Is it a sin to drink alcohol

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Didymous

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2018
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God's word has much to say about the consumption of fermented and unfermented wine. In ancient times wine could be fermented grape juice mixed with water, thus making it somewhat diluted. Fermented wine could also be made without adding water and making it more intoxicating. The Bible often describes this type of wine as "strong drink". Without question the Bible condemns drinking to the point where a person is drunk. As Christians we are commanded to not let our bodies be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6: 12) and getting drunk with alcohol would certainly fall under this category. Christians should not do anything that hinders the Holy Spirit's influence on us. A person who consumes alcohol to the point where they are drunk has let the alcohol influence their decision making instead of being "filled by the spirit". Alcohol by itself is not tainted by sin, it is the drunkenness and addiction to it that a Christian must absolutely stay away from. Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or anything else containing alcohol in it. As a matter of fact, there are times the Bible speaks of alcohol in a positive light.

Ephesians 5:18 "be not drunk with wine where in excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit." This passage of scripture is warning us to not be "drunk" or drinking to the point where it is to much or "excess". Drinking to much leads to intoxication, which leads to bad decisions. God wants us to be filled by the Holy Spirit which leads and guides us into making better decisions in life.

Exodus 32:6-7 The people were so intoxicated with wine that the Lord said, "they have corrupted themselves."
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." To be led astray is to be led by the intoxication of wine, where God wants us to be lead by the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 31:4-7 verse 4 says that it is not for kings to drink wine. If the king is drunk and is under its influence, he may forget the law, his morals, or himself. A drunken king will use bad judgement when making important decisions concerning his kingdom. A king who stays drunk all the time cannot lead his people or country. Now notice in verse 6 this passage is actually giving permission to drink intoxicating wine. "strong drink" to those who are about to die and may need it for pain and "wine" who have a heavy heart and is afflicted with anxiety, nervousness, or something troubling them emotionally.

Final thoughts
It is incorrect to say that wine in the Bible was just simply grape juice, but equally incorrect to say that wine was fermented the same as modern day. It has been clinically proven that a glass of red wine soothes the stomach. The drunken state is what the Bible most warns about. The fact is, many people have a problem with having just "one glass" of red wine and want to keep going until it is too late. They become enslaved by the alcohol and do and say things they normally wouldn't. For these people it is a good idea to stay completely away from any kind of alcohol beverage. Keep in mind, back in ancient times the water was not very clean. Without modern sanitation, the water was filled with bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of contaminants. It is still true today in some third world countries where immediately after you step off an airplane they tell you not to drink the water! Regarding alcohol and its effects it has on people, the easy temptation to consume more than one can handle, and due to the possibility causing another brother or sister stumbling in their walk with Christ, it may be best for a Christian to abstain from drinking all together.
God bless everyone!

No. Drunkenness, on the other hand, is a no-no.
 

17Bees

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2016
1,362
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I've always been kind of interested in the notion of bacteria/yeast, etc. and its relationship to God. I wonder if (and this is going out on an unbiblical limb here) whether there was even death at all in the beginning. That nothing died. Not one blade of grass. So there would be no bacteria at all. No need for the breakdown of life. And because of the original disobedience, death then entered the Garden and, thus, the need for the worm, the yeast and the bacteria for the ultimate break down of the bodies.

So then the very act of deterioration is the "reminder" of the sin to God. And that it might be the reason for God's repulsion of any kind of yeast in the house during Passover. Or the yeast of the strong drink. If you think about it (or at least if I think about it) mankind's use of all those things we use this deterioration for could be reminder. The use of fossil fuels for instance, or the creation of methanol or the thousands of other uses. And maybe the vanity of them all.
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
6,624
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My answer to the OP is NO, it is not a sin to drink alcohol. It IS a sin to get drunk. Jesus taught moderation.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,555
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I've always been kind of interested in the notion of bacteria/yeast, etc. and its relationship to God. I wonder if (and this is going out on an unbiblical limb here) whether there was even death at all in the beginning. That nothing died. Not one blade of grass. So there would be no bacteria at all. No need for the breakdown of life. And because of the original disobedience, death then entered the Garden and, thus, the need for the worm, the yeast and the bacteria for the ultimate break down of the bodies.

So then the very act of deterioration is the "reminder" of the sin to God. And that it might be the reason for God's repulsion of any kind of yeast in the house during Passover. Or the yeast of the strong drink. If you think about it (or at least if I think about it) mankind's use of all those things we use this deterioration for could be reminder. The use of fossil fuels for instance, or the creation of methanol or the thousands of other uses. And maybe the vanity of them all.
Actually, neither we nor any other large animal could survive without bacteria. They break down the food in our gut, making it possible for the bloodstream to absorb the nutrients.
 

