Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Tuesday June 16 2026
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Psalm 130:3-4-If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
Recently, our church has been blessed to start a new jail ministry in Barbourville, Kentucky. I had forgotten how much I had missed this type of outreach. While living and ministering in Hazard, I was blessed to be involved in a similar ministry at Perry County Detention Center for nearly twenty years.
During one of our meetings, a gentleman spoke up and asked a question that I have heard from many precious souls over the years.
“Can I go to Heaven since I am an addict?”
The gentleman has struggled with drug addiction for many years, and he worries whether or not God will allow him into Heaven if he has such struggles.
Here is how I answered.
First, there is no question that sin is real and that it is serious (Isaiah 5:20; 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). The proper use of drugs for legitimate medical need is not sinful (Isaiah 38:21-22; Luke 10:34; 1 Timothy 5:23), but the recreational abuse of drugs is (Proverbs 23:29-35; Ephesians 5:18).
Second, there are many components of drug addiction that need to be considered. One involves a physical factor. The body often becomes dependent on the drugs that a person abuses, so that the addict may need ongoing medical treatment. This is one reason that I am such a fan of Suboxone clinics and therapy. Suboxone is a drug that allows an addict to function in regular life by blocking the intensive cravings that he may experience from withdrawal symptoms. (Many addicts relapse because of those symptoms. They turn back to drugs because being dopesick is extremely painful). I have seen this medicine work wonders with addicts and help them get back on their feet and lead productive lives. There is no shame for an addict needing medical treatment. There are also spiritual, psychological, social, and even demonic circumstances that may need to be addressed when facing drug addiction.
Third, being saved does not take away the desire to sin. The gentleman had a mistaken belief shared by many: that if you fully give your heart to Christ, then the vulnerability for sinful temptations will magically disappear. However, that is not how things work. Sanctification refers to both being cleansed and saved by the blood of Christ when we obey the plan of salvation (Acts 2:37-47), as well to the ongoing process after initial salvation by which we grow and become more like what God desires us to be (Romans 7:14-8:26; 2 Corinthians 7:1). The Christian life is a struggle between good and evil (Galatians 5:16-17). We continue to fight against evil even after we are saved, which is why the Bible frankly acknowledges that God’s people still stumble and sin (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 8:12-13; 1 John 1:7-2:2). Telling an addict that God will remove his imperfections and weaknesses when he becomes a Christian is spreading a false message about the Gospel. The truth that redeemed humanity will continue to be weak through the flesh until Jesus gives us a new body is an integral part of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 15:42-50).
Fourth, the Savior perfectly understands our temptations, weaknesses, and failures. The words of the Apostle are so powerful here.
Hebrews 4:15-16-For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Thanks to Jesus, we can have assurance and boldness to come to God’s throne. We have a Savior Who perfectly understands our struggles.
Fifth, our identity is not based on our weaknesses or our struggles. The world says, “Once an addict, always an addict.” God does not identify us based on our temptations or failings. Instead:
Ephesians 1:11 (Message)-It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.
In Christ, we have salvation!
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us and coming to save us. Help us! Amen.