While wine may not have contained as much alcohol in ancient times as it does today, fermented beverages in biblical times clearly had the capacity to make people drunk. Some people point out that wine drinking combated the problem of poor water quality in biblical times as the ingredients in wine killed harmful microorganisms present in raw water. This is why so many Scripture passages warn against excessive consumption of wine and strong drink (a beverage containing a significant amount of alcohol; some Bible verses that mention "strong drink" include Lev. Is drinking alcohol wrong? You may live with an alcoholic or know someone who does. There are some Christian sects that could tutor that it truly is a sin. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12). Our society has failed to institutionalize drinking in a way that would place it within a healthful setting and define its limits. Drinking and smoking as a Christian is a personal choice, but you need to know your limit and be sure to avoid addiction. Again, alcohol is not negative in small amounts. OpenBible.com lists 75 passages from the Bible about drinking alcohol. (1 Cor. In general, they regarded wine as a gift, and they praised God for it (Psalm 104:14-15), but saw excessive drinking as foolish (Proverbs 20:1). Episode 356 | Dr. Michael Horton and Adriel Sanchez answer questions about Christianity and other religions, dating a person with a sinful past, the prophet Jeremiah, spiritual gifts, and experiencing God. © 2020 Core Christianity. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. If for no other reason but this one, social drinking is a sin. In New Testament times the main alcoholic substance was wine (sometimes watered as a substitute for plain drinking water). 10:9; Isa. Although alcohol is by no means a central scriptural issue, the Bible alludes to its use. Alcohol has divided opinions usually among the hypocrites and other fellows with very little or no understanding of the matter in the light of the Bible. Drinking beer, wine, whiskey and other beverages which contain alcohol, and therefore make one drunk, is a very old practice. Scripture warns kings not to crave alcohol because a ruler needs a clear mind to uphold justice and protect the oppressed (Prov. Many people ask can Christians drink alcohol? In hot countries grape juice naturally turns to wine, and drinking wine and beer has been a part of all cultures for thousands of years. I do not drink alcoholic beverages for one major reason: My conduct might cause someone else, who is weak, to stumble. Many believe drinking alcohol is a sin. Paul told Timothy to drink it medicinally (1 Timothy 5:23). In the Christian community, the topic of drinking alcohol has been overwrought by misinterpretation, personal conviction, good intentions, and defensiveness. 0 0. springs. We should always seek to bring honor to the Lord in all our activities: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. His oldest daughter came in and had sex with him. A prime example of the negative effects of drinking alcohol can be seen in the story of Lot and his daughters. Drinking alcohol has been the subject of debate within the church for centuries. Increasingly, youth use alcohol as an alternative to illicit drugs. Paul also exhorts Christians to abstain from drinking alcohol in situations where doing so could cause their brothers or sisters in Christ to stumble (Rom. Enjoy wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage if you so choose, but only as is honoring to Christ and your fellow human beings. Therefore, according the Bible, it is acceptable to drink wine, beer, liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, as long as they are in amounts small enough so that you don’t get drunk. Believers who feel it is safer not to drink any alcohol have the freedom to abstain. The land of Canaan flowed not only with milk and honey but with wine as well. Beautiful Storytelling. What Freedom From Sin Looks Like in This Life. Answer. His first miracle was turning water into wine. Should a Christian Date Someone with a History of Sexual Sin in Their Life. One Bible verse that clearly supports the intake of alcohol is the apostle Paul’s admonition to Timothy to drink wine for health reasons: No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. She is exceedingly grateful for both the loving kindness of many people and the sound Christian doctrine that helped her to keep on living after her son died in a skiing accident in 2006. 31:4–5). Many Christians completely abstain from consuming any alcohol, since they believe Scripture declares it to be sinful. What does God mean when he asks us to be holy as he is holy. Many of today’s varieties use modern fermentation methods that produce higher levels of alcohol than could ever have been achieved in biblical times. 5:15–21). Of course, in order to be a grave sin the excessive drinking has to be deliberate, not simply a surprise based on lack of foresight. Remember that alcohol, and many other things, can be a door, or gate, through which sin can enter. I have yet to hear from anyone who drinks how alcohol enhances anything or blesses anyone. There are clearly more verses in the Bible warning about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption than there are verses extolling its virtues. Site by. Years ago the majority of Christians considered drinking alcohol in any amount to be sinful. Is Drinking a Sin? Also, in the Bible, Jesus turned water into wine, and drank wine at the last supper. It is used by many not to "gladden the heart" (Psalm 104), but to escape reality. 31:4–5). 14:21). The apostle Peter reminds believers, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. Jesus made wine for the marriage at Cana (John 2:1–11). Today, alcoholic drinks can be much more potent. (1 Tim. Very often, such substances are not drunk as a beverage for the sake of taste and refreshment but as a highly concentrated drug taken for "the effect.". Alcohol use impairs a person's judgment, reaction time, and coordination. The answer to both is no, but the potential to lead to sin is notable, which is why many Christians refrain from alcohol or tobacco. that are put in place for our protection in God’s providence (Rom. 5:8). She holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Westminster Seminary California. Jesus did make wine. Can Christians drink alcohol, if so, how much? Alcohol is not evil in itself. Le Ann is a writer, editor, speaker, wife, and mom who enjoys the Southern California lifestyle, including flip-flops, the beach, riding electric bicycles along the 101, and an occasional salted caramel Americano from Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach. Excessive use of alcohol can lead to many short and long-term health problems as well. Christianity Today strengthens the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Even in light of the many biblical warnings regarding the abuse of alcohol, Christians have the liberty to enjoy this gift from God within the boundaries of God’s moral law. Jesus’ own mother, Mary, actually brought the situation to his attention (John 2:3–5). And in the long run, alcohol abuse can damage the brain, the heart, the liver, and the stomach. Trusted Journalism. Is it a sin to drink alcohol? The Bible does not condemn drinking alcohol altogether, although it does condemn drinking any amount of alcohol that will cause drunkenness. It can add to the wonderful experience of human life. This is why combining drinking alcohol with the operation of any kind of machinery, including a motor vehicle, is so dangerous. The question is, is drinking alcohol a sin? Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. People go to weddings and special events and see those in attendance lifting glasses of champagne in celebration. What originally was going to be a thoughtful piece about the original article has become much more. It’s not condemned in Scripture, but there are many warnings against drunkenness. Is drinking alcohol a sin? There replaced into once more effective, yet i imagine they're coming round at present. Alcohol consumption in North America clearly has reached disastrous proportions. Let's look at passages in the Old Testament, and those in the New Testament, that address this issue. Le Ann Trees (Gal. Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol? Getting drunk is a sin, but what about drinking in moderation? Christians should always be sober-minded and watchful: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Alcohol consumption is a tough topic, because it is associated with both joyful and tragic situations. To the contrary, certain scientific, historical, and cultural conditions make personal and corporate decisions regarding drinking more complicated than in antiquity. Moderation in all things. 4 years ago. Some Bible scholars believe the drinking water in the Middle East was unreliable, often polluted or containing harmful microbes. I personally have experienced both of these situations. They drew attention from the real issues facing the nation. Attitudes today must be informed by both contextual and theological considerations. Drunkenness is a sin, forbidden by the Bible, but having one drink may not be wrong. 20:1), Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Drinking alcoholic beverages needs to be approached with maturity, wisdom, restraint, and most of all, love for God and our neighbor (Mark 12:30–31). And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. There are numerous Bible verses that extol alcohol and ones that give dire warnings regarding its intake.