"CONNECTIONS"
Answers to questions:
What does the scripture say about alcohol?
There are several views on the subject of alcohol. The scriptures are replete with the idea of not abusing alcohol and strictly forbid it for specific position of service.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephes. 5:18
Although I would not be dogmatic about this; I do not believe that a Christian should use alcohol as refreshment or a drink in our day due to its destructive results on our society.
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 1 Peter 4:3-4
Therefore, I believe the church should teach total abstinence because the abuse of alcohol is so prevalent. But, is this scriptural?
Here is a verse that is commonly sited but, careful study shows that the wine (alcohol) is for medicinal purposes.
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Tim. 5:23
Other scripture that liberals refer to is:
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. John 2:1-3
As we know, The Lord Jesus went on to miraculously provide the wine. In that day drunkenness was strictly forbidden and as this was a spiritual wedding, no abuse of alcohol was happening. The question remains, should or can a Christian drink responsibly and be right before God? As with all things, it comes down to the condition of the heart, and only God knows our heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
We must consider if what we are doing brings glory to God. We do not want to be controlled by anything but God. When we are filled by the Holy Spirit we are controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Back to Questions