WithinReason

Active member
Feb 21, 2020
929
136
43
Read proverbs 20:1, GOD bless as HE sees fit for you ALL
Yes, Proverbs 20:1, is a very clear text:

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.​

It is not the only text that teaches this either, but this one is special in its definition. Notice the definition and parallelism, but when this verse is studied in connection with the Cross of Calvary, and the events there, it takes on great meaning in the plan of redemption. Especially consider the character of the things identified.
 

WithinReason

Active member
Feb 21, 2020
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It doesn’t say whosoever drinks is not wise.

You cannot be deceived with wine unless you get drunk with it.
The "Nature" of the "Wine"

The Bible over and over warns against alcoholic content, to stay away from it... and why? Because of its very "nature". It is from corruption, destruction, sin, decay and death, and there are several examples which we may consider in the scriptures in the lives of those which partook of it and also of the sinful and sad effects and consequences which were the fruit of it.

Please notice with me the following text.

Wine[is] a mocker, strong drink[is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Take special notice that this text is clear, in that it does not mention anything about "quantity" here, but rather its inherent "nature".

It merely states the very nature of the thing, that this alcoholic "wine"is,

Wine = mocker
Strong Drink = Raging

Classic Hebrew Definition, even Chiastic in structure and parallelism.

And it mentions those who are "deceived" by them, thinking they are the masters over them, thinking they know when enough is enough, ["Wine" [alcoholic] and "Strong Drink"], are simply, and without equivocation, "not wise". Alcoholic "Wine" has an appearance of beauty, an appearance of benefit, but it is a slow and deadly poison, a deceiving liquid. It destroys the brain, the liver, attacks the immune system, and God says that whoever defiles the temple of God, such as our body is, then him will God destroy.

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:17​

Therefore, as it is written:

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7

Let's continue looking at the very "nature"of the "wines", we can see further still, the clear and dire warnings given to us from God to stay well clear of the alcoholic content.

The Bible over and over warns against any alcoholic content, to stay away from it, for it is connected with sin, and the devil.

Of alcoholic "wine" it is stated that ... it "stingeth like an adder" [Proverbs 23:32], "biteth like a serpent" [Proverbs 23:32], "poison of dragons" [Deuteronomy 32:33], "cruel venom of asps" [Deuteronomy 32:33], "mocker" [Proverbs 20:1], "raging" [Proverbs 20:1], "wounds without cause" [Proverbs 23:29], etc., also causing the forgetting of the Law and His Ten Commandments, and causing wrong judgment, and the Bible says "woe unto them".
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20​
Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Isaiah 5:22​
Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Habakkuk 2:15​

Again, notice the very 'nature' described, even without any mention of 'amount'. Is there a "blessing" or a "Woe" pronounced?

So, I now ask a few more questions, based upon what we have gathered and in so looking at the terminology above, with whom are the terms associated with, Christ or Satan?

Who is the "adder"?​
Who is the "serpent"?​
Who is the "asp"?​
Who is the "Dragon"?​
Who is the one who is like a "raging" beast and lion?​
Who is the one which "mocks"?​
Who is the one which has given "wounds without cause"?​
Who is the one who is "cruel"?​
Notice the word associated with it is "poisons" and "venom", the very word linked to "intoxicating".
Notice the word "deceived" is associated with it, and who is the "deceiver", the root of all "deception"?​
Does "life" "sting" or does rather "death" "sting"?​

Dear brother or sister, think of the very Person whom we love, Christ Jesus, and how He was wounded without cause [pierced to the heart, pierced in hands and feet and side and head, wounded for our transgressions], for He is innocent, Lamb without spot, and who was the one which did that to Him?

Who mocked Him upon the Cross, "Come down..."?

Who Bit His Heel like a Serpent, and spat venom like the Asp and Adder?

Who wars and rages against Christ as the Dragon?

Who rages even now? And goes to make war with the remnant?

What had the devil even then tried to get Jesus to do? He tried to get Jesus to drink of the poison, and venom [Matthew 27:34; Mark 15:23], and He tried to get Jesus to sin on the Cross!

Christ Jesus poured out His life, the pure sweet blood [the prefect anti-type/reality of the pure juice of the grape] of His humanity, and the enemy sought to give him corrupted and sour/bitter wine..., but even then Jesus refused, even unto the end. Holy, Harmless, Undefiled.

All of these terms are associated with alcoholic "wine" and even far more, and so can True Christians partake of it?

No, brothers and sisters, we cannot, must not, lest we be destroyed of it, lest we desire to mock Christ, desire to infect others with the cruel venom of the serpent.

It is not for kings, princes, or priests to drink of it.
 
Feb 29, 2020
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No, brothers and sisters, we cannot, must not, lest we be destroyed of it
I can appreciate your passion on this issue. But Paul, who was a Hebrew, who spoke hebrew, who was trained in the law, wrote the following:

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak (Romans 14:21).

