Some preachers have already made a personal selection of who will go to heaven and who will not. Throughout history, this tendency has appeared again and again within religious contexts, where certain leaders assume an authority that goes beyond what Scripture actually teaches. The Bible does point to specific sins and behaviors that, if practiced without repentance, exclude people from inheriting the kingdom of God. Among them, Scripture mentions idolaters, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, and others who persistently live in rebellion against God. However, in a recent case, a Bolivian pastor has added a new group to this list: “Not even Tiktokers will inherit the kingdom of heaven.”
This statement immediately generated controversy, not only because of its strong wording, but because of the implications behind it. Declaring that an entire group of people is excluded from salvation based on the use of a social media platform raises serious theological and pastoral questions. Christianity has always taught that salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on cultural tools, technologies, or platforms that did not even exist when the Bible was written.
These words were spoken during a sermon in which the pastor made it clear that members of his congregation were not allowed to use a particular social network. According to him, anyone unwilling to abandon that platform should leave his church and find another place to serve God. This kind of ultimatum places church membership above personal conscience and elevates pastoral opinion to the level of divine command.
The pastor justified his position by arguing that TikTok promotes vanity, immorality, and worldly behavior. While it is true that the platform contains content that can be inappropriate or harmful, it is also true that TikTok, like any other social network, is a tool. Tools themselves are morally neutral; it is how people use them that determines whether they honor God or not.
In his sermon, the pastor spoke very strongly against praise ministries that use the platform to upload worship videos. According to him, worship should not be exposed on social networks, especially on platforms associated with entertainment and trends. He argued that worship shared on TikTok becomes superficial and loses its reverence. However, this perspective ignores the reality that the gospel has historically adapted to new communication methods, from the printing press to radio, television, and now social media.
The pastor did not limit his criticism to TikTok alone. He also lashed out at parishioners who watch soap operas and those who consume adult content, grouping all of them together and declaring that they are going to hell. While Scripture clearly condemns sexual immorality and calls believers to guard their eyes and hearts, equating all forms of entertainment without discernment oversimplifies complex spiritual realities.
One of the most problematic aspects of this message is its legalistic tone. Legalism places external rules above internal transformation. Instead of pointing people to repentance, grace, and sanctification, it imposes rigid boundaries that are not explicitly commanded in Scripture. The apostle Paul warned against this mindset, reminding believers that the kingdom of God is not about external regulations, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ironically, this message from the pastor was broadcast on TikTok itself, which caused it to spread rapidly and go viral. Thousands of users around the world reacted to the video, many expressing concern, disagreement, or outright rejection of the pastor’s statements. Others defended him, arguing that the church must take a firm stand against worldliness.
The viral nature of the video highlights an important contradiction. If TikTok is truly a platform that leads people away from God, then using it to preach condemnation raises questions about consistency. At the same time, it demonstrates how powerful digital platforms are in shaping conversations about faith, doctrine, and practice in the modern church.
This situation has reignited an old debate within Christianity: the tension between holiness and engagement with culture. On one side, some argue that believers must separate themselves completely from worldly systems. On the other, many believe that Christians are called to be salt and light within the world, engaging culture without being consumed by it.
Jesus Himself interacted with sinners, tax collectors, and people considered morally compromised by religious leaders of His time. He did not endorse sin, but neither did He isolate Himself from society. Instead, He entered broken spaces to bring truth, grace, and redemption. Applying this principle today suggests that platforms like TikTok can be used either destructively or redemptively.
There are countless examples of Christians using social media to share Scripture, testimonies, worship music, and messages of hope. Many people who would never step into a church building encounter the gospel for the first time through digital content. To categorically condemn all users of a platform ignores this reality and risks placing unnecessary burdens on believers.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the pastor’s underlying concern: discernment. Social media can be addictive, distracting, and spiritually damaging if used without wisdom. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to examine their hearts, flee temptation, and avoid anything that leads them away from God. The issue, however, is not the platform itself, but how it influences each individual.
The Bible does not teach that salvation is lost by using a particular form of technology. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by abstaining from certain apps or cultural trends. Sanctification is a process guided by the Holy Spirit, not enforced through fear or public condemnation.
This controversy invites believers to reflect deeply: Are we following Christ out of love and conviction, or out of fear of exclusion? Are our pastors pointing us toward Scripture, or adding human rules that Scripture does not require? These are important questions that every Christian must prayerfully consider.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding TikTok, salvation, and church discipline reveals broader issues within modern Christianity. While holiness and discernment are essential, they must be rooted in biblical truth, grace, and humility. Declaring entire groups condemned based on external behaviors risks distorting the gospel message.
The gospel is not about banning platforms, but about transforming hearts. Christians are called to live wisely, use discernment, and glorify God in all things, including how they engage with technology. Tell us in the comments what you think about this topic and how believers should navigate faith in the digital age.