Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin?

How much is too much?

A person has had too much when his drinking puts him or others at risk of harm. According to the Bible, drunkenness is identified, not by a person's passing out, but by such behavior as being disoriented, walking unsteadily, becoming contentious, or having slurred speech.  (Job 12:25; Psalm 107:27; Proverbs 23:29, 30, 33) Even those avoid getting drunk can still become "weighed down with . . . heavy drinking" and experience its serious consequences. -Luke 21:34, 35. 

Complete abstinence

The Bible also identifies time when Christians should avoid drinking alcohol altogether: 

* If others would be stumbled by it. -Romans 14:21. 

* If drinking alcohol violates the law of the land. -Romans 13:1.

* I a person cannot control his drinking. Those who suffer from alcoholism and other forms of alcohol abuse must be willing to take drastic action. -Matthew 5:29, 30. 

Next time: What Is Forgiveness?

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