A Biblical Theology of Alcohol

With dinner celebrations abounding over Thanksgiving and Christmas, many Christians are again confronted with the dilemma regarding drinking alcohol and being a Christian.  The purpose of this article is to help believers think biblically about alcohol and other things we might put into our bodies for the sake of enjoyment, and equip them to arrive at biblical convictions that keep their conscience clear, keep them from legalism, and keep them from foolishness.  

First, the Bible makes it clear that God wants people to enjoy food and drink. Ecclesiastes 9:7 says, "Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved of your works. " Further, God "richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17).  But what specifically does the Bible say about alcohol?

1. Drunkenness is a sin.  Under Old Testament law, drunken Jews were put to death (Deuteronomy 21:20-21).  Under the New Testament law of grace, drunkards do not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
2. Alcohol is deceptive.  "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler" (Proverbs 20:21).  It's presence can bring turbulence to one's life (remember, Proverbs are completely true, MOST of the time).
3. Church leaders are expressly told to be moderate in their drinking (1 Timothy 3:3, 8).  In these verses, elders are not to be addicted to wine, and deacons are not to be given to much wine. These are clear terms of moderation, and if Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) meant leaders should abstain, then he could have said that.  
4. Wine was used medicinally (1 Timothy 5:23, Proverbs 31:6, Luke 10:34).

These four points summarize the core teachings of the Bible regarding alcohol.  Take note, then, of what is NOT in the Bible regarding alcohol.

1. The Bible does NOT say that communion wine was unfermented.
2. The Bible does NOT say "new wine" was unfermented (it was LESS fermented).
3. The Bible does not say Jesus made unfermented wine in John 2:9-10.  The Greek is clear that Jesus made fully fermented wine, and good wine at that.
4. The Bible does not say that New Testament Christians were required to abstain to be church members.  

Now, given this Biblical reality, let us consider some questions a Christian can ask himself/herself to arrive at a Biblical conviction about alcohol.

1. Will it break the law?
2. Will it lead me to sin? Am I its master, or is it mastering me? (1 Corinthians 6:12).
3. Will it lead someone else to sin?  Not OFFEND someone else, but lead someone else to sin (Romans 14:21).
4. Can drinking this at this time glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31).
5. Will it be beneficial and edifying to me and those I love?

Given all of this, I can conceive of lots of reasons to abstain from alcohol, and few circumstances where it could be helpful, beneficial, and (therefore) permissible.  But I cannot make the Bible say more than it says about it.  I feel it is unfortunate the stigma associated with drinking (though it may be deserved in our culture) is not felt in other areas such as pornography, divorce, and gluttony.  Therefore, while I heartily recommend abstaining from alcohol, let it be known that I do so for the same reasons that I heartily recommend eating well, marrying well, parenting well, etc.  The reason God has given us anything that we have is to use those things in such a way that demonstrates HE is our treasure.   

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."