelation describes heaven as a place with no more tears, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). Heaven is not earned by good behavior, just as fresh air isn’t earned by effort—it is entered by choosing the right door. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9).
Many people assume that heaven is automatic, that everyone goes there by default. But just as a restaurant requires you to choose a section, eternity requires a decision. Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible—not because He wanted to frighten people, but because He loved them enough to warn them. “Enter by the narrow gate… because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14).
The good news—the gospel—is that God has made a way for anyone to choose “non-smoking.” Jesus Christ took upon Himself the punishment for our sin. He stepped into the smoke so we could breathe freely. On the cross, He endured judgment so we could receive mercy. “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Salvation is not about cleaning yourself up first; it is about surrendering your life to Christ and trusting Him completely.
Some people delay the choice. They say, “Not now,” or “Maybe later.” But Scripture warns us not to postpone eternity. “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Hebrews 3:15). Once life ends, the choice is sealed. There are no transfers between sections. There are no second chances after death.
Every day, we are choosing—by our actions, beliefs, and obedience—where we stand. Are we walking toward the light or lingering in the smoke? Heaven is open to all who repent and believe. Hell awaits those who reject the only cure for sin.
The question remains, and it is one no one else can answer for you:
Smoking… or non-smoking?
Hell… or Heaven? Let today be the day we choose where we will spend eternity. Just tell God you want the non-smoking place to spend forever in. Please choose before it is too late.
There’s no better time than now to start living as if it were your last day on earth. All you need is to take a moment to pray… Tell God you believe His Son, Jesus, paid for your sins and rose from the grave. Let Him know you’re sorry and want to live for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes, give you everlasting life with Him, and place His Spirit deep within your heart. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“ May God Bless you.
“…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15).
Choose wisely. YOUR Eternity depends on it.
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
