ANSWER:
Many devout, religious people sincerely believe that God has forbidden any use of alcoholic beverages – that any use of alcohol is totally wrong and sinful.
The Scriptures reveal the Divine will and mind of God about how man should live (II Timothy 3:16). God has certainly not neglected to reveal His will with regard to the use of alcohol. Wine and other alcoholic drinks are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. If something sinful, or beneficial, exists about these beverages, then the Bible would plainly reveal it.
One of the first mentions of wine in Scripture is by Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God at Salem (Jerusalem) during the time of Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham. The apostle Paul explained in the New Testament that this person was none other than the One who became Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7). On this occasion Abram was entertained by Melchizedek who “brought forth bread and wine: for him and his companions (Genesis 14:18). This is an example of the One who became Jesus Christ Himself serving wine to His guests. And He did not sin (I Peter 2:21-22),
The Hebrew word translated wine in Genesis 14:18 is yayin. This word is used over 130 times in the Hebrew Bible to mean fermented wine, not grape juice. This same beverage when used in excess causes drunkenness. Proof is found in Genesis 9:21 where Noah drank yayin excessively and became drunk. Lot also became drunk on this same beverage (Genesis 19:30-36).
God instructed His people to enjoy yayin at the commanded Festivals (Deuteronomy 14:26). God is the Creator of every good and beneficial thing. God also mentions that His people may enjoy “strong drink” on such occasions. This term comes from an entirely different Hebrew word – shekar – which is used 22 times in the Old Testament and refers to alcoholic drinks made from dates and other fruit.
These scriptures make it clear that there can be a right and a wrong use of alcoholic beverages. Christ in the office of Melchizedek used it properly. Noah, Lot and others used it improperly in the cases just noted. When we use alcohol, we should use it properly as Jesus did.
The Bible says that God gave man wine to make men glad (Psalm 104:15). And Judges 9:13 tells us that “wine cheers both God and men.”
In addition to using wine as a beverage, God also commanded His Levitical Priesthood to include in the sacrifices, a portion of wine – yayin – as a drink offering (Exodus 29:40).
A blessing of wine was prophesied as a heritage to His chosen people in Genesis 37:28: “Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine [tirosh].” (See also Amos 9:14.) The word Hebrew word tirosh – meaning “new wine” is used in 38 places in the Old Testament. This word does not mean grape juice or fresh-pressed juice. Hosea 4:11 states, “Harlotry, wine [yayin], and new wine [tirosh] enslave the heart.” Grape juice could not have this effect. Tirosh is an intoxication wine if used in excess.
John the Baptist did not drink wine [oinos in the Greek] or any other form of alcohol because it was prophesied that he wouldn’t (Luke 1:15). However, Jesus Christ did drink oinos (wine). He said that He did (Matthew 11:19, Luke 7:34). Jesus had not changed since the days of His office as Melchizedek. He did not teach against the use of wine, instead He did like most of the other Jews of His day. He drank wine in moderation. It was one of principal beverages in Palestine at that time – as it is yet today.
Jesus’ first miracle was to change water into wine [oinos]. Some claim that this miracle was to turn water into grape juice. However, it is difficult to imagine an elaborate Jewish wedding supper where everyone drank only grape juice. On this occasion Jesus Christ turned six large jars of twenty or thirty gallons each into wine – oinos. This was no small wedding and it was no small miracle. The scriptures state that the steward of the feast said this wine was of the finest quality: “When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then that which is inferior; but you have kept the good wine until now’” (John 2:9-10). This would make no sense if this was grape juice.
Another proof that oinos is fermented wine is the fact that the apostle Paul said, “And do not be drunk with wine [oinos]…” (Ephesians 5:18). Paul did not mean to avoid getting drunk on grape juice. Sick, perhaps, but not drunk.
Jesus gave a parable involving the fermenting process of oinos in Matthew 9:17. At that time, instead of having a glass bottle to enclose wine, the skins of animals were used. The working quality of the wine while fermenting would burst apart an old inelastic skin, but it would not break a new stretchable skin. It should also be noted that in ancient times it was impossible to preserve grape juice. Except for a brief season the “fruit of the vine” was either made into thick molasses or into wine (see Hasting’s Bible Dictionary for proof).
Paul instructed Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomachs sake and your frequent infirmities” (II Timothy 5:23). Medical science has proven the benefits of small amounts of wine for good health.
Another use of wine which has been recognized for millenniums is that of the antiseptic qualities of wine. Researchers have discovered the germ-killing qualities of wine and have noticed that wine when used for this purpose is not as damaging to the flesh as some strong antiseptics. In Luke 10:34 the Samaritan poured oil and wine on the man’s wounds, showing that the wine had enough alcoholic content to be used as an antiseptic. He did not pour grape juice on his wounds.
Both the Old and New Testaments contain many examples and commands against excessive use of alcohol and drunkenness. Drunkenness is listed as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). Christ warned His followers not to be drunken (Luke 21:34). The Bible clearly states that drunkards will not enter the Kingdom (I Corinthians 6:9-10). No man who is unable to use alcohol in moderation should be ordained as an elder in the ministry of Jesus Christ (I Timothy 3:3, 8, Titus 1:7). Drunkenness and alcoholism are breaking God’s law and are therefore sin. On the other hand wine and strong drink when used moderately are a wonderful blessing from God!
