Q&A: Is It Okay For Christians To Drink Alcohol?

Question: Is It Okay For Christians To Drink Alcohol?

Donald Bohanon: Yes, it is. That’s another big misconception that false unlearned ministers teach. That it’s a sin to drink alcohol. But it’s okay to steal, lie, bear false witness against your neighbor, commit adultery, commit fornication, etc, in their eyes. But God forbid you should drink a beer every now and then. This is their backwards unbiblical rationale. The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:23, we are to have no longer water but a little wine for our stomach’s sake and oft infirmities.

Christ also drank wine. The Bible says the Jews even referred to Christ as a winebibber or a wino because he fancied wine so much. Luke 7:33. But yet Christ is considered the epitome of the example of righteousness. Paul says all things are lawful for him but he won’t be brought under the power of anything 1 Corinthians 6:12. Which means he can do what he wants to do including drink ( which includes drinking alcohol) but he won’t be brought under the power of anything.

In other words, what he’s saying is he can do what he wants to do but he won’t be controlled by anything. Moderation and self-control are what is being emphasized by Paul, in all things that don’t conflict with God’s word. There is an account in  Genesis 9:20–21 of Noah being drunk. But yet he is said to be one of the most righteous men in the Bible.

Christ tells us in Matthew 15:16-19 that it’s not what goes into the man that corrupts or defiles him but what he says, does, and thinks and if those things are contrary to the Bible and the commandments that corrupt the man.

In other words, it’s not what you eat, drink, or even smoke for that matter, (as long as those things don’t result in you breaking God’s word and ten commandments and aren’t dangerous to your health or illegal) that corrupt the man or woman, but what he or she says, does, and thinks, and if those things are contrary to the Bible and the commandments that corrupt the man or woman spiritually. The emphasis is on spiritual corruption.

But obviously, I would strongly advise against certain indulgences like hard drug usage for instance, etc. Although these things can’t corrupt you spiritually in and of themselves they can certainly wreck you physically, emotionally, mentally, and possibly spiritually if they result in you transgressing God’s word and commandments to feed addictions.

Which will defile you spiritually. And spiritual corruption is what leads to death spiritually when you are judged. God doesn’t define righteousness by what you eat or drink, but only by what you say, do, and think, in relation to his word and the ten commandments.

I would also advise against anyone under the age of 25 ( unless it’s in relation to a very serious medical condition) using or taking part in marijuana use when you consider some studies suggest it can slow brain development in the formative years.

And I would advise that you be thoroughly informed about it if you decide to use or experiment with it for ‘serious’ medical reasons. It does come with its share of disadvantages as well. As it relates to advantages, it has been shown to greatly reduce pain for those suffering from pain. It’s been touted by many pain sufferers as being just as effective as opioids which unfortunately are highly addictive compared to cannabis. It has also been shown to be very effective for those suffering from epileptic seizures, parkinsons, etc. So it does have some medical benefits.

The Bible also says in Genesis 1:29-30 that God has given man every green herb to use for nutrition and health reasons. And when he says ‘every green herb’ that’s what he means. The Bible also says we are to be sober-minded but that‘s actually in relation to having a sound mind and being serious about your walk with God. And certainly exercising self-control and moderation in all things not condemned by his word, are certainly a part of being serious and sound-minded. 1 Peter 5:8-9

But I don’t think a whole lot of substances compare to how damaging excessive alcohol use can be and the Bible doesn’t condemn the use of it, but only outlines that it should be done in moderation while exercising self-control. In all things that are not condemned by his word. This is not a promotion of alcohol and marijuana use, only explaining the Bible’s position regarding these issues and how to responsibly use these things if you choose. I would also strongly advise anyone prone to addiction and abuse to avoid any such practices.