The warnings against the consumption of alcohol are found throughout the Bible. A well known passage in Proverbs 23: 31- 32 states “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.” The command given here is not to desire any intoxicating drink! It is an admonition to abstain altogether from the use of wine. In order to avoid the harmful affects of alcohol Solomon tells those who wish to be wise (Prov. 20:1) to refrain from looking at it. Looking at it is the first step toward drinking it. This is not merely a prohibition of drunkenness, but an explicit admonition against even one drink of an alcoholic beverage. It is not only the abuse of alcohol that Solomon warns us about, but the use of it that is condemned! Wine itself is a mocker (Prov. 20:1), irrespective of the quantity consumed.
The grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to live soberly! “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Tit. 2:11-14). Christians are a people who deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. The lust for an alcoholic drink is certainly the kind of thing that prevents sobriety. God wants a pure and special people. He doesn’t want the kind of people that are indicative of worldliness; like those who drink alcoholic beverages.
Habakkuk suggests that drinking alcohol reveals a character weakness (Hab. 2:5). Pride seems to be a drinker’s nemesis. A humble person would be willing give up alcohol (Rom. 14:21). Christians would not be insensitive to the conscience of others (1 Cor. 10:31-33). Christians would not cater to their lusts (Rom. 13:13-14). But the pride of a drinker won’t allow that to happen. Hence, we have the need to discuss this topic in detail (Heb. 5:13-14).
In this study we will establish the sinful nature of alcoholic beverages regardless of the quantity a person may consumed. We will prove that the notion of moderation in the consumption of alcohol is not justified in scriptures. We will observe the abstinent conduct with regard to wine of many New Testament characters. Simply put, we will learn that the New Testament does not condone, sanction, permit or in any way allow a person to drink alcoholic beverages.
By Steve Hamilton shamilton@rap.midco.net