FAQ: What's your stance on alcohol?

by: Pastor Mark Driscoll on Sep 14, 2011 in Culture

This is the first in a series of posts Pastor Mark will do on frequently asked
questions.

et me start by saying that I dont advocate alcohol consumption for all people. But,
what frustrates me is when people who oppose alcohol interpret the

Bible as if theyve been drinking. My stance on alcohol is quite

comprehensive. It entails historical, biblical, and personal
considerations.

Alcohol historically
Historically, Gods people have greatly enjoyed alcohol. For example:

Saint Gall was a missionary to the Celts and renowned brewer

After Charlemagnes reign the church became Europes exclusive

brewer

When a young woman was to marry, her church made a special bridal
ale for her, from which we derive our word bridal

Pastor John Calvins annual salary package included upwards of 250

gallons of wine to be enjoyed by he and his guests

Martin Luther explained the entire reformation as, while I sat still
and drank beer with Philiip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty
blow.

Luthers wife, Catherine, was a skilled brewer, and his love letters to
her when they were apart lamented the fact he didnt have her beer on
hand to drink

When the Puritans landed on Plymouth Rock, the first permanent

building they erected was the brewery

During the turn of the 20th century, with the temperance movement in the
US, some denominations began to condemn alcohol as sinful, and the
Methodist pastor Dr. Thomas Welch created the very Christian Welchs
grape juice to replace communion wine in 1869.

People influenced by teetotalling traditions simply assume that consuming

any alcohol is sinful without really considering the entirety of what the Bible
says on the issue. Rather they just pick out a few verses against
drunkenness and declare something to the effect of, Well, there you have
it.

Anticipating this, Martin Luther once wryly said, Do you suppose that
abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused? Men can
go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish
women?

Alcohol biblically
Some Christians foolishly argue that such terms as new wine and mixed
wine in the Bible speak of non-alcoholic wine.

But, new wine can still intoxicate according to Scripture (Isaiah 24:7; Hosea
4:11; Joel 1:5), and mixed wine refers to special wines where various wines
are mixed together and/or mixed with spices, and does not refer to wine cut
with water (Psalm 75:8, Song of Songs 8:2). God refers to pouring out the
wrath of his mixed wine on his enemies, which does not mean he will dilute
justice (Psalm 75:8). The only time the practice of diluting wine is
mentioned in the Bible is in regards to merchants who cut wine in order to
rob customers (Isaiah 1:22). The Bible speaks of grape juice (Numbers 6:3),
and if God meant to speak of non-alcoholic wine, he would have used that
word to avoid confusion.

Regarding alcohol, perhaps it is best to start with the obvious. All Bible
believing Christians agree that drunkenness is a sin.

The Bible is abundantly clear that drunkenness is a sin (Deuteronomy

21:20; Ecclesiastes 10:17; Matthew 24:29; Luke 12:45; 21:34; Romans
13:13; I Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:18; I Peter 4:3).

The matter is so serious that no priest was to drink alcohol while

performing his duties (Leviticus 10:9; Ezra 44:21), though he could
consume while not working (Numbers 18:12, 27, 30). Additionally, no king

was to drink while judging law (Proverbs 31:4-5), an elder/pastor cannot be

a drunkard (I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7), and no drunkard can inherit the
kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21).

Sins associated with drunkenness include incest (Genesis 19:32-35),

violence (Proverbs 4:17), adultery (Revelations 17:2), mockery and brawling
(Proverbs 20:1), poverty (Proverbs 21:17), late night and early morning
drinking (Isaiah 5:11-12), hallucinations (Isaiah 28:7), legendary antics
(Isaiah 5:22), murder (2 Samuel 11:13), gluttony and poverty (Proverbs
23:20-21), vomiting (Jeremiah 25:27, 48:26; Isaiah 19:14), staggering
(Jeremiah 25:27; Psalm 107:27; Job 12:25), madness (Jeremiah 51:7),
loudness combined with laughter and then prolonged sleep (Jeremiah
51:39), nakedness (Habakkuk 2:15; Lam. 4:21), sloth (Joel 1:5), escapism
(Hosea 4:11), depression (Luke 21:34), and staying up all night (I
Thessalonians 5:7).

In his well argued book, God Gave Wine, Kenneth Gentry Jr. describes three
basic positions regarding alcohol, which are common among Bible-believing
Christians (Jim West, A Sober Assessment of Reformational
Drinking, Modern Reformation 9, no. 2 (March/April, 2000), 38-42.).
Gentrys work is particularly helpful because while he argues for the
Biblical freedom among Gods people to consume alcohol in moderation, he
himself does not consume any alcohol and is therefore arguing from very
pure motives and concerned only with the truth.

