Is Social Drinking Always Sinful?

Most Christians seem to agree that intoxication (drunkenness) is sinful. As well we should, because it is sinful (Isa. 28:1; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thes. 5:6-7; 1 Tim. 3:2-3, 8-9). However, there is a lot of controversy over "prudent" alcohol consumption in the Christian life.

There are a number of Scriptures that warn us about the dangers of alcohol consumption (Prov. 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; 31:4-7; Eccl. 2:3; Isa. 28:7-8; Hab. 2:5). God put those warnings in His Word for a reason. There are at least five reasons why it is better for a Christian to abstain from alcohol. Each one begins with a letter in COUNT. To remember this acronym, it is helpful to think of a sobriety test, where a suspected drunk driver has to count out loud.

C=Conscience. Examine your own conscience in all matters. If your conscience is offended by alcohol, then stay away from it! Otherwise you would be sinning (Rom. 15:23; 2 Cor. 4:2). Now that you have read all the Scriptures cited in the last paragraph, what does your conscience tell you about alcohol consumption? That is between you and God.

O=Omnipresent God. God is everywhere at all times (Pss. 139:7-8; Prov. 15:3), so He sees everything that you do. Are you hiding alcohol from your parents or your pastor? Remember that you can't hide it from God! Furthermore, if you know that a perfectly holy God sees it, then why are you hiding it from imperfect people down here?

U=Under Age. If you are under twenty-one years of age, the law forbids you to buy, sell, or consume alcoholic beverages. God’s Word commands us to submit to the authorities of our land (Rom. 13:1-3). Violating our governing authorities is a way of violating God’s authority.

N=Natural Reasons. Just as smoking often causes lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchitis, alcohol consumption is known to cause deadly cirrhosis of the liver and other health problems. God’s Word commands us to honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

T=Testimony. A Christian puts his testimony at risk when he drinks, especially in front of a weaker brother (Rom. 14:21). This is especially true if the weaker brother is a recovering alcoholic. God’s Word commands us not to tempt others or to give the devil any room in our lives (Eph. 4:27).

Many "sipping saints" (a term coined by David Wilkerson) are quick to whip-out John 2:1-9, where Jesus turned water into wine. That much is true, but our industrialized society (with automobiles, aircrafts, factories, etc.) makes alcohol consumption much more dangerous today than it was in biblical cultures. Also, in light of the Old Testament’s warnings about the dangers of wine and strong drink, I find it very difficult to visualize Jesus serving wine without mixing it with water first.

I do not contend that social drinking is always sinful, but I strongly urge abstinence! If you are a Christian who drinks prudently and not to excess, I do not (and cannot) pass judgment on you (Rom. 14:13-17). However, with all due respect, I would urge you to reconsider except for medicinal purposes (1 Tim. 5:23). Remember that “everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23b NIV).