Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a common beverage in biblical times, is frequently mentioned throughout Scripture. It is often associated with celebration, blessing, and abundance, yet it also serves as a symbol of excess and moral failure when misused. In the context of Christian theology, the love of Christ is presented as surpassing all earthly pleasures, including wine.Biblical References to Wine Wine is first mentioned in Genesis 9:20-21, where Noah becomes drunk after the flood. This early account sets a precedent for the dual nature of wine as both a gift and a potential stumbling block. In Psalm 104:14-15, wine is described as a gift from God that "gladdens the heart of man," highlighting its role in joy and celebration. Conversely, Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." The Love of Christ The New Testament elevates the love of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of human longing and desire. In Ephesians 3:17-19, the Apostle Paul prays that believers "may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of His love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge." This passage underscores the immeasurable and surpassing nature of Christ's love, which is to be preferred above all earthly pleasures. Wine in the New Testament In the New Testament, wine is present at significant events, such as the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This miracle signifies the new covenant and the joy found in Christ. However, the Apostle Paul advises moderation and warns against drunkenness in Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Christ's Love as Superior The love of Christ is portrayed as superior to wine in the Song of Solomon, a book often interpreted allegorically as depicting the love between Christ and His Church. Song of Solomon 1:2 states, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine." This poetic expression elevates the love of Christ above the sensory pleasures of wine, emphasizing its enduring and transformative power. Practical Implications for Believers For believers, the preference for Christ's love over wine is a call to prioritize spiritual fulfillment over temporal satisfaction. Romans 14:17 reminds Christians that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This perspective encourages believers to seek the deeper joy and contentment found in a relationship with Christ, rather than in the fleeting pleasures of the world. In summary, while wine is acknowledged as a gift from God, the Scriptures consistently elevate the love of Christ as a superior and more fulfilling pursuit. This preference is rooted in the transformative and eternal nature of Christ's love, which offers believers a deeper and more lasting joy than any earthly pleasure. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 1:2,4Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for your love is better than wine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Tests of Love to God A Memorable History to Make Clearly Understood in what the Force ... A Believer's Privilege at Death An Earnest Invitation The Broken Column Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... The Fathers, the Liturgies, and the Mystics Loyal to the Core De Decretis or Defence of the Nicene Definition Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Resources Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.orgIs intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about underage drinking? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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