Are wine and alcoholic beverages acceptable to God?

Did you know the word “wine” is found 212 times in the New King James version of the word of God? With that in mind, what is the theological bottom line about wine and spirits? Let’s find out…

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.” (Genesis 14:17-19)

Much mystery surrounds Melchizedek, the fact he was introduced in God’s word without parental or lineage reference implies he was a character after another high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. The wine mentioned in these verses was unlike the staple wine which was part of every day life in ancient times, it was in deed part of the celebration of the Lord’s deliverance of Abram and his troops. Therefore wine is acceptable as a part of celebrating God’s blessings.

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

Nazarites is a term used to describe individuals that made an unusual devotion to God. During this vow there was to be no consumption of either wine or other spirit that derived from grapes or grain. Basically, these verses clearly explain God’s expectations on those who serve Him according to special devotions.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-31)

Clearly in these verses, we are not to drink wine in unworthy manner. Giving thanks to the Lord and remembering to honor Him each time we eat or drink, we are commanded to do so responsibly.

In the following verses, the word of God describes wine as a precious gift from the Lord:

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (1 Tim. 5:23)

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine, the best of meats and the finest of wines.” (Isaiah 25:6)

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” (John 2:1-11 )

The conclusion seems to be an obvious one. Wine consumption is acceptable to God, in celebration of the Lord’s blessings and of course, in moderation. Any church that teaches otherwise does so against the word of God. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for all your precious gifts
And your blessings in our lives,
And ask you to strengthen us and allow us
T
o enjoy bread and wine in moderation..

We pray that you’ll inspire those who deny the truth
Or the enjoyment of both bread and wine,
Lead deceivers within the church to teach from your word
That invites us to drink wine with a joyful heart.

God we thank you for looking after us, our families and friends
And for answering the prayers of those who seek you,
We thank you for your love and your forgiveness
And for patiently guiding our footsteps each and every day.

God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre