Beech Tree News Network

With a special election coming up in January that is focused on whether the citizens of this county wish to allow alcohol sales, I thought it would be good for us to go to the Bible and see what God has said on this subject. Is this something approved by God? After all, if He is to be our standard (Col. 3:17), then it seems wise that we consult His word on a subject like this. Yes, on any subject we need to study God’s word to see what God would have us do. (I Pet. 4:11).

    Some folks are confused on the subject of alcohol and whether or not God approves. One reason for such confusion is because when a man wants to do something, he will justify it any way that he can. This includes twisting Scriptures. Such a practice is not new (II Pet. 3:16; II Tim. 3:7). At the same time, some confusion has occurred due to the use of the word wine (Greek: oinos) in the Bible when it describes alcohol or grape juice. How can we know when God is talking about alcohol? It is determined by the context of the word in the chapter, and not necessarily because we read “wine.”

    That alcoholic drinks are mentioned in the Bible states the obvious. However, in a study such as this, it is necessary that we have a little “history lesson.” Folks who have studied the Middle Eastern culture in Old and New Testament days tell us that the alcohol produced in those days does not compare with the alcoholic drinks produced today and sold in our stores and restaurants. R. Laird Harris writes, “Concentrated alcohol was only known in the Middle Ages when the Arabs invented distillation (‘alcohol’ is an Arabic word) so what is now called liquor or strong drink (i.e. whiskey, gin, etc.) and the twenty per cent fortified wines were unknown in Bible times” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, vol. 1, p. 376). Joseph P. Free said, “Wine and beer in ancient Palestine contained not over five or eight per cent alcohol” (Archaeology and Bible History, p. 352). Contrast this with the fact that brandy, rum, whisky, and gin all contain 50% or more alcohol. Most wines today have a 20% alcohol content. In other words, according to the experts, nothing being made and sold today compares with the alcohol in Bible days.
 
    I find those quotes very interesting. In contrast with the 5% to 8% alcohol content of Bible days, alcoholic drinks today can begin at 5%, and go up from there! In other words, where the alcohol content in “wine” ended in Bible days is where the alcohol content in drinks begins today! Add to this the fact that in Bible times those who drank alcohol would universally mix water with it and bring the overall alcohol content down even lower. Based on these facts, we can see that the modern-day alcoholic drinks cannot be compared to the alcoholic drinks in Bible times. If we compared “apples to apples” we would see that almost every alcoholic drink for sale in restaurants or stores today would fall in the category of “strong drink.” This was a separate category to “wine” in the Bible. Note the distinction God makes (Lev. 10:9; Num. 6:3; Jdg. 13:4-7; I Sam. 1:15; Prov. 20:1, 31:4; Isa. 5:11, 22; Lk. 1:15; etc.). Remember, “strong drink” was condemned throughout the Bible. Therefore, in Bible terms, the vote taking place in January concerning alcohol sales cannot be anything except voting to allow something that the Bible strictly condemns. Is this what we want to do? Will this county vote in favor of something God condemns? I pray not!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167