The Bible and Fermented Drinks
The Bible clearly does not support the use of alcohol for its harmful effects on both the mind and body as seen in the following verses: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1); “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” (Proverbs 23:31, 32); “Neither fornicators … nor drunkards … will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10). Other verses that speak of drunkenness are: 1 Peter 4:3; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 13:13; Proverbs 31:4-5).
All intoxicating drinks have negative effects. People that drink it think they are becoming stronger, wiser, faster in action, and more bold as the amount they drink increases, whereas scientific tests show that they are slowed down, less efficient, and incapable of sound thought or speech. Men regard intoxicating drinks quite harmless and think that they can take them or leave them when they want, yet fermented drinks have addictive qualities on its victims (Isaiah 28:7; Ephesians 5:18).
God’s health laws are not unreasonable and ignoring them can bring harmful results. The Scriptures say, “A curse without cause shall not [come]” (Proverbs 26:2). Sickness comes when we pay no attention to the laws of health. God, in compassion, tells us what His health laws are so we may keep away the problems that come from violating them.
Wine or Grape Juice
The incident of the miracle of the wedding of Cana of Galilee is recorded in John 2:1-11. It is clear that Jesus turned the water into the pure juice of the grape because He would only act consistently with the principles He already revealed to earlier Bible writers concerning fermented wine.
The confusion about the word “wine” comes from the translations. In the Greek New Testament, both fermented and fresh grape juice are called “wine” thus causing the readers misunderstandings. But there should be no confusion when one examines the weight of evidence that is presented in the entire Bible concerning alcoholic drinks.
The un-fermented wine that Jesus produced at the wedding feast was similar to the un-fermented wine that He drank with His disciples at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:27). In the Passover service, leaven was forbidden (Leviticus 23:4-6) for fermentation was a symbol of sin and corruption (Matthew 16:6, 12; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8).
The Temple of the Holy Spirit
The Lord urges His followers to keep their bodies holy without being intoxicated with fermented drinks: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17).
True believers will conduct their lives into harmony with God’s health principles because they love Him. They realize that His rules only bring happiness and protect them from Satan’s diseases and troubles (Acts 10:38). God’s instructions and rules are always for man’s good. And the Lord holds His children accountable. “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
The Lord Gives the Victory
If you are suffering from the unhealthful habit of abusing intoxicated drinks, you can take it to Christ. He will gladly give you a new heart and the power to overcome this harmful habit and become a child of God (Ezekiel 11:18, 19). He declares, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). The Lord promises that He will give you full victory. Like Paul, you will be able to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
