Since Gambling Is Not Mentioned In
The Bible,
Is It Really Wrong?
by Garland M. Robinson
        The dictionary defines gambling as
"to play a game of chance for money or other stakes, to wager
money or other stakes on uncertain outcome, to expose something of
value to risk or hazard in the advantage of gain." A simple
definition of gambling would be: desiring the possession (prize) of
another, the gambler creates a risk (that of losing his own
possession) in an attempt through chance to gain the possession of
another with nothing given in exchange. It is a greedy desire to
have what belongs to another.
        Gambling takes many forms: card
games, dice, numbers, betting on elections or sporting events,
buying sweepstakes tickets, lotteries, playing slot machines, punch
boards, bingo (for money or prizes), raffle tickets, matching for
cokes, or even pitching for pennies. Also, whether you are gambling
or not does not depend upon the amount you are risking. It may be
$5,000 or $5, it may be 50 cents or 1 cent, the principle is the
same. Only the amount differs.
        Jesus said a tree is known by its
fruits (Matthew 7:15). What are the fruits of gambling? Its fruits
are corrupt from the word "go." Gambling conflicts with the Bible
in at least six major areas: It violates the principle of: 1)
Earning a living through righteous means (Ephesians 4:28), 2)
Loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39; 7:12), 3) Shun-
ning the appearance of evil (Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22), 4)
Christian stewardship (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7), 5)
Showing a Christ-like example (Romans 12:17), 6) God's plan for the
home (Ephesians 5:23-31; 6:1-4). Gambling is a greedy desire to get
something for nothing at the expense of the loser. It is not an
innocent past time or fund raiser. It is covetousness. Colossians
3:5 says covetousness is idolatry; and, idolatry and sin.
        Gambling, in any form, is wrong--
sinful. It was not given by God. It is not authorized by God. It
stands condemned by God. Are you guilty of gambling? There is hope
for you. You can be forgiven if you sincerely obey the gospel by
believing in Jesus the Christ (John 8:24),
repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38),
confessing faith in Christ (Acts 8:37) and being
baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38;
22:16). Obey the gospel today!