To answer this question, we first have to explain what sin is. Sin is any action that has its root in your sinful, carnal nature and therefore violates the law of God.
Romans 5:12 (King James Version) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Sin is primarily a matter of your nature, which culminates in acts of transgression. As a Christian you have been freed from sin, you are born again a new spirit being, born from above, having the nature of the Father. You are no longer ruled by your natural desires and habits, but can rule and reign over the flesh. The blood of Jesus Christ has removed your sin (Hebrews 9:24-26).
Romans 8:1-2 (King James Version) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2Corinthians 5:17 (King James Version) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1Peter 1:23 (King James Version) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
Christ the Lord of your life, it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. Every habit, every action is subject to the authority of the Holy Spirit and whatever he deems unprofitable you must relinquish.
Galatians 2:20 (King James Version) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
So, is drinking alcohol a sin for Christians? The answer to this, has to be no. The mere act of consuming alcohol is not sinful in itself. However to fully answer this question we have to consider the following principles from the Word of God:
First: You have to remember that you are to exercise self control in all matters of life. (Galatians 5:23). When drinking alcohol, you have to carefully control your intake so as not to become intoxicated nor act in a manner unbecoming an ambassador of God. You must never allow any other spirit to control your body, other than your own spirit motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (King James Version) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
1Corinthians 6:12 (King James Version) 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.
Romans 5:12 (King James Version) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Sin is primarily a matter of your nature, which culminates in acts of transgression. As a Christian you have been freed from sin, you are born again a new spirit being, born from above, having the nature of the Father. You are no longer ruled by your natural desires and habits, but can rule and reign over the flesh. The blood of Jesus Christ has removed your sin (Hebrews 9:24-26).
Romans 8:1-2 (King James Version) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2Corinthians 5:17 (King James Version) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1Peter 1:23 (King James Version) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
Christ the Lord of your life, it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. Every habit, every action is subject to the authority of the Holy Spirit and whatever he deems unprofitable you must relinquish.
Galatians 2:20 (King James Version) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
So, is drinking alcohol a sin for Christians? The answer to this, has to be no. The mere act of consuming alcohol is not sinful in itself. However to fully answer this question we have to consider the following principles from the Word of God:
First: You have to remember that you are to exercise self control in all matters of life. (Galatians 5:23). When drinking alcohol, you have to carefully control your intake so as not to become intoxicated nor act in a manner unbecoming an ambassador of God. You must never allow any other spirit to control your body, other than your own spirit motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (King James Version) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
1Corinthians 6:12 (King James Version) 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.
Christians are and need not be condemned in any matter, remembering that you belong to Christ and are not your own. You should not be in bondage to, or be subjected by any habit, action, custom or anything that is not expedient in your walk with Christ.
Is drinking alcohol a sin for Christians?
Second: is to be your guide. If you are convicted by your conscience when drinking alcohol, the habit of drinking alcohol has just become unprofitable to you. This does not mean that it is wrong or a sin in general, nor that every other Christian should not drink alcohol, merely that you should not. The moment your conscience is convicted the action becomes sin to you. It is important to have a clear conscience towards God and man, so that you can approach the Lord boldly in prayer, not having your faith sabotaged by a guilty conscience. That is why the Apostle Paul wrote in:
Acts 24:16 (King James Version) And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.
Consider also what the Holy Spirit wrote in 1Corinthians Chapter 8.
Third: You must remember that your body is and not to be defiled in any way. Any habit or action that harms the body is to be avoided and not to be indulged in. Though moderate amounts of alcohol may not cause harm to the body, taken in excess it definitely does harm
1Corinthians 3:17 (King James Version) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Fourth : You are to be guided in all your conduct by the law of love. Any action or habit making your brother or sister in Christ stumble, is unprofitable and should be forfeited. Your brother's conscience is more important than the issue of whether it be right or wrong. See Romans Chapter 14, specifically verse 21 “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.” You are to esteem your brother higher than yourself and act accordingly, in any manner that offends, except where it concerns obedience to the Word of God. If I know that my brother considers the drinking of alcohol a sin, I would refrain from drinking in his presence and if necessary even forgo the habit entirely.
So to answer the question: Is for Christians? The answer would depend entirely on your conscience, that of the brethren you fellowship with, the company you keep and the counsel of the Holy Spirit to you.
© 2008 Stephanus Hendrik van Schalkwyk
Acts 24:16 (King James Version) And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.
Consider also what the Holy Spirit wrote in 1Corinthians Chapter 8.
Third: You must remember that your body is and not to be defiled in any way. Any habit or action that harms the body is to be avoided and not to be indulged in. Though moderate amounts of alcohol may not cause harm to the body, taken in excess it definitely does harm
1Corinthians 3:17 (King James Version) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Fourth : You are to be guided in all your conduct by the law of love. Any action or habit making your brother or sister in Christ stumble, is unprofitable and should be forfeited. Your brother's conscience is more important than the issue of whether it be right or wrong. See Romans Chapter 14, specifically verse 21 “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.” You are to esteem your brother higher than yourself and act accordingly, in any manner that offends, except where it concerns obedience to the Word of God. If I know that my brother considers the drinking of alcohol a sin, I would refrain from drinking in his presence and if necessary even forgo the habit entirely.
So to answer the question: Is for Christians? The answer would depend entirely on your conscience, that of the brethren you fellowship with, the company you keep and the counsel of the Holy Spirit to you.
© 2008 Stephanus Hendrik van Schalkwyk
If you enjoyed this article you might want to download the following sermons, in MP3 format - FREE.
You may want to order any of the above messages on cd:
go to Online Orders
OR
more FREE MP3 Downloads
go to Online Orders
OR
more FREE MP3 Downloads
© Light the Fire Ministries All rights reserved 2008
what is sin,
not under the law
the temple of the Holy Spirit
Your conscience
For a Christian the question of
takes on a whole different meaning. You have made Jesus
God's temple.
Visit Pastor's Pen!
drinking alcohol a sin
