Is it a sin just to drink alcohol or only if you get drunk?

Question

And how does a person know when they are drunk in the eyes of God?

Answer 1

Jesus not only drank wine, but he made wine. If it is not alcoholic it is grapejuice.

However, it was safer than water in many places. And a glass of wine does not make anyone drunk.

You know when you are drunk, why should't we?

As to the Dude, Jesus said that it is not what goes into your mouth that defiles you, it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles you, because what comes out of your mouth comes from the heart.

Answer 2

The word translated as wine in the Bible is the same for grape juice or actual wine. They didn't have refrigerators or vacuum sealed bottles remember? So grape juice would become wine quite quickly.

The Bible shows many examples of what alcohol can do to your behaviour and advises against its use. I would not dare to call moderate alcohol consumption a sin. The Bible though, calls for you to take care of your body as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The same could be applied though to illegal drugs such as crack and heroine. The Bible does not say anithing about this right? However we all know is wrong to consume them even in small quantities for what they represent.

Alcohol is a toxin to the body, destroys the liver, destroys people and families too. Even though its legal its still a drug and we should think about what alcohol represents too.

I think is generally a very bad idea for somebody to drink any amount of alcohol.

Answer 3

Only getting drunk. Why should you see how close you can get to the edge of a cliff?? You're looking for black and white lines here. God judges your heart. Is your intent to go as far as you can and still be "ok?" or is your intent to honor God. That is the real issue. The intent I believe is about having control or losing it. That would be my guess as to the heart of the drinking issue.

It's like in jr high youth group when the leader asked us all to choose now how far we'd go with a bf / gf. We all drew that line as far as we thought we could. We didn't understand the heart of the issue at all. We just wanted to get away with as much as we could. Now I know better. That is part of becoming an adult. Understanding the heart of rules, not the letter of the law.

Answer 4

Only when you're drunk...it's best to "cut-off" yourself before you hit the drunken state.

Addition: When used moderately, alcohol can indeed be a source of pleasure. The Bible acknowledges that wine can make the heart merry or can enhance the taste of a meal. (Ecclesiastes 9:7) When misused, however, alcohol creates serious problems ranging from run-ins with parents, teachers, and police to premature death. As the Bible says: “Wine is a ridiculer, intoxicating liquor is boisterous, and everyone going astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1) It is important, then, that you make a responsible decision about drinking.

Answer 5

I was raised a 7th Day Adventist, and they believed it was always a sin to consume alcohol. Apparently the whole "water into wine" thing did not impress them. I remember my aunt wouldn't take Nyquil because she believed it sinful. Go figure.

It varies by denomination. Most protestants kind of frown on alcohol, but don't consider a drink or two a sin, provided you moderate that behavior. I think Catholics are probably the most permissive.

Answer 6

A key to avoiding the dangers of alcohol abuse is knowing where to draw the line, not between overindulgence and drunkenness, but between moderation and overindulgence. Who can determine where this line is for you? Since many factors come into play, there can be no strict rule about how many drinks are too many. Each one must personally know his limit and stay within that limit. What will help you to decide how much is too much for you? Is there a principle that can serve as a guide?

14 The Bible states: “Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability, and they will prove to be life to your soul and charm to your throat.” (Proverbs 3:21, 22) The guiding principle to follow, then, is this: Any amount of alcohol that unduly impairs your judgment and dulls your thinking ability is too much for you personally. But you must be honest with yourself in recognizing what that personal limit is!

15 In some situations, even one drink may be one too many. In view of the danger to the fetus, a pregnant woman may choose not to drink at all. And would it not be kind to refrain from drinking in the presence of someone who has had a problem with alcoholism or whose conscience disapproves of drinking? Jehovah commanded those performing priestly duties at the tabernacle: “Do not drink wine or intoxicating liquor . . . when you come into the tent of meeting, that you may not die.” (Leviticus 10:8, 9) Therefore, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages just before attending Christian meetings, when sharing in the ministry, and when caring for other spiritual responsibilities. Moreover, in countries where alcohol consumption is prohibited or is permitted only for those over a certain age, due regard should be given to the laws of the land.—Romans 13:1.

16 When an alcoholic beverage is offered or is set before you, the first question to ask is: ‘Should I drink at all?’ If you decide to drink, have clearly in mind your personal limit, and do not exceed that limit. Do not allow a generous host to sway you. And beware of open bars serving unlimited drinks at such events as wedding receptions. In many places, children are legally permitted to have access to alcohol. It is the parents’ responsibility to instruct their children regarding the use of alcohol and to monitor their actions in this regard.—Proverbs 22:6.

Answer 7

It's not a sin to drink alcohol. If it were, I doubt that my church would serve wine at Communion or allow liquor at church fundraisers, wedding receptions, and so forth. As for knowing if you're "drunk in the eyes of God", it's probably a matter of using common sense. You certainly know if you're drunk or not, what your motives are, and if you're acting like an abusive jerk while drinking.

Answer 8

It is only a sin to get drunk. Remember Jesus' first miracle? It was turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

Answer 9

I'm Methodist, and we believe that alcohol is bad no matter what...we don't even use wine in our communion anymore... but on a personal level, I think that alcohol in moderation is OK...just don't get drunk...

Answer 10

In my personal opinion - Christians should not drink - but again that is only my opinion. I believe the devil uses alcohol and I don't want to have anything to do with it. Blessings.