First, prohibitionists wrongly teach that all drinking is a sin and that
alcohol itself is an evil. This position is untenable because the Bible teaches

that God makes wine that gladdens the heart of man (Psalm 104:14-15).
Scripture is clear that Jesus first miracle was creating over 100 gallons of
wine at a wedding party, and Jesus ate enough food and drank enough
alcohol to be accused of gluttony and drunkenness (John 2:1-11; Matthew
11:19). So, if alcohol is inherently evil, then God is evil because he makes it,
and Jesus is sinful because he drank it.

Second, abstentionists wrongly teach that drinking is not sinful but that
ALL Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire to
not cause anyone to stumble.

Christians should avoid drinking in the presence of others who are unable
to practice moderation and self-control (Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 10:3132). But, it is unreasonable to demand that all Christians abstain from all
alcohol.

The Bible teaches that God gave wine to his people even though they used it
to worship the false pagan god Baal (Hosea 2:8). Jesus drank alcohol even
though there were undoubtedly people in his day who were alcoholics
(Matthew 11:19). Paul says that only a demon would compel Bible teachers
to forbid things that God made good (1 Timothy 4:1-5) and that drinking
alcohol can be done in a way that glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Christians should avoid causing an actual person to actually stumble, but to

seek to avoid causing a hypothetical person to hypothetically stumble is
unreasonable, if not impossible when applied to every single issue.

For example, if a skinny person eats dessert in front of a dieting, obese

glutton, they could tempt them to sin by also eating dessert. So, in love they
should forego it. But, to tell the skinny person to never eat dessert again,
even at home alone with only his or her skinny spouse, because someone,
somewhere, who eats cakes by the sheet instead of the slice, may hear
about this dessert consumption and be thrown into a frosting frenzy, is
unreasonable.

Third, moderationists rightly teach that drinking is not a sin and that
Christian conscience must guide each person without Christians of differing
convictions judging one another.

This position is both reasonable and Biblical because wine itself is neutral
and can be used in both good and bad ways (1 Samuel 1:14, 24; 25:18, 37;
Joel 1:9,10). When used in a right and redeemed way, alcohol is a gift from
God to be drunk with gladness, particularly when associated with feasting
(Psalms 104:14-5; Ecclesiastes 9:7; 10:19). When used in this way, feasting
and drinking is a foretaste of the Kingdom that will contain new wine (Joel
2:24; Isaiah 25:6; 27:2-6; Jeremiah 31:12; Hosea 2:22; Joel 3:18; Amos 9:1314). This also explains why in Scripture a lack of wine reflects the absence
of joy (Isaiah 16:10; Joel 1:5, 12).

Biblical occasions to drink alcohol in moderation

Celebration (Genesis 14)

The Lords Supper (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18)

Medicinal purposes (Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy 5:23)

Worship (Exodus 29:40; Numbers 28:14; Matthew 26:27; 1

Corinthians 11:25-26).

Thanksgiving to God (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Happiness (Deuteronomy 14:26)

Alcohol personally
For many, the issue of alcohol is deeply painful to discuss. And, Im one of
those people.

My family history, particularly among the men, involves abuse of alcohol

and alcoholism. This abuse led to poverty, violence, and early death,
including an uncle who died from gangrene because he refused to stop
drinking despite a bad infection.

Because of my family history of alcoholism, that by Gods grace stopped

with my father, I myself didnt drink until I was 30 years old and had been a
Christian for about a decade.

I didnt believe alcohol consumption was a sin, as even my wife occasionally

had a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner, but for me it was an issue of
conscience. For anyone who has an issue of conscience, I would encourage
them to abstain from drinking any alcohol. For this reason, at Mars Hill
Church, we provide both grape juice and wine at our weekly communion in
order to not encourage anyone to violate their conscience.

My first ministry position was as a college pastor at a church that asked me

to sign a document saying that I would refrain from any alcohol
consumption. I did so in good conscience because I didnt drink at the time,
believed (and still do) in submitting to spiritual authority, and felt called to
serve at that church.

I honored my covenant not to drink alcohol during my entire time serving

that church. My counsel for anyone in a church or denomination that
requires total abstention is to either honor the position humbly or leave
graciously. Do not sign something and then fail to keep your word, because
that is lying. And, do not become contentious or divisive. If there is a
reasonable way to work for a more biblical position, feel free to do so while
maintaining exemplary character.

Around the age of 30, my biblical convictions didnt change, but my

conscience did. Subsequently, I began enjoying a drink upon occasion. I
dont drink to drunkenness, dont drink in front of any actual person who I
might cause to stumble because they are easily tempted to overconsume,

and from time-to-time, I simply enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, which
also has numerous health benefits for the heart and stomach. As an aside,
this may be why Paul commanded Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23 to, No longer
drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your
frequent ailments.

