Drunken Bible Study: Sin Or Salvation?

Drinking alcohol is not a sin in Christianity, but drunkenness is. The Bible does not explicitly forbid drinking alcohol, but it does warn against the dangers and consequences of drunkenness. Alcohol is a gift from God, according to the Bible, and Jesus drank wine and even turned water into wine at a wedding feast. However, drunkenness is condemned in the Bible because it leads to a loss of self-control, which can result in harmful actions and words, as well as damage to one's health and relationships. So, while reading the Bible after drinking alcohol may not be a sin in itself, doing so while drunk could be considered sinful as it indicates a loss of self-control and a failure to honour God.

Drunkenness is a sin, but drinking in moderation is not

The Bible does not explicitly forbid drinking alcohol, but it does warn against the dangers and consequences of drunkenness. Drunkenness is a sin because it leads to a loss of self-control, which can result in harmful actions and words, as well as damage to one's health and relationships. Drunkenness is also a sign of a sinful nature, which is opposed to the Spirit of God.

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of drunkenness and its negative consequences. Ephesians 5:18 explicitly warns against getting drunk, equating it with debauchery. Drunkenness is characterised by the loss of self-control and the impairment of judgment, leading to sinful behaviour. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, drunkenness is listed among behaviours that will prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. The Bible consistently associates drunkenness with immorality, foolishness, and the hindrance of one's spiritual growth.

However, the Bible also portrays alcohol as a blessing from God, a gift that can be enjoyed in moderation and with thanksgiving. Jesus himself drank wine and even performed his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Wine was also used as a symbol of the blood of Christ in the Lord's Supper. The Bible also acknowledges that alcohol can have some medical benefits, such as relieving stomach ailments.

Therefore, while drunkenness is a sin, drinking in moderation is not. The key is to honour God, maintain self-control, and prioritise the well-being of others. Christians who do not commit to a principle of total abstinence should follow a guideline that represents both discernment and Christian freedom by allowing limited use within the context of family, friendship, religious celebration, and diplomatic protocol.

Alcohol impairs judgement and self-control

The Bible states that "wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). It is not a sin to drink alcohol in moderation, and the Bible describes wine as a gift from God that can make life more enjoyable (Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3:13; 9:7). However, the Bible also acknowledges the dangers of overdrinking and drunkenness, and gives several reasons to avoid it.

Alcohol impairs a person's thinking ability and judgement, as stated in Proverbs 23:29-35. An intoxicated person cannot fulfil the Bible's command to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason" (Romans 12:1). Alcohol removes inhibitions and "the motivation to do what is right" (Hosea 4:11; Ephesians 5:18).

Drunkenness can also lead to poverty and serious health problems (Proverbs 23:21, 31, 32). Heavy drinking and drunkenness displease God (Proverbs 23:20; Galatians 5:19-21). It is important to note that a person has had too much alcohol when their drinking puts themselves or others at risk of harm. According to the Bible, signs of drunkenness include disorientation, unsteady walking, contentious behaviour, and slurred speech (Job 12:25; Psalm 107:27; Proverbs 23:29, 30, 33).

In conclusion, while moderate alcohol consumption may be permissible, drunkenness is a sin because it impairs judgement and self-control, leading to sinful behaviour and negative consequences.

Alcoholism is a sin

The Bible does not explicitly state that drinking alcohol is a sin, but it does strongly caution against drunkenness and alcoholism. Drunkenness is a state of intoxication that impairs judgment and leads to sinful behaviour. It is associated with immorality, foolishness, and the hindrance of one's spiritual growth. Alcoholism is a form of addiction, where an individual becomes dependent on alcohol to function regularly. This can lead to bad decisions, health issues, and problems in one's relationships and life.

The Bible provides guidance on this matter, encouraging Christians to seek spiritual fulfillment in the Holy Spirit rather than in external substances. Ephesians 5:18 states, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Being filled with the Spirit leads to more self-control, while drunkenness leads to a loss of self-control.

Additionally, the Bible warns against causing others to stumble or be led into temptation. Romans 14:21 states, "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble." If alcohol consumption causes another person to question their convictions or leads them into sin, it is called to be avoided for the sake of their spiritual well-being.

While alcohol itself is not inherently evil, and Jesus himself drank wine, the Bible is clear that drunkenness and alcoholism are sins. The key is to maintain self-control and prioritize the well-being of oneself and others.

Alcohol can be used for medicinal purposes

Alcohol has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. In ancient times, beer and wine were used for healing wounds. Alcohol was also used as a general anaesthetic before safer options became available.

Today, alcohol is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antidote. It is applied to the skin to disinfect before surgery or injections, and is used in hand sanitizers, mouthwashes, and for cleaning. Ethanol, when ingested or injected into a vein, can be used to treat methanol or ethylene glycol toxicity.

Alcohol can also be used to dissolve water-insoluble medications, and is present as a preservative in over 700 liquid preparations of medicine, including acetaminophen, iron supplements, and cough medicine.

However, it is important to note that alcohol consumption does not prevent or cure COVID-19, despite some claims to the contrary.

Drunkenness is associated with other sins

The Bible does not explicitly forbid drinking alcohol, but it does warn against the dangers and consequences of drunkenness. Drunkenness is a sin because it leads to a loss of self-control, which can result in harmful actions and words, as well as damage to one's health and relationships.

Drunkenness is also associated with and can lead to other sins. The Bible consistently links drunkenness with immorality, foolishness, and the hindrance of one's spiritual growth. For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:10, drunkenness is listed alongside behaviours such as theft, greed, and reviling, which will prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God.

Drunkenness impairs one's thinking ability and judgment, making it difficult to follow the Bible's commands and live a life that is holy and acceptable to God. It removes inhibitions and the motivation to do what is right, leading to sinful behaviour.

Additionally, drunkenness can lead to poverty and serious health problems, as stated in Proverbs 23:21, 31, and 32. It displeases God and is included among the "works of the flesh" in Galatians 5:19-21.

Furthermore, drunkenness can cause individuals to behave in a manner that is dishonouring to God. It is associated with strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, and the spirit of "faction". Drunkenness contributes to fighting and conflict, which are contrary to the teachings of the Bible.

In conclusion, drunkenness is not only a sin in itself but is also associated with and can lead to other sins. It impairs one's judgment, removes inhibitions, and hinders spiritual growth, leading to behaviours that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible and displeasing to God.

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