Let me start with something that might upset a few people:
Some Christians are more Pharisaical about alcohol than the Bible is.
Yes, I said it.
For some, a glass of wine is treated like a gateway to hell. For others, it’s no big deal at all. Entire friendships have been strained. Churches have split. Families whisper. And somewhere in the middle of all the noise, Scripture quietly waits to be read for what it actually says.
This isn’t about justifying sin. It’s about loving truth more than tradition.
Let’s talk honestly. Open Bible. Open heart.
Here are 7 myths Christians believe about drinking — and what God’s Word really says.
Myth #1: “Drinking Alcohol Is a Sin.”
This is the biggest one.
The Bible never says drinking alcohol is a sin.
Drunkenness? Yes.
Losing control? Yes.
Living in excess? Absolutely.
But drinking itself?
Psalm 104:14–15 (NKJV) says God gives “wine that makes glad the heart of man.” That doesn’t sound like a blanket condemnation.
Even our Lord attended a wedding in Cana and turned water into wine (John 2:1–11). He didn’t create grape juice. The master of the feast said, “You have kept the good wine until now.”
The problem isn’t the drink. The problem is the heart.
🍷 Want to learn more? Read my full blog, “Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol? A Biblical, Balanced, and Honest Answer.”
Myth #2: “Jesus Drank Only Grape Juice.”
This one usually comes from good intentions. But historically and biblically, it doesn’t hold up.
In first-century Israel, refrigeration didn’t exist. Fresh grape juice would ferment quickly. When the Bible uses the word “wine,” it means wine.
Jesus Himself said in Luke 7:34 (NKJV), “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber…’”
They accused Him of drinking wine.
Now, was He a drunkard? Of course not. But He clearly drank what others were drinking — without sin.
Myth #3: “If You Drink, You’re a Weaker Christian.”
Let’s be careful here.
Spiritual maturity is not measured by what’s in your cup. It’s measured by what’s in your heart.
Romans 14 speaks directly to this issue. Some believers abstained. Others did not. Paul didn’t call either group sinful. Instead, he said, “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5, NKJV).
The real danger isn’t wine. It’s pride.
If abstaining makes you self-righteous, that’s a problem. If drinking makes you careless, that’s a problem.
The standard is love and self-control — not comparison.
Myth #4: “Drunkenness Is No Big Deal.”
Now we swing to the other extreme.
Some say, “It’s just a little buzz. Relax.”
But Scripture is very clear here.
Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV): “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
Drunkenness dulls discernment. It weakens self-control. It opens doors to foolishness and regret.
God calls us to sobriety of mind (1 Peter 5:8). Not because He wants to limit our joy — but because He wants to protect our souls.
There is a difference between liberty and lack of discipline.
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Myth #5: “Christian Freedom Means I Can Do Whatever I Want.”
This is where many stumble.
Yes, we are free in Christ. But freedom is not selfishness.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV) says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.”
Ask yourself:
- Does this glorify God?
- Does this strengthen my witness?
- Could this cause someone else to stumble?
If your drinking causes your brother to fall back into addiction, love says abstain. Not because you must — but because you care.
Christian freedom is always governed by love.
Myth #6: “If I Don’t See the Harm, There Is None.”
Alcohol affects people differently.
For some, one drink is harmless. For others, one drink awakens a lifelong battle.
Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV) warns, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
That’s not prohibition. That’s caution.
Wisdom asks, “Is this wise for me?” Not “Is this technically allowed?”
Sometimes the most spiritual decision isn’t exercising your liberty — it’s surrendering it.
Myth #7: “This Issue Doesn’t Really Matter.”
It matters because your life matters.
Your witness matters.
Your influence matters.
Your example to your children matters.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NKJV), “I will not be brought under the power of any.”
That’s the heart of the issue.
Not: “Is this permitted?”
But: “Am I mastered by it?”
Anything that controls you competes with Christ.
So What’s the Truth?
Here it is — simple and biblical:
- Drinking alcohol is not inherently sinful.
- Drunkenness is clearly sinful.
- Wisdom, love, and self-control must guide every decision.
- Your liberty must never damage your witness or someone else’s faith.
Some believers should abstain entirely. Especially those with addictive tendencies or sensitive consciences.
Others may drink moderately without sin.
But every Christian must walk humbly.
This isn’t about defending wine.
It’s about defending holiness.
And holiness isn’t measured by what you avoid — it’s measured by how closely you walk with God.
So before you post that photo.
Before you judge someone else.
Before you pour another glass.
Pause.
Ask:
“Does this honor Christ?”
“Does this reflect self-control?”
“Does this show love?”
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about alcohol.
It’s about allegiance.
Who rules your heart?
That’s the question that really matters.
🍷 Want to learn more? Read my full blog, “Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol? A Biblical, Balanced, and Honest Answer.”