Article - Social Drinking Is A Sin
Ethyl alcohol is pharmacologically classified as a drug (the depressant, narcotic type). Therefore, whatever position one takes on social drinking would also apply to illegal as well as prescription drugs. In other words, if it is the case that it is morally alright to drink alcohol for pleasure so long as it is in moderation, it logically follows that it would be morally (though not legally) alright to take illegal or prescription drugs for pleasure as long as they are taken in moderation. If not, why not? The Bible never authorizes the use of alcohol (or drugs) for pleasure, much less in moderation. The Bible does, however, authorize the use of alcohol (hence, drugs) for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23, assuming the wine is fermented). Therefore, social drinking is a sin because (1) it is not authorized by God to be consumed for pleasure (Colossians 3:17); (2) it can cause a brother/sister in Christ to stumble (Romans 14:21); (3) it can harm your body/mind (Proverbs 23:29-35; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20); (4) it leads to other sins such as fornication, contentions & drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21). Our attitude should be like Timothy’s. He was against alcohol so much that he would not even take it as medicine (1 Timothy 5:23). After all, the Bible does encourage abstinence (Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 31:4; Luke 1:15). It is best not to even look at the alcoholic beverage (Proverbs 23:31).
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.