Alcohol consumption is a sensitive subject because it is an important part of our social life. It is useful in both happy and sad circumstances. People attend weddings and other special events where they witness individuals present raising champagne glasses in jubilation.
Beer, wine, and liquor are heavily marketed as ways to have a pleasant and active social life through commercials, ads, social media, movies, and television.
On the other hand, you may know someone who has suffered harm as a result of drinking. You can be a neighbor of an alcoholic or know someone who is. You might be familiar with a family who lost a relative in an accident brought on by drinking.
Therefore, alcohol consumption is viewed as immoral by some Christians while being totally acceptable by others. Which perspective is true? In this article, we hope to provide an unbiased answer on the topic.
Biblical Proclamations on Alcohol and its Consumption
Some Christians believe that the Scripture deems alcohol immoral; they entirely refrain from alcohol consumption. Other Christians point out that at a wedding in Cana, where the host had run out of his own supply in the middle of the festivities, Jesus drank wine and replenished it. Mary, Jesus’ mother, actually alerted him to the predicament, according to John 2:3–5.
Thus, to get a clearer picture, examine the following proclamations in the Bible regarding the consumption of alcohol;
Alcohol, in itself, Is Not Evil
The book of Psalm 104:14–15 mentions that alcohol is one of God’s great endowments that can be misused. Both verses that praise and verses that warn against drinking alcohol are common in the Bible. There are 75 biblical texts on consuming alcohol, according to biblical scholars.
Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy to drink wine for health reasons is one Bible scripture that unequivocally endorses the consumption of alcohol. He said, “Drink a little wine instead of just water to help your stomach and lessen your frequency of illnesses” in 1 Tim. 5:23. Also, Jesus responded to those who chastised him for consuming alcohol as follows:
“For John arrived without eating or drinking, and they claim that he is haunted by a demon. When the Son of Man arrived, people said, “Look at him! A gluttonous and inebriated companion of sinners and tax collectors! But wisdom justifies herself by her deeds. (Matt. 11:18–19).
Excessive Use and Consumption are Discouraged
Here are two passages from the Bible that caution against drinking too much alcohol:
“Strong drink is a brawler, wine is a mocker, and whoever is misled by it is not sensible.” (Prov. 20:1)
“Envy, intoxication, orgies, and similar behaviors. As previously, I forewarn you that individuals who engage in such behavior will not share in the inheritance of God’s kingdom.” (Gal. 5:21)
Clearly, the Bible contains more verses cautioning against excessive alcohol intake than it does verses praising it. A person’s coordination, reflexes, and discernment are all compromised by drinking. This is why operating any form of machinery, including a motor vehicle, while intoxicated is extremely risky. T
he Bible forbids kings from craving alcohol, saying that a ruler must be sober to uphold justice and defend the oppressed (Prov. 31:4–5). Alcohol abuse can cause a variety of immediate and long-term health issues.
Some claim that consuming wine helped to solve the issue of bad water quality in biblical times because the components of wine eliminated the toxic germs found in raw water.
The wine back then probably contained lesser levels of alcohol and was, therefore, less intoxicating, which is another explanation for why drinking alcohol seems acceptable in the Bible. Modern fermenting techniques are used in many types, resulting in higher alcohol content than was ever possible in biblical times.
Even though wine may not have been as an alcoholic in the past as it is today, fermented drinks were undoubtedly capable of making people intoxicated in biblical times. This is why many Bible passages forbid consuming large amounts of alcohol, especially wine.
Christians Can Drink Alcohol within the Boundaries of God’s Law
Christians can enjoy alcohol as it is a gift from God, as long as they are within the confines of God’s moral rule. The freedom to abstain is available to believers who feel it is safer not to consume alcohol.
Those who prefer to use alcoholic beverages must do it responsibly, never endangering themselves or others. Paul also urges Christians to refrain from drinking alcohol in circumstances where doing so would cause their fellow Christians to fall (Rom. 14:21).
In all we do, we should always aim to bring glory to the Lord, according to 1 Corinthians 10: 31 which states that in everything you do—eating, drinking, or otherwise—do it all for God’s glory.
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Approach Alcohol Consumption With Maturity, Restraint, and Wisdom
It is important to approach drinking alcoholic beverages with maturity, prudence, restraint, and, most importantly, love for God and our neighbor, as admonished in Mark 12:30–31.
We are obligated to obey civil rules established for our protection, such as those governing the legal drinking age and the permissible blood alcohol concentration when operating a motor vehicle. According to the apostle Peter, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Taking excessive alcohol puts you in the perfect position for the devil to prey on and devour. Christians should always maintain a clear head and be vigilant, according to Eph 5: 15 – 21.
The verse advised Christians to consider their steps carefully from that point on, walking wisely rather than foolishly and making the most of their time because the days are bad. So, instead of acting foolishly, consider the Lord’s will. And do not get drunk on wine, for that is debauchery; rather, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, 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, and yielding to one another out of respect for Christ.
Conclusion: Should Christians Drink Alcohol
There are both encouraging words regarding the consumption of alcohol and warnings regarding the abuse. Therefore, when Christians approach the topic of alcohol consumption today, we must take into account both of those factors. On the one hand, we must realize that wine is a gift from God.
Psalm 104 states that. The wine is quite fine, and we may contrast it with other divine gifts. For instance, sex is a gift from God. There is nothing wrong with sex; it is a positive thing. We Christians have nothing against sex. Both labor and money are gifts from God.
The desire to labor, produce, and achieve prosperity is a divine aspiration. These are God’s gifts to us. God gives us relationships and food as gifts. But it’s possible to abuse any of these things. Any of these items can be used to create an idol. A good object can become an idol if we elevate it to a certain level.
Therefore, when we take this wonderful gift of wine and make it into an ultimate thing and start using it in ways God has forbidden us from using or warned us not to, it becomes very damaging.
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