Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another Five Good Minutes where I answer your theological questions in five minutes or less. Today’s question is: Is it a sin to drink alcohol?
Christians have different takes on this, but we must approach every question with one standard: What do the Scriptures actually say? The Bible alone is our authority in all matters of faith and life.
So, is drinking alcohol forbidden? The short answer is: No, it is not. There are no clear commands in Scripture forbidding the consumption of alcohol. In fact, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine—not grape juice, as some argue. The same word for wine is used consistently throughout Scripture.
Wine is often seen in the Bible as a gift from God. Psalm 104:14-15 says God gives wine to gladden the hearts of men. Paul encouraged Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23 to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake. Even deacons in the church were instructed not to be addicted to much wine—not to avoid it altogether (1 Timothy 3:8).
There is no biblical prohibition against drinking alcohol. If there’s any restriction, it’s about the amount consumed. The Bible clearly warns against drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
However, this doesn’t mean every Christian should drink. Paul tells the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 10:23 that not everything lawful is helpful. Proverbs also offers stern warnings about alcohol’s dangers, such as Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:31-33.
Additionally, for those who have struggled with drunkenness or addiction, drinking may lead them back into sin. Romans 14:21 warns not to drink wine or do anything that causes a brother to stumble.
So, is drinking alcohol a sin? No. Is getting drunk a sin? Yes. And for some, drinking could be sinful depending on their personal struggle or how it affects others.
Look to the Scriptures. Fear God. Walk in wisdom.
This has been another Five Good Minutes.