Let’s be real—some questions never go away. Whether you’re new to the faith or have been walking with Jesus for decades, there are topics that stir the pot every time. They’re the kind of questions that make believers scratch their heads and unbelievers roll their eyes. But at the core of these debates is a deeper cry: What does it really mean to follow God?
Here are four of the most asked—and misunderstood—questions we get as Spirit-filled believers, along with biblical clarity that cuts through the noise.
1. Is it a sin to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes? Ah yes, the “can I still be saved and sip Merlot” question. Let’s break it down. Technically? No, drinking or smoking doesn’t automatically cancel your salvation. Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful” (NKJV). In other words, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Grace doesn’t give us a free pass to do dumb stuff—it invites us to live better. Smoking and drinking won’t send you to hell, but they may slow you down getting to heaven… literally. Your body is a temple. So if your habits shorten your life, they also shorten the time you’ve got to reach the people God’s called you to influence. If you’re still wondering whether it’s a sin, you’re probably asking the wrong question. Try this one instead: “Does this help me get closer to God—or further away?”
2. Once saved, always saved? Here’s the theological grenade that explodes church potlucks everywhere. Some folks cling tightly to John 10:28—“No one can snatch them out of my hand.” Others point to Hebrews 6:4–6 and warn about falling away.
But let’s zoom out. Salvation isn’t a one-time password you enter to unlock heaven; it’s a living, breathing relationship with Jesus. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me” (John 10:27). You can’t follow someone you’re no longer listening to.
This isn’t about losing your salvation like misplacing your keys. It’s about deliberately walking away. God won’t revoke your salvation like a Netflix password—but He won’t force you to stick around either. Want to know if you’re secure in your salvation? Easy. Are you still following Jesus? That’s the fruit test. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Real faith shows up in real obedience.
3. Can Christians live together before marriage? Let’s just say this: culture may have changed, but the Word hasn’t. Jesus said, “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife” (Matt. 19:5). Not “his girlfriend,” not “his roommate with benefits”—his wife. The modern argument is always, “But it’s financially smarter!” OK, but since when did we start trusting our bank accounts more than the God? Living together outside of marriage might not send you straight to hell, but it can rob you of God’s blessing. And blessings aren’t just perks—they’re protection, provision, peace. Yes, God has grace. But He also has standards. And trust me, a wedding band blessed by God is far better than a convenience lease co-signed by compromise.
4. Is it a sin to get a tattoo? Now we’re in hot ink territory. People love to quote Leviticus 19:28—“Do not mark your bodies.” But let’s be real: that same chapter also tells you not to wear blended fabrics or eat rare steak. You doing that, too?
The Old Testament law was given to the Israelites under a specific covenant that we are no longer under. We’re now under the New Covenant—where Jesus boiled the commandments down to two: love God and love people (Matt. 22:37–39). So, what about tattoos? They aren’t inherently sinful. Ask yourself: Is this for God’s glory or my own? Is this tattoo going to help or hinder my witness? Ink doesn’t disqualify your walk—but your motive matters more than your skin art ever will.
These questions may seem basic, but they open the door to deeper truths. The real issue isn’t whether something is technically a sin—it’s whether it’s spiritually profitable. Too many Christians live on the edge of what they can get away with instead of running full speed toward holiness.
It’s time we stop asking, “Is this allowed?” and start asking, “Is this leading me closer to Jesus?” God isn’t handing out spiritual report cards based on tattoos, dating situations, or whether you sipped wine at dinner. But He is deeply invested in your heart, your obedience and your intimacy with Him. Let that be the filter.
Because when it’s all said and done, the hottest questions aren’t about heaven, hell, or ink—they’re about whether we truly know the One who gave His life to bring us home.
And that answer starts with surrender. Every day. Choose Him. Every time.
Kelly K. (Kopp) is a husband, father, pastor, author and full-time evangelist based in Oklahoma. Thousands have come to know Jesus through his social media platforms reaching millions. Kelly K. was a musician and tour manager for some of the biggest rock bands in the world. After a near-death car crash while out on tour, Kelly gave up everything and turned to Jesus. His new book, Tough Topics: 25 Biblical Answers to Controversial Questions, is available now at amazon.com.