For further study

God Gave Wine: What the Bible Says About Alcohol by Kenneth Gentry is
the most balanced and biblical treatment Ive seen on alcohol. He himself
does not drink, but he does argue for the moderationists position I have
summarized from him above.

Also interesting is Drinking With Calvin and Luther by Jim West on the
history of alcohol in Christianity.

Do you know why you believe what you do? Have you examined
the source of your beliefs? Have youproven whether the Bible is the
basis for your understanding in all matters?
Much of what Jesus taught came from the Old Testament. For instance,
He stated, in Matthew 4:4, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. He
was actually quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, which states, And He
humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna
that He might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but
by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord does man
live.
When studying the Bible, on any subject, all scriptures relating to that
subject must be examined together. Then, we can prove all things (I
Thes. 5:21).

Abstinence or Moderation?
On most issues, it seems that there are two ditchestwo extremes
people fall into. This is true with drinking. One ditch is the belief that
the Bible states that all drinking is wrongsinful. Alcohol abuse and
drunkenness is the other ditch. But is all use of alcohol wrong? Or does
the Bible teach that its misuse is wrong?
People have ignored what Gods Word teaches about this. For example,
the Womens Temperance movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s
played a large role in the legal prohibition of alcohol in the U.S. This
organization was considered the moral watchdog of the nation. The
name of the organization is misleading. It should have more
appropriately been called, The Womens Prohibition or Abolition
Movement. They did not believe in temperancebut rather total
abstinence. This organization believed that the problem was any use of
alcohol, rather than its abuse.

The period of prohibition in the U.S. was short-lived. Smugglers brought

vast quantities of illegal alcohol across lakes and up rivers, or on trucks,
concealed in ingenious ways to bypass the authorities. Soon the
government realized that private demand for alcohol outweighed public
demand to ban it.

Wine or Grape Juice?

Before discussing the Bibles view on alcohol, lets remove the
misconceptions. A common one is that the meaning of the word
translated in the New Testament as wine is actually grape juice or
possibly even molasses.
Actually, there are fifteen words from the Hebrew and Greek translated
wine in the Bible. Lets compare these words in the context in which
they are used. This will help in better understanding their scriptural
meanings.
Genesis 9:21 is the first scripture in which wine is mentioned. The
Hebrew word used there is yayin. It always means fermented wine,
primarily from grapes. Notice: And he [Noah] drank of the wine
[yayin], and was drunken. If Noah became drunk, then he could not
have been drinking grape juice. This could not have been anything
other than an alcoholic beverage.
Now notice verse 24: And Noah awoke from his wine. This indicates it
was the wine that made him sleep or that had caused him to pass out.
Grape juice or molasses does not cause people to pass out.
Further, I Samuel 25:36 states, Nabal held a feastand Nabals heart
was merry within him, for he was very drunken. This is another proof
that wine was an intoxicating drink.
One more Old Testament example is found in Isaiah 28: Woe to
the drunkards of Ephraimthat are overcome with wine [yayin] (vs. 1).
Next, notice Genesis 14:18. One identified as Melchizedek, King of
Salem, served wine to Abraham. This wine (yayin) was the same liquid
that had made Noah drunk! Hebrews 7:2-3 states that Melchizedek was
king of peacewithout father, without mother, without descent,

having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the
Son of God; abides a priest continually.
This Person is none other than Jesus Christ! (For proof, read our
book The Bibles Difficult Scriptures Explained!) God brought Abraham
wine because He approved of the modest use of alcohol.
Another Hebrew word, shekar, means an inebriating drink. This is
wine prepared or distilled either from honey, dates or barley. The Bible
describes it as strong drink. This is definitely an intoxicating drink
one containing alcohol.

The Feast of Tabernacles

God says that it is not improper to desire wine or strong drink during His
annual Feast of Tabernacles, which He commands His people to keep:
And you shall bestow that money for whatsoever your soul lusts after
[desires], for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for
whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the Lord
your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household (Deut.
14:26).
The Feast of Tabernacles (occurring in the fall) is one of seven annual
Holy Days, or feasts, which God commands His people to observe. The
true Church of God keeps them. (Read our book Gods Holy Days or
Pagan Holidays?)
Wine can also be used to help you relax and rejoice. King Solomon
wrote, A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry (Ecc.
10:19). There are several places in the Bible where God emphasizes the
importance of having a merry heart and enjoying hearty laughter.
Modest amounts of wine or other kinds of alcohol can help promote
this.
Many additional scriptures could be cited to show Gods servants using
wine in a responsible way, and with Gods approval.

