Is it appropriate, and Biblical, for a Christian to imbibe alcoholic drinks: wine, beer, liquor, spirits?
It must be clearly stated that it is wrong, and contrary to the Bible teaching – and it is sin – for a Christian to become drunk. Drunkenness leads to abuse, to injury, to death – often living death, as any uncontrolled alcoholic will admit. Consequently, the idea of “temperance” has become closely associated with evangelical Christianity, and is promoted by many organizations and denominations. As in every aspect of the Christian’s daily walk, however, what is sin is determined by Scripture and not by our feelings nor, often, the traditions of our church. What, then, do the Scriptures teach about the use of alcohol? Is there a proper use for it? Ancient Practice You don’t read far into the Scriptures – even the New Testament – to find that alcoholic drink was a feature of ancient life. Indeed, wine (Gk. oinos) was the usual beverage. That this liquid was alcoholic is confirmed by Paul’s statement “Be not drunk with wine (oinos)” (Eph 5:18) . The equivalent Hebrew term was used to reco
