One of the questions about salvation is whether a person can still be addicted to something after a person becomes a believer in our Lord Jesus. For example, can alcoholics, drug and sex addicts, or any other addicts still be saved? Addiction is a complicated issue because addiction affects the brain in such a way that it can alter the chemicals in the brain. American Medical Association defined addiction as a mental disease, like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Addiction interferes with parts of the brain that are responsible for motivation, feelings, mood, and judgment. There is a strong craving to give in to the addictions to feel good. However, when a person is sober from his/her addiction, he/she feels guilt and shame. As a result, many addicts question their salvation because they keep on falling into the same sin. For example, an alcoholic wants to stop, but he/she keeps on relapsing.
The question then is what the Bible says about addiction? Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." The key to overcoming addiction is to change the way we think. Our mind is associated with our brain. Whether addiction is a disease or not, addicts need to change the way they think in order for them to overcome their addictions. God is the only one who can help them change their minds and heal them from their addictions. However, renewing their minds is a process for many of them. Since it is a process, addicts can relapse along the way of their recovery. So, as believers, we should not be quick to judge those who are struggling with addiction, but we need to pray for their healing.
Christians who struggle with addiction are still saved. God forgives them every time they relapse, and I believe that someday, God will completely heal them. But through their current struggles, they need to seek help because they will not overcome their addiction by themselves. Here's a good article about addiction (Click Here). If we are not struggling with addiction, we need to pray and show the love of Christ to those who are struggling with addiction.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Have I examined my life to see if I am addicted to something? What should I do if I realize that I am addicted to something? How should I treat those who are addicts?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I pray for those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs, pornography, and any destructive addictions that you will continue to change their minds and heal them. If they have not believed in you as their Lord and Savior, I pray that they will believe in you and be saved. Please protect my mind from any destructive addictions. Please help me to say no to those things that can lead me to addiction. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.