Can a Christian Drink Alcohol and Get Drunk?
The Bible presents a surprisingly balanced view of alcohol, which can be confusing for new believers who may encounter strong traditions of total abstinence. The key to understanding the Christian approach is recognizing the difference between the gift (wine) and the sin (drunkenness).
1. The Use of Alcohol is Permissible
The Bible does not condemn the moderate consumption of alcohol; in fact, it often presents wine as a gift from God.
Wine is a Blessing: Scripture acknowledges that wine can be a source of joy and celebration. The Psalmist writes that God provides "wine that makes the heart glad" (Psalm 104:15).
Jesus Drank Wine: The most significant evidence of alcohol being permissible is the life of Jesus Christ. He attended a wedding feast where, when the wine ran out, His first miracle was to turn water into excellent wine (John 2:1-11). He also used wine as the central element of the Lord's Supper, or Communion, commanding His followers to drink it in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:20).
Paul’s Counsel: The Apostle Paul even advised his young protégé, Timothy, to drink a little wine for his health (1 Timothy 5:23).
These passages establish that moderate use of alcohol is a matter of Christian liberty, not sin.
2. Drunkenness is Strictly Forbidden
While the Bible permits the use of alcohol, it issues some of its strongest warnings against the abuse of it, making it clear that drunkenness is a sin.
The central New Testament command on this issue is found in Ephesians 5:18:
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
A Work of the Flesh: Drunkenness is repeatedly listed among the "works of the flesh" that characterize an unredeemed life. Paul warns the Galatians that those who “practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
Loss of Control: The key issue with drunkenness is the loss of self-control and reason. It dishonors God by preventing a person from fulfilling the command to love God with their whole mind. Paul contrasts being "drunk with wine" (which leads to "debauchery" or wastefulness) with being "filled with the Spirit"—the Christian is meant to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, not alcohol.
Old Testament Warnings: The Old Testament is full of Proverbs warning against the foolishness and destruction caused by intoxication: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
3. The Principle of Love and Responsibility
Because drinking is a matter of Christian liberty, two other principles must govern a believer's choice: stewardship and love.
Stewardship of the Body: The body is the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). A Christian must guard against addiction or any practice that allows a substance to become a "master" that enslaves them (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Love for Others (The Weaker Brother): The most important factor in the decision to drink is often the impact on others. Paul teaches in Romans 14:21 that a believer should abstain if their drinking causes a fellow Christian with a sensitive conscience or a history of addiction to stumble:
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
Conclusion
For a Christian, the moderate, responsible enjoyment of alcohol is permissible, but getting drunk is a sin because it involves losing control, dishonoring the body, and grieving the Holy Spirit.
If drinking ever compromises your conscience, endangers your health, or causes another believer to fall, the biblical instruction is to abstain.
