The number one drug problem in the world today is the same drug problem for all time. It was first recorded in Genesis 9:21-22, and caused Noah to expose his nakedness. Its use caused Lot to do that which he would not otherwise have done—resulting in two nations the Moabites and Ammonites—who were perpetual problems for the children of Israel. What is the drug—fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, heroin? No. The number one drug problem that has plagued God’s creation for all time is alcohol. Unfortunately, man’s behavior and practice has not changed.
Great nations have been brought low by it. The ancient world power Nineveh (Assyrians) fell by it. Not many years later the Babylonians fell in very similar fashion because of their uncontrolled excess. History reveals the ancient Roman Empire became more and more decadent fueled by their seemingly endless use of the drug alcohol. It has been recorded as part of the fall of the Soviet Union 30 years ago, and its use is the leading contributor to accidental and untimely deaths in the United States of America.
The battle with this drug has been a constant struggle for the people of God. God’s condemnation of His people of old came by the prophet Isaiah when he declared woe unto those “mighty to drink wine” (Isa. 5:22). Throughout the ages the world has influenced the children of God to fool around with this dangerous drug. The apostle Peter warned Christians of the bad influence of this drug (I Pet. 4:3). It is in this passage where the term “banqueting” is used, illustrating what is often an entry-level use of alcohol. Banqueting, better understood today as social drinking, the Bible says is behavior characteristic not of Christians, but rather of those outside of Christ, the Gentiles. Be honest and observe that in most congregations no matter how liberal or conservative, there are always a few who secretly hold the view “a little alcohol use in private is alright.” After all nobody has to know, and as one confused fellow said, “I’m not hurting anyone but myself.” Sadly, in many congregations of the church of Christ today, it isn’t a secret, there’s open use and attempted justification for social drinking. The denominational world has given up and given in to those who have set their mind to use this drug.
Doesn’t the Bible say it is good for medicinal purposes (I Tim. 5:23)? Yes, it does. In fact one medicinal application referenced very little by Christians is a clinical use for those of “heavy heart” and those who are “dying” (Prov. 31:6). Medicine controlled and party drugs are two very different things. Also, remember that prescription drugs can and are too often abused. The point being, medicine is good in its proper place, and God has certainly allowed for the use of medicine. Some Christians just seem to have a chronic, nagging cough every Friday night with friends. The recreational use of drugs (alcohol) is forbidden by the Word of God and is sinful.
When the above is affirmed, there will always be one who will ask, “what about Jesus at the wedding feast?” A good test for these Bible scholars is to hand them a Bible and have them show you where this wedding feast is found. The account they loosely reference is found in John 2, and by their assertion, Jesus presented in excess of 150 gallons of alcoholic wine in Cana of Galilee to a group already “well drunk” (v. 10). Really? You really believe Jesus the Lord and Savior of mankind assisted in getting these wedding-goers drunk or more drunk? If He did, then He violated the principle taught in (Hab. 2:15), and was not without sin as claimed (Heb. 4:15). Thus, in an attempt to justify social drinking, one would deny Jesus as the sinless son of God? That’s very serious! Jesus made non-alcoholic wine “new wine” for all to drink including the children.
Isn’t alcohol served in the Lord’s Supper? No. When the Lord instituted His supper (Matt. 26), He did so at a time when no leavening was allowed in the house or in food or drink. While no one quarrels over the unleavened bread, if it is unleavened bread, then it must also be unleavened wine (Matt. 26:17, 26-28) [re: Exodus 23:15, 34:18]. Reason it out for a moment. The number one drug problem of all times, and Jesus used that destructive drug in worship and for His memorial feast? Anyone can and should see this and know better.
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College