What is the Bible referring to in 1 Corinthians 3:17 when it declares that God will destroy the man who defiles his body? Does this mean that if we smoke, drink, or take drugs and destroy our bodies that God will destroy us?


The Bible is not saying that God will destroy Christians as a result of them not taking care of their bodies. Unfortunately, Christians who abuse themselves physically are destroying their own bodies.

Let's read this Scripture in its full context.

For we (ministers) are God's fellow workers; you (the Christian) are God's field, you are God's building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it....

Now if anyone (ministers) builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, Each one's work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

If anyone's work, which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
(1 Cor. 3:9-10, 12-17 NKJ)

The Bible refers to ministers who defile a Christian through false teaching or abuse of any type. The Bible is saying that God will destroy the minister that defiles the Christian.

It's very important for ministers to treat Christians with caring love and kindness because God is looking out for His children.

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