Topical Bible: Alcohol

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Definition and Usage in Scripture:
Alcohol, specifically wine, is frequently mentioned in the Bible and holds a significant place in biblical narratives, laws, and teachings. The term "wine" in the Bible generally refers to fermented grape juice, which contains alcohol. The Bible also mentions "strong drink," which refers to beverages with higher alcohol content.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, wine is often associated with joy and celebration. Psalm 104:14-15 states, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart." Wine is also used in religious rituals and offerings, as seen in Exodus 29:40, where it is part of the drink offering.

However, the Old Testament also warns against the dangers of excessive drinking. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Similarly, Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes the woes and consequences of drunkenness.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, wine continues to play a role in both social and religious contexts. Jesus' first miracle, as recorded in John 2:1-11, involves turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, highlighting its cultural importance. Additionally, wine is used in the Last Supper, symbolizing the blood of Christ in the new covenant (Matthew 26:27-29).

The New Testament also addresses the issue of drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse underscores the importance of moderation and self-control.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In biblical times, wine was a common beverage due to the scarcity of clean water. It was often diluted with water to reduce its potency. The process of fermentation was well understood, and wine was a staple in the diet of many ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The Bible presents a balanced view of alcohol, recognizing its potential for both good and harm. While it can be a source of joy and a symbol of blessing, it also poses the risk of leading individuals into sin through excess and loss of self-control. Believers are encouraged to exercise wisdom and discernment in their consumption of alcohol, avoiding drunkenness and its associated pitfalls.

Role in Christian Life and Worship:
In Christian worship, wine holds sacramental significance, particularly in the practice of Communion, where it represents the blood of Christ. This sacred use underscores the importance of approaching alcohol with reverence and responsibility.

Summary of Biblical Teaching:
The Bible acknowledges the legitimate use of alcohol while warning against its abuse. It calls for moderation, self-control, and a focus on spiritual fulfillment over physical indulgence. Believers are encouraged to consider the impact of their choices on themselves and others, striving to honor God in all aspects of life, including their approach to alcohol.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
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Leviticus 10:9
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:
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Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
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Isaiah 5:22
Woe to them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
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Isaiah 5:11
Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
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Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come on you unawares.
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Hosea 4:11
Prostitution and wine and new wine take away the heart.
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1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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Library

With the Circus
... His entire system was heavily charged with nicotine and alcohol; and the effect
of these poisons constantly operating upon his nervous system and digestive ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter viii with the circus.htm

Temperance and the Teen Age
... Furnish him now with the actual facts of the effects of alcohol on the heart centers,
lung centers, locomotion centers, knowledge centers, and inhibitory or ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvii temperance and the teen.htm

The Limits of Liberty
... 'I can take alcohol in moderation, and it does me no harm, and I can ... How do they
discharge that duty who will not forswear alcohol for their neighbour's sake? ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the limits of liberty 2.htm

Omar and the Sacred vine
... Hence comes the fact which every doctor knows, that it is often perilous
to give alcohol to the sick even when they need it. I need ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vii omar and the sacred.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... Also the terms "whisky," "alcohol," "opium," "morphine," "tobacco," "tea," and
"coffee," "secret vice," etc., are not made use of by the New Testament writers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

Internal Foes.
... within the mark in saying that within the rounds of my hospital wards today, seven
out of every ten that lie there in their beds owe their ill health to alcohol ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... It may be questioned whether the boasted quickening and brightening effects of alcohol
are not always, in a less degree, that same beguiling of sense and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the portrait of a drunkyard.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... In all these alcohol is the principle of all intoxication, and it has been clearly
demonstrated by the researches and experiments of ministry and pharmacy, in ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

For they Loved the Praise of Men More than the Praise of God. John ...
... The true friends of temperance now know, that alcohol is the same thing, wherever
it is found, and that to save the world and banish intemperance, it is ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/for they loved the praise.htm

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... the agave; the people at Guarapo, an intoxicating product taken from sugarcane;
while a great multitude, that no man can number, are the votaries of alcohol. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/talmage a bloody monster.htm