The prohibition is for the sake of the brethren. Not because of an inherent evil in wine. Let’s be honest about the issue and not strain at a gnat here.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
36,530
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The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be. Binding His foal unto the vine, and His ass's colt unto the choice vine; He washed His garments in wine, and His clothes in the blood of grapes: His eyes shall be red with wine, and His teeth white with milk.
(Genesis 49:10-12)

if wine = sin, then the prophecy is that Messiah will wash Himself in sin, and His eyes full of sin.

if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness
(Matthew 6:23)


 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
36,530
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Let no man therefore condemn you in meat and drink
(Colossians 2:16)
 
Oct 25, 2018
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you havent done much in depth study.

God telling people they can buy wine AND strong drink:
Deu_14:26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,


new wine is alcoholic too:
Act 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.


Jesus turning water into wine after people are well drunk:
Joh 2:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.


Deuteronomy 14:26 whatever you claim the wine is, it also says strong drink and thats not no grape juice....... give it a rest guys. we arent muslims here
Now, now, now. You know Jesus turned the water into grape juice.
Paul told Timothy to drink grape juice for his stomach and other illnesses.
Jesus was called a glutton and grape juice bibber.
Jesus blessed the grape juice and told them to drink all of it, as it represented His blood.


🤨🤔
 

wolfwint

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2014
3,589
873
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61
God's word has much to say about the consumption of fermented and unfermented wine. In ancient times wine could be fermented grape juice mixed with water, thus making it somewhat diluted. Fermented wine could also be made without adding water and making it more intoxicating. The Bible often describes this type of wine as "strong drink". Without question the Bible condemns drinking to the point where a person is drunk. As Christians we are commanded to not let our bodies be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6: 12) and getting drunk with alcohol would certainly fall under this category. Christians should not do anything that hinders the Holy Spirit's influence on us. A person who consumes alcohol to the point where they are drunk has let the alcohol influence their decision making instead of being "filled by the spirit". Alcohol by itself is not tainted by sin, it is the drunkenness and addiction to it that a Christian must absolutely stay away from. Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or anything else containing alcohol in it. As a matter of fact, there are times the Bible speaks of alcohol in a positive light.

Ephesians 5:18 "be not drunk with wine where in excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit." This passage of scripture is warning us to not be "drunk" or drinking to the point where it is to much or "excess". Drinking to much leads to intoxication, which leads to bad decisions. God wants us to be filled by the Holy Spirit which leads and guides us into making better decisions in life.

Exodus 32:6-7 The people were so intoxicated with wine that the Lord said, "they have corrupted themselves."
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." To be led astray is to be led by the intoxication of wine, where God wants us to be lead by the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 31:4-7 verse 4 says that it is not for kings to drink wine. If the king is drunk and is under its influence, he may forget the law, his morals, or himself. A drunken king will use bad judgement when making important decisions concerning his kingdom. A king who stays drunk all the time cannot lead his people or country. Now notice in verse 6 this passage is actually giving permission to drink intoxicating wine. "strong drink" to those who are about to die and may need it for pain and "wine" who have a heavy heart and is afflicted with anxiety, nervousness, or something troubling them emotionally.

Final thoughts
It is incorrect to say that wine in the Bible was just simply grape juice, but equally incorrect to say that wine was fermented the same as modern day. It has been clinically proven that a glass of red wine soothes the stomach. The drunken state is what the Bible most warns about. The fact is, many people have a problem with having just "one glass" of red wine and want to keep going until it is too late. They become enslaved by the alcohol and do and say things they normally wouldn't. For these people it is a good idea to stay completely away from any kind of alcohol beverage. Keep in mind, back in ancient times the water was not very clean. Without modern sanitation, the water was filled with bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of contaminants. It is still true today in some third world countries where immediately after you step off an airplane they tell you not to drink the water! Regarding alcohol and its effects it has on people, the easy temptation to consume more than one can handle, and due to the possibility causing another brother or sister stumbling in their walk with Christ, it may be best for a Christian to abstain from drinking all together.
God bless everyone!
It is no sin to drink alkohol! The dose makes the poison. In the medicine it is helpful. But it is better to drink not. As you already made clear.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
36,530
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Strawman. Leaven represents sin.

Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.
(Leviticus 7:13)

does God accept wicked sacrifices?
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
36,530
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You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah.
They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD.
(Leviticus 23:17)
the firstfruits to the LORD are sin?
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
36,530
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Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors:
the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.

(Exodus 22:29 kjv)
does God command to produce sin and offer it to Him?
 
Oct 25, 2018
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Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors:
the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.
(Exodus 22:29 kjv)
does God command to produce sin and offer it to Him?
Cold busted!
 

WithinReason

Active member
Feb 21, 2020
929
136
43
I can appreciate your passion on this issue. But Paul, who was a Hebrew, who spoke hebrew, who was trained in the law, wrote the following:

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak (Romans 14:21).

The prohibition is for the sake of the brethren. Not because of an inherent evil in wine. Let’s be honest about the issue and not strain at a gnat here.
You have erred here, as at the other. Do you know the context of that verse (Romans 14:21)? Do you want to study that verse, as like the other?