Is drinking alcohol a sin? There are many people of religious faiths and non-faiths who for varying reasons do not drink alcoholic beverages. Some people can not “handle” alcohol and others seemingly have no problem drinking it. Is it right to drink alcoholic beverages? What does God have to say about drinking alcoholic beverages? Is alcohol even in the Bible? “Wine” appears 273 times and “strong drink” over 500 times. Both are in reference to fermented beverages (See Strong’s Concordance #3631 Hebrew and #4718 Greek).
Positive examples of alcoholic consumption in the Bible.
Jesus’s first miracle was to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). Wine makes one “merry” (Ecc. 10:19). Paul instructed Timothy to drink wine for his often infirmities’ (I Tim 5:23). Melchizedek, high priest of God served father Abraham bread and wine (Gen. 14:18). When Israel is released from captivity after Jesus returns, they will celebrate and rejoice with wine (Amos 9:14). Wine was an official part of the sacrificial system in honor to God (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 23:13; Num. 15:5,7,10). Give strong drink to the dying (Pro. 31:6). Drink during the festivals of God (Deut. 14:26). Drink during courtship and sex (Song of Solomon 5:1). Isaac blessed Jacob and said, “Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine (Gen. 27:28). God created wine and strong drink for man. Jesus will drink wine in the future Kingdom of God (Matt. 26:27-29).
Negative examples of alcoholic consumption in the Bible.
A warning is given to Kings and Princes NOT to drink wine (Pro. 31:4). Drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:10). After the flood Noah was drunk with wine and became ashamed* (Gen. 9:21). Be not drunk with wine in “excess” (Eph. 5:18) indicating drinking is acceptable but getting drunk is a sin. Wine is a mocker; a strong drink is raging (Pro. 20:1). No drunkard will inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). Strong drink can make one err in vision and stumble in judgement (Isa. 28:7). Alcoholism (Isa. 5:11). Lot’s daughters used wine for the devious purpose of procreation with there father (Gen. 19:32). “Do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess (Eph. 5:18).
Our alcohol attitudes.
We have seen examples of both the proper use and improper use of alcoholic beverages. What should our Christian attitude be towards the consumption of alcoholic beverages? In our past many of us have walked with the “will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine”… (I Pet. 4:3) and we should be “sober, and watch unto prayer” (I Pet. 4:7) because the end is near. This is a warning to stay sharp and focused on God as the end of the age nears. If alcohol interferes with our ability to live a Christian life then we should not consume alcohol. We should do nothing that causes our brother to stumble in the faith (Rom. 14:12-13). If consuming alcohol makes us feel guilty or offends others we should not drink (Rom. 14:21-23). If we lust after wine and strong drink, we are breaking God’s law and are guilty of sin (Rom. 6:12-14; Rom. 13:14; Gal. 5:16). If we covet alcohol, we have broken the tenth commandment (Ex. 20:17) and are guilty of sin.
God gives no prohibition against the proper and appropriate use of alcohol consumption. God does give many examples and warnings to not drink in excess and to not lust or covet alcohol. Drinking alcohol is a personal choice allowed by God with moderation. If one has a medical reason, an inability to control oneself while drinking or desires alcohol so much they are willing to over indulge, then it is a sin to drink alcohol. There are many people who should NEVER drink alcohol. If you are one of them seek counseling and help as alcohol can destroy your life and the life of your family.
As with all sin, God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Pet.3:9). If one has a problem with alcohol, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. Seek professional help. Pray to God and He will forgive the sin and help you to overcome.
- *Noah repented.
