Is getting drunk a sin?

Answer

Becoming intoxicated by alcohol is clearly prohibited in the Bible (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:20; 29-32; Isaiah 5:22; Ephesians 5:18). There are numerous commands in Scripture regarding behaviors to avoid, such as drunkenness, sexual immorality “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”, (1 Corinthians 6:18), and lying (Proverbs 6:16-17). However, the Bible is more than just a definitive list of “sins.” When we view it in that way, we miss the point. God does not want us to merely check off a list and consider everything else permissible. The Pharisees did that, and Jesus was displeased with them (Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23). God desires obedience that stems from a loving heart that desires to emulate Him “but just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”, (1 Peter 1:15).

Getting drunk is a sin, but what about drinking in moderation? The consumption of alcohol has been a topic of debate within the church for centuries. In the past, the majority of Christians viewed any consumption of alcohol as sinful. Today, there is much greater acceptance among Christians for moderate alcohol consumption. In biblical times, anyone consecrated to God was required to completely abstain from any product of the vine during their consecration period 3%3B Luke 1%3A15″>(Judges 13:4; Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Luke 1:15). Wine was sometimes symbolic of worldly contamination “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”, (Revelation 18:3), and those called into priestly service were to abstain from it when ministering in the tabernacle “Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:”, (Leviticus 10:9). Such warnings have led many followers of Christ to forgo alcohol altogether, deeming any use of it unwise. Although drinking in moderation is not condemned in Scripture, losing self-control is, and there are many warnings about alcohol’s destructive nature (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 31:4).

Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Two elements are being compared: alcohol and the Holy Spirit. Each has the power to take control of a person’s mind and behavior— with vastly different results. Getting drunk leads to a loss of self-control; being filled with the Spirit leads to more self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We cannot be controlled by both alcoholic spirits and the Holy Spirit at the same time. When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit. Anything that takes control of our mind, will, and emotions is

A false god. Any master we obey other than the Lord is an idol, and idolatry is sin «Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.», (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Getting drunk is a sin. Whether it be alcohol, drugs, or some other addictive behavior, Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters” «No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.», (Matthew 6:24). When we get drunk with alcohol or high on drugs, we are serving a master other than the Lord. Choosing to follow Jesus means choosing against our old sinful patterns and lifestyle. We cannot follow Jesus and also follow drunkenness, immorality, or worldly thinking (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:1-6). They are going in opposite directions. First Corinthians 6:10 lists drunkards among those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” When we choose to be defined by our sin, we cannot also be a Christ-follower (Galatians 5:19-21). When we choose drunkenness in spite of God’s command against it, we are choosing disobedience and cannot, in that state, be in fellowship with a holy God who condemns it (Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 10:37-38).