Joe R. Price

Christians are being seduced by the world to engage in sinful practices. This is not a new phenomenon, but it reminds us of the potent enticement of sin and the necessity of constantly protecting ourselves against sin's temptations (1 Cor. 10:1-13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18).

A case in point is social drinking. Both the practice and toleration of social drinking are gaining momentum among Christians. By "social," we mean both in the privacy of the home and in public. Christians can now be heard defending the occasional drink, not only in private conversations and practices, but also in Bible classes and from the pulpit.

God's word has not changed. What Solomon wrote is still true: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Prov. 20:1). When one compares the alcoholic content of "wine" (yayin) in Old Testament times to modern levels it becomes clear that today's wines compare to "strong drink" (shekar), which is always condemned in the Scriptures. For instance, Levitical priests were commanded, "do not drink wine or strong drink (intoxicating drink, NKJV)" (Lev. 10:9). Upon what Bible basis can a Christian (who is a priest under the new covenant of Christ) imbibe of intoxicating drink with Christ's approval (1 Pet. 2:5, 9)?

The gospel of Christ forbids drinking alcoholic beverages, whether a little or a lot, whether privately or publicly, whether occasionally or habitually, whether drunkenness or the consumption that leads to it. "Drunkenness, revelries and drinking parties" in 1 Peter 4:3 encompass the entire spectrum of consumption levels, with the indulgent revelry often associated with drinking alcoholic beverages (Prov. 23:29-35; Isa. 5:11; 28:7-8; Gal. 5:21).

Then there is the sinful example and worldly influence one exerts upon their children, friends, associates and fellow Christians when they drink (1 Pet. 2:11-12; 1 Tim. 4:12). What good work results from drinking alcohol (Eph. 2:10)? How will drinking Christians convince their children not to drink?

It is past time for Christians to wake up to the truth that consuming alcoholic beverages is sin (Eph. 5:14-18). It is time for gospel preachers to reprove, rebuke, and exhort the practice (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is time for Christians to stop accommodating social drinking and start recognizing it for what it is: Worldliness (1 Pet. 4:2-4; 1 John 2:15-17).