New Testament Word for Wine

The New Testament word translated wine is usually the Greek

word oinos. The story of the Good Samaritan shows that wine
(fermented alcohol) can be used as an antiseptic to treat wounds. A
small amount of oil (usually olive oil) would be poured on the wound to
soften it, and then a little wine used to cleanse it (Luke 10:30-37).
Today, rubbing alcohol is still commonly used as an antiseptic.

Water Into Wine

Jesus first recorded miracle was changing water into wine. Take note
that His miracle was not the other way around! He did not change wine
into water. Not only did Christ approve of drinking wine, but His miracle
was actually for the purpose of providing alcohol for everyone in
attendance! The governor at the wedding even commented that it
was good wine (John 2:1-12).
If this had merely been grape juice, he would not have said, but You
have kept the good wine until now. The point is that better wine would
normally be consumed at the start of a feast, and the inferior quality
should be saved for later, when the taste is not quite as important. This
principle certainly does not apply to grape juice.

Pauls Instruction to Timothy

I Timothy 5:23 contains a remarkable statement in the form of
instruction from the apostle Paul to Timothy. He wrote, Drink no longer
water, but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake and thine often
infirmities. Wine has inherent properties, which are beneficial for the
human body.
Consider the following quote: Numerous well designed studies have
concluded that moderate drinking is associated with improved
cardiovascular health, wrote the director of the National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in 1966. The Nutrition
Committee of the American Heart Association also reported in 1966,
The lowest mortality occurs in those who consume one or two drinks
per day.

Though these statements were written in 1966, they have stood the
test of time and are just as relevant today. Red wine has been proven to
contain elements that lower cholesterol and fight cancer.
Understanding its value when used in moderation, certain cultures even
permit the modest use of alcohol by minors, under close adult
supervision, resulting in measurable health benefits.

A Warning from Proverbs

There are some scriptures, which, if not read carefully, do seem to
condemn the use of wine. We will see that they do not condemn
its right use but rather its wrong use. Nowhere in the Bible does God
condemn the use of wine, as long as it is not abused. In fact, as stated
above, He encourages the modest use of wine and other strong drink
during the Feast of Tabernacles. The moment that over-drinking begins
is the moment that sin begins.
Lets now consider Proverbs 23:29-35 (NKJV): Who has woe? Who has
sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds
without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger longat the
wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine
when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around
smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your
eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things.
Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like
one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: they have struck me, but I
was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I
awake, that I may seek another drink?
This is a description of someone who has consumed way too much
alcohol. A drunken man is belligerent, combative, seemingly always
ready for a fightand always complaining about this or that injustice
because his senses are in a stupor. Those in this condition commonly
seem to imagine themselves as having been wronged. Overuse of
alcohol blurs judgment and perception.
This verse paints the familiar picture of a drunk stumbling and falling,
and perhaps bruising himself, without knowing it at the time. His

bloodshot eyes (redness) come from excessive drinking. Later, such a

person may sober up and wonder where and how he had acquired his
injuries. Yet, he may already be looking for his next drink.
Yes, one who is a winebibber or an alcoholic is in sad shape. He cannot
function properly, is often anti-social, and, in the end, is usually
concerned only for himself. He disregards the needs of others.
Does any part of this picture resemble you? Could this be a picture of
your weekendsor even a typicalweeknight out? Are you one who goes
to the local tavern or bar for just one and does not know when to
quit? Drunkenness and alcoholism are clear violations of Gods Law.
Galatians 5:21 contains a warning about conduct that will keep people
out of the coming kingdom of God. It states that, Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you
before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
In a similar instruction to the Corinthians, Paul wrote that no thieves,
idolators, adulterers, extortioners or drunkards, etc., shall inherit the
kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10).
God has standardsand they are described in His Word. This includes
the right and wrong use of alcohol. God prescribes neither abstinence
nor overuse of alcoholic beverages.

What Does God Expect?

Is the drinking of wine and other alcohol sinful pleasure, or a healthful
life-improving habit? We saw that Christ approved of drinking wine. His
actions and words set the example by which Christians are to live.
What does God expect of you? He expects you to use alcohol wisely.
Jesus has not changed. Hebrews 13:8states that He is the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever. We are to follow His steps (I Pet.
2:21-24). This principle is clear. Drinking alcoholic beverages
is not wrong or sinful! The misuse of alcoholic beverages is sinful! It is
not the bottle that is the problemit is the person holding the bottle!

As with food, money, or anything that has the potential for misuse,
moderation is the Bible standard for all true Christians. Paul wrote,
Everyone that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things (I Cor.
9:25) and Let your moderation be known unto all men (Phil. 4:5).