Should a born again Christian drink alcohol?

One of the most commonly debated Christian question asked at social events or parties, addresses the issue of whether a born again Christian should consume alcohol or not.

Is drinking alcohol a sin?

And if it is, why would apostle Paul advise Timothy to, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments”? (I Timothy 5:23). What is it about alcohol consumption that makes some Christian’s think that it is an unacceptable beverage for a professing child of God to consume?

Jesus drank wine so why can’t I?

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19

How many times have you heard social drinking Christians recant scriptures about Jesus’s relationship with wine.

People say: Jesus turned copious amounts of water into wine! John 2:1-11.

The truth: This miracle was enacted because there was a need. The wedding in Cana had no more wine for their celebration (John 2:3).

People say: Jesus broke bread and drank wine as he shared his last meal with his disciples.

The truth : Jesus used bread and wine as a symbol of his body and his blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-38, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

People say: Jesus was accused of being a "glutton and a drunkard” and a friend of sinners by religious leaders. Luke 7:34

The truth: Jesus demonstrated God's inclusive love and mission to bring salvation to all, not just to the righteous (John 3:16).

Can you imagine that last statement? Jesus was accused of being a drunk!

But what is it about Jesus and his relationship with wine that people feel uncomfortable with? Is it the fact that wine consumption in excess can lead to sin? Sins of drunkenness, addiction and perversion ( Genesis 9:20-24, Genesis 19:32-38, Judges 16:25).

Yes It is true, that Jesus was accused of drinking wine and mingling with sinners. However in the same breath Jesus motive for using wine in any of these cases was not sinful. Jesus remained sinless, despite the devils numerous attempts throughout his life here on earth to tempt him to sin(1 Peter 2:22).

Let’s look at wine consumption in its historical context

History shows that wine and water were common drinks drunk in most ancient cultures. Wine was used for medicinal purposes to help the sick or weak (2 Samuel 16:2; Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy. 5:23), for celebrations (Luke. 22:7-23; 1 Corinthians. 11:17-32), for offerings (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus. 23:13, 1 Samuel 1:24) and for everyday drinking (this wine was generally diluted with water).

It is also good to note:

• In the days of Jesus ,alcoholic beverages were significantly lower in alcohol content than alcoholic beverages consumed by adults today.
• Alcohol fermenting techniques were not as sophisticated as they are today.

Alcohol is not a sin, but drunkenness is

The Bible gives us basic principles for us to follow. One of these principles are found in Ephesians 5:18, where scripture tells us to “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (ESV).

Drinking alcohol is not a sin, providing it is done in moderation and with self-control. With that being said, scripture clearly condemns the practice of drunkenness and prohibits it. One reason for this prohibition is because drunkenness does not glorify God. Instead drunkenness reveals how alcohol can ‘master’ the body (Proverbs 23:29-35,1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Excessive drinking can cause a person to lose control of their mind and body and make unwise decisions (Proverbs 20:1). Galatians 5:19-21 describes drunkenness as one of the “acts of the flesh” that hinders a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.

When you have time why don’t you look at the lives of Noah (Genesis 9:20-24), Lot (Genesis 19:32-38),The Philistines (Judges 16:25), Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36), Uriah (2 Samuel 11:13), and the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 11:21-22) and see how alcohol affected their lives.

Christian liberty and moral responsibility

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

A Christian who chooses to drink should avoid drunkenness, and abstain from influencing other Christians to sin. (Ephesians 5:18,(1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Romans 14:21). Romans 14:21 reminds us of our liberty in Christ, and moral responsibility towards our fellow believers. Christians should not act as a stumbling block before them, neither should they offend or negatively influence them. This I believe can be a hard task to achieve in practice, because of the varying Christian viewpoints concerning alcohol consumption. There will always be Christians who will question whether drinking alcohol ( in excess or not) glorifies God? (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Finally.

Drinking alcohol is based on personal convictions. You must be fully convinced in your own mind” of what is an acceptable Christian response to alcohol consumption (Romans 14:5, ESV).With that being said, I would advise you against drinking alcoholic beverages.

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23

1 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us of both our Christian liberty, and moral responsibility towards our fellow believers. We must ask ourselves: How will our conduct affect another believer in Christ? Or we should question whether our intake of alcohol will cause another to stumble, be offended or weaken in their faith? (Romans 14:21). If your conduct is affecting another believer, it is time to consider the gravity of your actions and choose to repent.

Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! Proverbs 23:31

If you are ‘that’ Christian seeking to justify why you should socially drink, I want you to ask yourself whether your convictions are a reflection of Christ in you or another influence? From an introspective perspective, what is your motive to drink? and what are your priorities in life? Are you insecure, depressed , or do you have low self-esteem? Maybe you struggle with addictions, fears or anxieties? If this is you? Instead of drinking alcohol why don’t you prioritise glorifying God in every area of your life (Ephesians 5:18). Putting God first will cause you to seek to please others more so than pleasing yourself ( Matthew 6:33, Romans 15:1-3). Remember, there is a stark contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. Personally, I prefer the latter of the two choices. Which is why, I want you to also familiarise yourself with the life giving experience found in Christ Jesus. So, today I am inviting you to choose to bring your life under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. It is time to allow “the power of the life-giving Spirit” to free you “from the power of sin that leads to death” Romans 8:2 .