What Does The Bible Say About Alcohol

What Does The Bible Say About Alcohol? Is it okay for Christians to drink?

Yes it is okay for Christians to drink alcohol, even Jesus and His disciples drank wine in the Bible. However the Bible does warn to refrain from getting drunk or drinking in excess. So let’s get straight into what scripture says about alcohol.

Alcohol in terms of Celebration

One of the reasons God provided us food and alcohol is for use in celebrations. God wants us to be blessed, have joy, to celebrate.

Psalm 104:14-15: “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”

Ecclesiastes 9:7: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Don’t forget it was Jesus Himself who provided wine for a wedding celebration, turning water into wine.

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. John 2:2-9

Don’t forget Jesus and His disciples drank wine themselves; first in the Book of Matthew it says Jesus shared wine with His disciples when He instituted a new Covenant.

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:27

In Luke 7:34 Jesus was accused of being gluttonous and a drunkard for eating and drinking with others, however the verse is clear while Jesus ate and drank with others He did not give in to excess (did not overeat and was not drunk) and did not sin.

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Luke 7:34

The Bible explains Jesus was God in human form, His human body was tempted by sin just like we all are, however Jesus never gave in to temptation and remained sinless.

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22

Alcohol As A Medicine

Believe it or not, alcohol used to be used as a medicine in Biblical times and that has not changed. Alcohol today (Usually 100% alcohol) is used as wound cleaning liquid. In Biblical times it was also used as a diuretic, a purgative (a way of introducing vomiting for poisoning), and even as a cooling agent for fevers.

1 Timothy 5:23: “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”

Drink But Don’t Get Drunk

While the Bible does say it is fine for Christians to drink the Bible does speak multiple times of self-control, moderation and refrain from becoming drunk.

Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”

1 Peter 4:3: “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”

Proverbs 23:20-21: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”

Why Does God Not Want Us To Get Drunk

God does not want us to get drunk or drink in excess. Why is this? Well at all times we are meant to be a reflection of God, ready to spread the Gospel and keep away from sin (as much as possible). Being drunk puts us in a state where all of that is jeopardized. The Bible also speaks a lot in terms of self-control and this being a Fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we do anything in excess this can take us off Gods course and onto the wrong path. God does not want you to be led astray by anything, God wants you to be guided by Him and feel His love.

Lastly God also asks us to stay away from getting drunk so we are not a negative influence on others. If we drink in excess others around us may also think this is okay then drink in excess also. We must remember we are always representing God and Gods Word.

Romans 14:21: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

Abstaining From Alcohol

Remember while the Bible says it is okay to drink alcohol, that doesn’t mean you have to. Many Christians simply abstain from alcohol altogether simply because they may not like alcohol or for fear of not being able to moderate their alcohol consumption.

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