What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol? This is a topic that has developed into something that is not as straightforward as some churches would have us believe. Of course, any organization may establish rules for its members, but the Bible contains no prohibition on the consumption of alcohol, although it does address alcohol abuse.

In fact, the first sign that Jesus performed was at a wedding ceremony in Cana (John 2:1-12), where he turned water into wine. No it was not grape juice. It was wine. And not just wine but the best wine served at the gathering. On another occasion Jesus reported that he was accused of being a drunkard (Luke 7:34 and Matthew 11:19). Those watching him certainly confirmed he was not drinking grape juice. Finally, it is noteworthy that there is no prohibition against alcohol use in his longest recorded sermon, the Sermon on the Mount.

Scripture does contain numerous warnings against alcohol abuse (Ephesians 5:18, Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13) to name only a few. Since alcohol use is addressed in Scripture, but not prohibited, we might safely conclude moderate alcohol use is condoned. In fact, the Apostle Paul encouraged a young preacher to use a little wine medicinally (1 Timothy 5:23). And, in his guidance relating to Timothy about deacon selection, his criteria included “not addicted to much wine.” (1 Timothy 3:8).

The Old Testament, likewise, cautioned against drunkenness. Here are only a few examples: Isaiah 5:22 and 28:7, Hosea 4:11, and Proverbs 23:20-21. The issue, then, is alcohol abuse, not use, unless a prohibition has been embraced by your local assembly, denomination, fellowship or convention. If that is the case, you are expected to comply or go elsewhere to worship. To remain and drink secretly would make you a hypocrite and the church certainly does not need any more of them.

Medical personnel use what are called CAGE questions. They are: 1) Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking? 2) Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? 3) Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking? And 4) Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to combat a hangover? Other factors you might consider are: 1) Do you have a family history of alcoholism? and 2) Do you find it possible to turn down the first drink, but not the second?  If your answer to most of those questions is “yes,” it is probably a good idea for you to abstain.

One reason many Christians do not consume alcohol is they do not wish to jeopardise effective witness to unbelievers. Since the days of the Temperance Movement, many people tend to equate Christianity with tea-totaling. If they see a Christian drink, the first word that often comes to mind is “hypocrite.” The Apostle Paul cautioned against becoming a stumbling block; guilty of keeping anyone from coming to Jesus by our actions (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 and Romans 14:15-21). So, all of that having been said, the choice to imbibe or abstain is yours to make after considering both Scripture and medical science. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 | ESV)