Hitchin Christian Centre

Q: Why does alcohol have to play such a vital role in the lives of Christians? I come from a long line of teetotalers, but my wife serves wine to our guests, often gives wine and other spirits as gifts and occasionally has a glass or two herself. David Wilkerson wrote a book, called Sipping Saints, a few decades ago. I'd like to challenge all Christians to read that book today. Pastor, the topic of wine-bibbing often comes up in our conversations. How do you suggest we handle this topic?

A: Hi, thanks for this question - which I am often asked. This is my take on the issue:

The Bible has much to say regarding the drinking of alcohol. (Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 29:6; Judges 13:4,7,14; Proverbs 20:1, 31:4; Isaiah 5:11,22, 24:9, 28:7, 29:9, 56:12). However the Scripture does not necessarily forbid a Christian from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. In fact some Scriptures discuss alcohol in positive terms. Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, "Drink your wine with a merry heart." Psalm 104:14,15 states God gives wine "That makes glad the heart of men!" Amos 9:14 discusses drinking from your own vineyard as a sign of God's blessing. Isaiah 55:1 encourages, "Yes, come and buy wine and milk!"

What God commands Christians regarding alcohol is to avoid drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible condemns drunkenness and it's affects. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Christians are also commanded to not allow their bodies to be "mastered" by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Drinking alcohol in excess is undeniably addictive. Scripture also forbids a Christian from doing anything that might offend other Christians or encourage them to sin against their own conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). In the light of these principles, it would be extremely difficult for any Christian to say he is drinking alcohol to excess to the glory of God! (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Jesus changed water into wine. It even seems that Jesus even drank wine on occasion. (John 2:1-11; Matthew 26:29) In New Testament times, the water was not very clean. Without modern sanitation, the water was often filled with bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of contaminants. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul was instructing Timothy to stop drinking the water (which probably caused his stomach problems) and drink wine instead. In Paul's day it was fermented (containing alcohol) but not necessary to the degree it is today.

It is incorrect to say it was grape juice, but it is also incorrect to say that it was the same thing as the wine commonly used today. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Alcohol is not in itself tainted by sin. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12).

Finally, alcohol, consumed in small quantities, is neither harmful nor addictive. In fact some doctors advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for it's health benefits, especially for the heart. Consumption of small quantities of alcohol is a matter of Christian freedom. Drunkenness and addiction are sin. However, due to Biblical concerns regarding alcohol and it's effects, due to the easy temptation to consume alcohol in excess, and due to the possibility of causing offence and/or stumbling of others, it is usually best for a Christian to abstain entirely from drinking alcohol.

I hope this helps.

Tony

This is a response to a question posted on our "Ask the pastor" page. To submit your own question, go to here.

Comments: