Drinking Alcohol

Question
Is it a sin to drink alcohol?
Answer
No, drinking alcohol is not a sin in and of itself. For example, wine is a covenant blessing (e.g. Gen. 27:28; Deut. 7:13; 11:14; 33:28), and was a blessed and acceptable offering to God (e.g. Num. 15:5,7,10). God approved of and encouraged its use (e.g. Deut. 14:26) -- arguably in large doses under certain conditions (Prov. 31:6-7). It is to be enjoyed in appropriate ways in appropriate settings, including its use to make "life merry" (Eccl. 10:19; cf. John 2:1-10).

Still, there are commandments against drunkenness and carousing (Eccl. 10:17; Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3). The heart of these commandments is that we avoid any drunkenness and loose living, whether caused by alcohol or any other substance. In short, there are ways to drink alcohol that are not sinful, as well as ways to drink alcohol that are sinful.

Answer by Ra McLaughlin

Ra McLaughlin is Vice President of Finance and Administration at Third Millennium Ministries.