The question of whether Christians should drink alcohol generates heated debate across denominational lines. Some argue that moderate consumption is biblically permissible, pointing to wine at the Last Supper and Jesus’ first miracle at Cana. Others maintain that Scripture consistently warns against alcohol and that modern believers should abstain completely. For Apostolic Pentecostals, the issue involves careful examination of Scripture, wisdom about modern contexts, and commitment to holy living that honors God and protects others.
What Scripture Actually Says
The Bible addresses alcohol extensively, and honest study requires acknowledging that Scripture contains both warnings and seemingly neutral references. Wine appears throughout biblical narratives—at feasts, in parables, and in religious ceremonies. Jesus did turn water into wine at the wedding in Cana, and Paul advised Timothy to “use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).
However, Scripture’s overwhelming emphasis regarding alcohol is cautionary and prohibitive. Proverbs 20:1 declares, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This isn’t a suggestion for moderation; it’s a warning that alcohol itself deceives. Proverbs 23:29-35 provides a vivid description of alcohol’s effects: “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine.” The passage concludes by describing addiction: “at the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
The New Testament continues these warnings. Ephesians 5:18 commands, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Romans 13:13 instructs believers to walk honestly, “not in rioting and drunkenness.” Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness among works of the flesh, warning that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” This principle proves particularly relevant to alcohol, which is chemically addictive and brings millions under its power.
The Wine Question
Defenders of Christian drinking often point to biblical wine as proof that alcohol consumption is acceptable. However, this argument requires examining what “wine” meant in biblical contexts. Ancient wine differed significantly from modern alcoholic beverages. Wine in biblical times was often diluted with water, sometimes at ratios of three or four parts water to one part wine. Additionally, fermentation processes differed, and storage methods affected alcohol content.
More importantly, Scripture distinguishes between different types of wine. The Hebrew word “yayin” and Greek word “oinos” could refer to both fermented and unfermented grape juice, with context determining meaning. When Scripture speaks positively of wine—as a blessing, in religious contexts, or as Jesus provided at Cana—many scholars argue this refers to fresh, unfermented grape juice or lightly fermented wine, not intoxicating beverages.
Isaiah 65:8 illustrates this distinction: “Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.” Wine in the cluster—fresh grape juice—is called a blessing. This wasn’t fermented alcohol but the pure fruit of the vine.
When Jesus instituted communion, He referred to “the fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29), not explicitly to wine. The emphasis falls on representing His blood, not on any particular beverage. Many Apostolic Pentecostal churches use grape juice for communion, maintaining the symbolism without introducing alcohol.
The Principle of Separation
Beyond specific verses about alcohol, Christians must consider the broader biblical principle of separation from worldly practices. Second Corinthians 6:17 commands, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.” While this verse addresses idolatry specifically, it establishes a principle: God’s people should be distinct from the world.
Alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in worldly culture—in celebrations, social gatherings, and entertainment. Bars and nightclubs center around drinking. Alcohol advertising saturates media, associating drinking with success, sophistication, and pleasure. When Christians abstain from alcohol, they declare their separation from these worldly values and venues.
First Peter 2:11 exhorts believers, “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” Alcohol lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, and often leads to sinful behavior. Even moderate drinking can progress to excess, and excess leads to sin. The wise course is avoiding the first drink entirely.
The Testimony and Stumbling Block Arguments
Paul addresses Christian liberty extensively in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8, establishing that believers should sometimes forego things that might be permissible if exercising that freedom could harm others. Romans 14:21 states, “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
Even if one argues that moderate alcohol consumption is biblically permissible—a position most Apostolic Pentecostals reject—Paul’s principle of voluntary abstention for others’ sake remains compelling. Alcoholism devastates families and destroys lives. If a recovering alcoholic sees a Christian drinking, it might trigger their return to addiction. If a young believer sees their pastor or spiritual leader drinking, they might assume heavier drinking is also acceptable.
Christians must also consider their testimony to the unsaved world. When unbelievers see Christians drinking, it blurs the distinction between believer and unbeliever. It suggests that Christianity offers moral improvement rather than complete transformation. The powerful testimony of a changed life loses its impact when Christians engage in the same practices as everyone else.
The Modern Context
Historical context matters when applying biblical principles. While wine existed in biblical times, modern society faces alcohol-related problems ancient cultures never imagined. Drunk driving kills thousands annually. Alcohol contributes to domestic violence, sexual assault, and countless broken families. Alcoholism affects millions, destroying health, relationships, and livelihoods.
Modern alcoholic beverages are also significantly stronger than ancient wine. Distilled liquors reach 40% alcohol or higher—potency unknown in biblical times. Even beers and wines are generally stronger than their ancient counterparts. The alcohol industry specifically designs products to be appealing, addictive, and profitable, with little concern for the devastation they cause.
Additionally, Christians today live in a society where alcohol is readily available and heavily promoted. In biblical times, wine served practical purposes—providing safer drinking than contaminated water and preserving grape harvests. These practical considerations don’t apply in modern developed nations with clean water and refrigeration.
The Holy Spirit Factor
Ephesians 5:18’s contrast between wine and the Spirit provides profound insight. Paul doesn’t merely prohibit drunkenness; he presents two opposing forces: being filled with wine or being filled with the Spirit. The verse implies that alcohol works against spiritual life.
Pentecostals emphasize the baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spirit-filled living. Maintaining sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s voice requires clear-mindedness. Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, affects brain function and impairs judgment. Why would a Spirit-filled believer voluntarily dull their spiritual sensitivity?
Proverbs 31:4-5 warns leaders, “It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” Christians are kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6). If alcohol was inappropriate for earthly kings because it impaired their judgment, how much more should spiritual kings avoid anything that dulls their discernment?
The Path of Wisdom
First Thessalonians 5:22 instructs believers to “abstain from all appearance of evil.” Even if one argues that moderate drinking isn’t sinful—again, a position many Apostolic Pentecostals dispute—it certainly carries the appearance of evil to many people. Wisdom suggests avoiding practices that could damage one’s testimony or lead others astray.
Proverbs repeatedly extols wisdom and warns against paths leading to destruction. The wise person considers consequences, not merely permissions. While someone might argue they can drink moderately without becoming drunk, wisdom asks: Why take the risk? What spiritual benefit comes from drinking alcohol? What is gained that outweighs potential harm?
The Christian life isn’t about discovering how close to sin we can get without crossing the line. It’s about pursuing holiness, protecting our testimony, and running the race with excellence. Abstaining from alcohol represents a wise, biblical choice that honors God, protects one’s witness, and demonstrates love for others who might be harmed by our example.
For Apostolic Pentecostals committed to holy living and Spirit-filled Christianity, the choice is clear: complete abstinence provides the path of safety, wisdom, and obedience to Scripture’s overwhelming warnings against alcohol’s dangers.
