What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?

Know someone who is struggling? Read what the Bible has to say about ALCOHOL

Is drinking alcohol a sin? The Bible says no.

But God’s confirmation that I could drink stress-free sent me into a 3-day coma. Since then, I’ve changed my position on drinking alcohol, but I’ve remained just as loyal to the Lord.

Everything I learned from the pain and shame I put together in this article. If a single Christian fellow is struggling with alcohol and feels supported by my words, that is more than precious enough for me. Urging you to open your eyes, listen to the Bible, and make better decisions, I battled drinking alcohol and other demons all throughout my 20s. It was a tough time to be a youngster.

Ready to rewrite your journey? Write down the following key teachings that the Bible has to say about ALCOHOL.

Drinking alcohol is not a sin

Contrary to what many Christians have come to believe, it is not actually a sin to drink alcohol. Scripture doesn’t condemn or prohibits consuming moderate levels of alcohol.

I mean, Jesus drank wine, right? He even got accused by religious leaders of being a drunkard. “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (Luke 7:34).

The little thing is – Jesus never got drunk or became an alcoholic, but he did drink wine occasionally. We all already know he made water into wine – one of the most famous events from the Bible – and it would have been usual for him to enjoy a drink with his friends (John 2:1-11). What’s more, it was a well-known tradition for Jews to drink wine at the yearly Passover meal, in which Jesus always participated. He also instituted the Lord’s Supper with bread and wine (Luke 22:14-20).

Drinking alcohol can even be a blessing

Under the right circumstances, drinking alcohol can even be considered a blessing by the Bible. Accordingly, the Lord gives “wine to gladden the heart of man” (Psalm 104:15).

Friends gathering to enjoy a meal together may choose to enhance their meet by having drinks. Alcohol can therefore encourage relaxation, happiness, and laughter. Of course, these are all blessings from God (see also Eccl. 9:7, Isaiah 55:1-3, Amos 9:14).

Note that alcohol can also be used for medicinal purposes even nowadays. Today, medications have evolved into even stronger serums and pills, but in the past, it was actually alcohol that provided relief from pain. If we think about it, this, too, is a blessing from God.

In a broken world full of pain, the Lord has given us a tool meant to help in times of suffering.

All in all, perhaps ask yourself next time ‘why’ you are drinking or wanting to drink alcohol. A good motive starts with mindful reflection.

Drunkenness is a sin

We have argued for moderation thus far. However, the Bible states that drinking a lot of alcohol is spiritually dangerous.

Christians are indeed allowed by God to drink alcohol, but they are forbidden to effectively get drunk. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). This command is the clearest indicator that to get drunk is a sin.

People who drink alcohol may raise a question here. “What does it mean to be drunk?” And it’s a fair question. After all, in most US states, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in order to drive a vehicle is .08 (at this point, you are considered legally impaired to drive). Your BAC will vary based on body weight, how much one drinks, and the amount of time between drinks. For example, according to some research, a male who weighs 200 lbs. can drink one 12 oz beer and ultimately only reach a level of .02 BAC. Consider that our bodies metabolize alcohol in the long run and the alcohol content in the b lood will drop .015% every hour from our last drink.

But coming back to drunkenness, Paul’s command (Ephesians 5:18) emphasizes the control of the Spirit. There is only one other option, which is the control of alcohol. Many Christian people would say that 1-2 drinks would not cause them to lose control. So, even if what qualifies as being drunk varies from person to person, have Paul’s command in your mind when crossing that line.

“’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12).

Bible quotes on drinking alcohol

According to Proverbs 23:20-21, people should avoid alcohol or eating meat excessively as it leads to poverty.
Isaiah 5:11, 22 says that daily consumption of alcohol, which clouds the judgement, will be judged by God himself.
If you check 1 Tim. 3:2-3, 8, and also see Prov. 31:4-5, it says that people who consume alcohol excessivelly can’t serve in church leadership, as they must be sober minded.

Drunkards are considered unbelievers in the Bible.
Godliness is characterized by sober-mindedness.

If you scrolled all the way down here, God meant for you to see His kindest salvation. Based on my addiction and experience with relapse in my youth, I would not want to let you go without at least sharing a good old fashioned exercise. It will be discomforting, that is for sure. But this helped me refill myself with the Lord in exchange for the alcohol’s control.

Swapping them two is, as reiterated from the beginning, all one needs for being welcomed in the kingdom of God. I know you will do your best to hang tight and give this a try. Patience will also take you places after you’re done sinning with alcohol. In the meantime, grab yourself a simple Christian calendar and follow along with God’s journey, Holy Days, and teachings. We’ll call it additional support for escaping drunkenness.

Here is what I preach in many contexts: We must use all things that the Lord has given us with wisdom and caution. Unfortunately, because we are inclined to sin, we tend to turn God’s good blessings into idolatry and sin. Alcohol is clearly no exception.

Do you know a fellow Christian who is struggling with alcohol? Start a chat with the community and let us know what you think down below in the comments!

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