Drunkenness has become usual nowadays, and many people don’t consider it a sin. 99 % of the countries across the world have legalized drinking alcohol. However, just because everyone is doing it does not make it right. So, is getting drunk a sin?
Ephesians 5:18 reads, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” This verse shows that getting drunk is a sin since it has been condemned in the Bible. However, there is a difference between drinking in moderation and getting drunk. In 1 Timothy 5:23, the Bible recognizes the health benefits of drinking little wine.
What does the Bible say about alcohol and drunkenness? Why do Christians believe drunkenness is a sin? What are the consequences of drunkenness according to the Bible? How can Christians overcome drunkenness? Bible verses about drunkenness. Keep reading this article to find the answer to all these questions.
What does the Bible say about alcohol and drunkenness?
The Bible says both negative and positive things about alcohol and drunkenness. According to John chapter 2, the first miracle of Jesus was turning water into wine for the people at the wedding in Cana to drink. From this story, alcohol is portrayed to be a drink for celebrations, and it is not wrong to consume it.
From other verses, such as 1 Corinthians 10:21, the Bible suggests that you cannot drink from the cup of God and from the cup of the demon simultaneously. This teaches that the Bible is against drunkenness and alcohol. The verse teaches that you cannot have the blood of Jesus and still have alcohol.
Also, in the book of Proverbs, alcohol is mentioned a lot. For example, in proverbs 31:4-5, the Bible speculates that alcohol and drunkenness cause a man to forget to do right and leads them to sin. The following two verses in this chapter say that bitter and strong alcohol should be given to those who are distressed so that they can forget about their misery.
Why do Christians believe drunkenness is a sin?
Christians believe that drunkenness is a sin because the Bible condemns drunkenness. There are so many verses in the Bible where drunkenness is not approved.
According to Galatians 5:19-21, the Bible implies that Christians should not involve themselves with drunkenness, for if they do, they shall not enter the Kingdom of God. From the verses, we learn that drunkenness is a sin, and it is one of the sins that can make Christians not inherit eternal life.
Also, Christians believe that drunkenness is a sin because it is directly stated in the Bible. Ephesians 5:18 states, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is a sin, but be filled with the spirit” from this bible verse, Christians are instructed to avoid drunkenness, for it is a sin. The Bible is a message written to Christians from God through people filled with the Holy Spirit to guide Christians daily. Being a message from God, then God himself tells Christians that getting drunk is a sin which has developed to be their belief.
Christians also believe drunkenness is a sin because of what many people do when drunk. When one is drunk, they are not in their right mind, and they may find themselves doing sinful things before God’s eyes. In the story of Noah in the book of Genesis 9:21-22, he got drunk and removed his clothes. He showed his nakedness to his children, which led to a curse on one of his children. This story makes Christians think that drunkenness is a sin since they see a man of God sinning just because he is drunk.
What are the consequences of drunkenness according to the Bible?
The main consequence of getting drunk in the Bible is that one shall not inherit the kingdom of God. From the Bible, Christians have been promised eternal life if they lead a righteous life. According to Galatians 5:19-21, the Bible mentions that those who involve themselves with drunkenness will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Another consequence of drunkenness is that you start misbehaving. From Proverbs 31:4-5, we learn that it does not matter how wise you are, for after you consume alcohol, you forget your morals and behave wrongly. The Bible implies that even when the kings and rulers drink, they start to pervert the rights of the afflicted.
However, in Proverbs 31:6-7, we learn that the consequence of drunkenness does not have to be negative, for, in this verse, it is written, “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.” This verse teaches that getting drunk can have a consequence where you forget the miseries that cause your distress which is a good thing.
How can Christians overcome drunkenness?
One way for Christians to overcome drunkenness is by confessing to one another and praying for each other. According to James 5:16, the Bible suggests that whenever Christians face temptations, they should confess to one another and pray for one another so that they can be able to overcome it. It continues to say that the earnest prayer of the righteous will produce wonderful results. It is hard for people suffering from drunkenness to pray when they confess, and other Christians pray for them to overcome it; it shall come to pass.
Another way for Christians to overcome drunkenness is to avoid the company that drives them to drink alcohol. In the book of I Corinthians 15:33, the Bible mentions that bad company corrupts good characters. This teaches that you have to get rid of the company of people that you go to drink alcohol with for you to be able to stop drinking.
Also, Christians can overcome drunkenness by calling unto the lord so that he can give them the strength they need to overcome it. According to Psalm 50:15, God is telling Christians to call on him when they are in trouble, and He will rescue them. Also, Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”. These two verses teach that Christians can overcome everything through God since their strength and help come from him. It does not matter if you are suffering from Drunkenness for God does not judge his children he will help you overcome it.
Bible verses about drunkenness
Romans 13:13 “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
Ephesians 5:18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is a sin, but be filled with the spirit”
Proverbs 31:4-5 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.”
Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”.
1 Corinthians 10:21 “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons”.
Reference
- How to overcome drunkenness from the Bible
- Drunkenness is a sin from the Bible
- Is drinking alcohol a sin?
- Is getting drunk a sin
- Compelling truth: Is getting drunk a sin?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
