Spirit-Filled Pastor: Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol?

The topic of drinking alcohol is controversial in the Christian community. Let’s analyze Scriptures regarding wine to answer frequently asked questions.

Wine in the Old Testament

The Old Testament has a lot to say about wine’s use, purpose and symbolism. The offerings (Num. 15:5) and tithes (Deut. 14:26) brought to God included wine. Wine symbolized blessing (Prov. 3:9-10). Therefore, a lack of wine was evidence of God’s judgment for Israel’s sin (Jer. 48:33).

It is important to note that drinking wine with meals was part of the Israelite diet and culture (Gen. 27:25, Judg. 19:19). But drunkenness was not encouraged, Solomon outlined the grave consequences of drunkenness in Proverbs 23:29-35.

Wine in the New Testament

Jesus’ first miracle was creating wine from water, but Jesus warned against drunkenness in Luke 21:34. Creating a substance that can be abused does not make one responsible for its misuse by another. Jesus’ wine miracle was actually prophetic according to Jeremiah and Amos.

The apostles opposed walking in drunkenness and immorality in Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 1 Peter 4:3-4, to name a few verses.

My Reasoning for Abstinence From Alcohol

I believe Christians should practice total abstinence from alcohol, wine and beer because God liberates us from evil and sinful living.

Alcohol does not have any benefits; it intoxicates the body, attacks your brain, numbs your senses, destroys your self-control and leads to more sin. Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10). Lastly, those who struggle with alcohol may lead others to fall (Rom. 14:21).

Concluding Thoughts

The devil uses alcohol as a slippery slope to distance you from God. Instead of being drunk with wine, be drunk in the Spirit. Our new wine is the Holy Spirit to live holy, free and in God’s will.

Vladimir Savchuk leads HungryGen movement and pastors a multicultural church with a clear-cut, focused vision to see the salvation of souls, healing, deliverance and the raising of young leaders. He leads the annual Raised to Deliver conference, which attracts thousands from all over the globe. He leads three different internships and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and camps.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.