The Bible's Stance on Wine: Warnings, Abstinence, and Purity

The Bible contains clear warnings and instructions regarding the drinking of wine, consistently cautioning against its intoxicating effects and promoting temperance. Let's explore what the Scriptures reveal on this important topic. 🍷

Divine Prohibitions and Warnings

God's Word explicitly forbids the use of intoxicating wine, especially for those in positions of spiritual or public trust. This is not a new concept; divine instruction has been consistent throughout history:

• For Priests and Leaders: The Lord gave a direct command to Aaron and his sons: "Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that you may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD has spoken to them by the hand of Moses." Leviticus 10:9-11. This instruction highlights that clear minds are essential for discerning between holy and unholy, and for effectively teaching God's statutes. Similarly, for kings and princes, it is warned: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." Proverbs 31:4-5.

• A Mocker and Rager: The Bible strongly states the deceptive nature of intoxicating drink: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1. This verse underscores the folly of succumbing to its influence.

• Consequences of Indulgence: The prophet Isaiah pronounced a "Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!" Isaiah 5:11. He also proclaimed, "Woe to them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" Isaiah 5:22. These pronouncements vividly illustrate the spiritual and moral dangers associated with such practices.

• Loss of Discernment: The tragic story of Nadab and Abihu serves as a somber warning. They committed a fatal sin after becoming partially intoxicated by wine, leading to confused minds and dulled moral perceptions, making them unable to "discern the difference between the sacred and the common." Leviticus 10:1-10. This shows how wine can hinder one's ability to understand spiritual truths and obey God's requirements.

Examples of Abstinence

The Bible presents inspiring examples of individuals who chose complete abstinence, demonstrating a commitment to God's will and a desire for purity:

• Samson's Mother: Before Samson's birth, his mother was given specific instructions by an angel: "She may not eat of any thing that comes of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe." Judges 13:14. This prenatal instruction emphasizes the importance of a mother's habits on her child's future.

• John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, was also set apart from birth: "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb." Luke 1:15. His abstemious life was a powerful example for his generation.

• Daniel and His Companions: When faced with the king's luxurious food and wine, Daniel "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank." Daniel 1:8. His unwavering commitment to a simple diet, including abstaining from wine, resulted in "knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom," making him wiser than all in the king's court. Daniel 1:17+1.

• The Rechabites: This group, in obedience to their ancestor Jonadab, refused to drink wine for generations, serving as an example of faithfulness and obedience to God's words, even when the people of Judah did not listen. Jeremiah 35:6-14.

The True Nature of Christ's Wine

There is often discussion regarding Christ's miracle at the wedding feast in Cana. It is vital to understand that the wine Jesus created was unfermented:

• Pure Grape Juice: The wine created by Christ was the "best wine" because it was "free from all fermentation," described as the "pure juice of the grape." Christ would never contradict His own teaching, which forbids the use of fermented drinks. Leviticus 10:9-11.

• Symbol of His Blood: The unfermented wine used by our Savior and His disciples in the first Communion is a symbol of His pure blood, emphasizing the life-giving and soul-refreshing nature of the sacramental service, with nothing connected to it that could minister to evil.

The Dangers of Even "Mild" Intoxicants

The Bible and its teachings highlight that even milder forms of alcohol can lead to greater problems:

• Gateway to Drunkenness: "Intoxication is just as really produced by wine, beer, and cider, as by stronger drinks. The use of these drinks awakens the taste for those that are stronger, and thus the liquor habit is established." Moderate drinking is described as the "school in which men are educated for the drunkard’s career."

• Beclouding Reason: Alcohol, in any form, can weaken the body and "enfeeble the mind," making it less clear to "discriminate between good and evil, between right and wrong." This spiritual dullness can lead to a disregard for divine requirements.

Call to Temperance and Purity

God desires His people to live with clear minds and pure hearts, fully dedicated to His service:

• Honoring God with Our Bodies: We are called to honor God with our physical and mental powers, abstaining from anything that would defile us. "Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5-6.

• Seeking Salvation: Isaiah extends a loving invitation: "Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1. This symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and blessings available freely from God, far superior to worldly indulgence.

• Abstain from All Appearance of Evil: As Christians, we are to avoid anything that could lead to sin or cause others to stumble. "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak." Romans 14:21.

In conclusion, the Bible consistently warns against the drinking of wine and strong drink due to its intoxicating nature and its ability to confuse the mind, dull moral perceptions, and lead to sin. It provides strong examples of those who chose complete abstinence and calls all believers to a life of temperance and purity, enabling them to honor God and discern His truth with clear minds. 💖