The Christians’ Attitude Toward Alcohol

What should be the Christians' attitude toward alcohol?

The blog’s owner does understand there is some degree of liberty in this area of consuming alcoholic beverages for Christians. Without judging any true believers who may consume alcohol in temperate manner, the blog’s owner just want to share a worthwhile point of view about alcohol consumption by William MacDonald, who went home to be with the Lord in December 2007. His point of view is worth reading and worth considering.

When a converted drunkard was asked, “Do you believe that Jesus changed water into wine?” he replied, “Yes, I have seen Him changed whisky into groceries, gambling tickets into furniture, and a broken-hearted wife into a radiant Christian. I have no difficulty believing He changed water into wine.”

The most common form of drug abuse is alcohol. Like [other] drugs…, it is an escape route from the world of reality. It provides a temporary high, a chance to forget the problems of the moment, and a relief from tension. But, like the other drugs, it is demoralising, dehumanising, and destructive.

Those who claim to be Christians must adopt a biblical view toward the subject of alcoholic beverages. God’s original intention was that wine should be enjoyed by men and women, but in moderation (Psalm 104:15a). He warns against overuse that results in the loss of ability to make proper decisions (Proverbs 31:4, 5; Hosea 4:11). He permits the use of wine in areas where the water causes stomach disorders (1 Timothy 5:23) and advocates its medicinal use for dying (Proverbs 31:6, 7).

But the danger, of course, is that people might abuse a God-given mercy by becoming alcoholics. God solemnly warns believers against over-indulgence (Romans 13:13). He clearly states that no drunkard will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). Even though a man may profess to be a believer, he shows that his profession is false if he is a drunkard. When abused, “wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

In cultures such as ours where drinking might stumble another person, believers should practice total abstinence, that is, to stay away from intoxicating beverages completely (Romans 14:21).

Actually believers should not need to use wine as a crutch. The Apostle Paul suggests that to be filled with the Holy Spirit, rather than to be filled with wine, is the way to go for a child of God (Ephesians 5:18).

The Safest Policy

The only way a person can be sure that he will not become an alcoholic is by staying away from liquor completely. And this is the surest way that his behaviour will not stumble someone else. This is an important consideration for all of us. If a weak believer sees you or me taking a drink, he may conclude that if it’s all right for us, then it’s all right for him too. Yet he may become addicted to alcohol, ending up as a drunkard. In that case, you and I are morally responsible because we set a bad example. That is why Paul said, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles” (Romans 14:21). It is why he also said, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13). It is worse to make men drunkards than to be one yourself—and God knows that it’s bad enough to be one.

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I'd like to end this blog entry with five questions (biblical principles) that will help us, Christians, decide what we must do when we are facing difficult situation, including alcohol consumption. These questions, if I'm not mistaken, were composed by a godly father.

"All things are lawful," but:
1. Will they lead to freedom or slavery? (1 Corinthians 6:12)
2. Will they make me a stumbling block or a stepping-stone? (8:13)
3. Will they build me up or tear me down? (10:23)
4. Will they only please me, or will they glorify Christ?
5. Will they help to win the lost or turn them away? (10:33)

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The above excerpt is taken from the book “Be Holy” by William MacDonald, published by John Ritchie Christian Publications. (The whole book is a worthwhile book to read. It contains many practical principles—biblical principles—about Christian holiness. If you are in the US and Canada, you can order it from Gospel Folio Press.)