Tobacco. For some, the word conjures images of smoke-filled backrooms and rebellion. For others, it’s a health-hazard warning on a box. But for the Reformed Christian, tobacco carries a different weight. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a theological statement.
It’s about the intersection of creation, grace, and the freedom we have in Christ.
At 1689 Cigar Co., we don’t just sell tobacco. We sell a medium for fellowship. We sell a moment of pause in a world that’s moving too fast. And we do it because we believe that everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
The Creator’s Humidor: Tobacco as Common Grace
Let’s start at the beginning. God is the author of flavor. He didn't have to make the world taste like anything. He could have made sustenance a bland, grey mush. Instead, He gave us the complexity of the single tobacco leaf.
Tobacco is a gift of common grace. It’s a mercy shown to all of humanity, a reminder that the world is filled with unnecessary beauties meant for our enjoyment. When you look at the veins of a wrapper or the rich, dark hues of a Maduro leaf, you’re looking at a masterpiece of natural engineering.
The soil of Nicaragua, the sun of the Dominican, the hands that ferment and roll these leaves: all of it is part of a providential design. To enjoy a cigar is to acknowledge that God is a lavish Giver. He gave us the ability to ferment, to age, and to blend. Why? For His glory and our pleasure.
Christian Liberty: Beyond the Pharisee’s List
We get asked all the time: "Is smoking a sin?"
It’s a fair question, but usually, it comes from a place of legalism rather than a search for truth. The Bible doesn't mention tobacco. It does, however, mention Christian liberty. In Romans 14, Paul is clear: we have freedom in matters that aren't explicitly forbidden.
The trap is the "Pharisee" mindset. It’s the desire to add rules where God has given freedom. It’s why we named one of our lines the Pharisee Infused Cigars. It’s a bit of a wink and a nod to those who would rather count your sins than enjoy God's grace.
Liberty isn't a license to be reckless. We believe in moderation. We believe in stewardship. But we also believe that a man should be able to sit on his porch, light up a London 1689, and reflect on the goodness of God without looking over his shoulder for the local moralizer.
The "Third Space" and the Necessity of Fellowship
We live in an atomized world. Everyone is behind a screen. Everyone is in a rush. We’ve lost the "Third Space": that area outside of home and work where community actually happens.
Cigars create that space.
You can’t rush a cigar. A good Westminster 1646 or a Savoy 1689 is going to take an hour of your time. It demands that you slow down. And when you slow down with other men, something happens. The conversation shifts. It goes from the weather and sports to theology, family, and the struggles of life.
Smoking to the Glory of God: The Spurgeon Standard
You can’t talk about Reformed theology and tobacco without mentioning the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon. He didn't just smoke; he did it with a clear conscience and a defiant joy.
When challenged about his smoking, Spurgeon famously replied that he intended to "smoke a good cigar to the glory of God" before going to bed.
This wasn't a flippant remark. It was a deeply theological one. If we can eat and drink to the glory of God, we can smoke to the glory of God. It means doing it with gratitude. It means not letting it become an idol. It means recognizing the craftsmanship behind the blend.
That’s why we’ve dedicated blends to these giants of the faith. Whether it’s the Spurgeon Maduro or the Gold Label John Calvin, we are connecting the physical act of smoking with the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Reformation. These aren't just names on a band; they are reminders of a robust, world-affirming Christianity that refuses to cede the world’s pleasures to the secularists.
No King But Christ: The Ethos of 1689 Cigar Co.
Our brand is built on a specific foundation. We are Reformed. We are Baptist. We are unapologetic. When we release a series like "No King But Christ," we are making a statement about lordship.
Christ is Lord over the church, Lord over the state, and Lord over our leisure. That includes what we smoke.
We don’t believe in a "secular" and "sacred" divide. A man reading his Bible is doing something sacred. A man rolling a cigar with excellence is also doing something sacred. A man enjoying that cigar in deep conversation with a brother? That’s sacred too.
The 1689 Signature series represents this integration. It’s premium tobacco for a premium worldview. We don't cut corners because we serve a Master who deserves our best: even in our hobbies.
The Practical Side: Finding Your Smoke
If you’re new to this world, the variety can be overwhelming. But think of it like theology: you start with the basics and work your way into the deeper waters.
- For the seeker of balance: The Westminster offers a consistent, approachable experience. It’s reliable.
- For the one looking for depth: The Savoy 1689 provides a richer, more complex profile that rewards the patient smoker.
- For the daily grind: Our Daily Smokes Collection is perfect for those moments when you just need a solid, affordable cigar that doesn't compromise on the quality of the leaf.
A Final Word to the Discerning Smoker
At the end of the day, a cigar is just a cigar. It’s leaves and fire. It won't save your soul, and it won't make you a better theologian.
But, if approached with the right heart, it can be a tool for sanctification. It can teach you patience. It can foster brotherhood. It can lead you to a state of quiet contemplation where you can truly hear yourself think: and perhaps, hear what the Spirit is saying through the Word.
So, don’t let the legalists steal your joy. Don't let the world define your pleasures.
Pick up a cutter. Strike a match. Take a draw. And as the smoke rises like a kind of incense, give thanks to the One who gave us the leaf, the flame, and the freedom to enjoy them both.
De Morte ad Vitam. From death to life.
Awesome article, agree 100 percent!!!
Well written comment!
Legalism – these traditions of men, make the word of God of none effect in their lives. Ironically, in fighting a christian who enjoys a cigar, they are cutting at their own ability to enjoy the Word. Some of my best times with Jesus are while We are having a cigar.
I agree, let our smoke in incense rise up as an offering to Yahweh. Let our thoughts and actions be Christ centered and Word saturated for Gods Glory Alone! Let us worship together and draw near to The Lord!