“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

Matthew 15:11

In many Christian circles there is a subject of heated discussion. Is it a sin to consume an alcoholic drink? The Lord clearly states in the above verse (“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man;…”) Also in (Mark 7:15 Christ said, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.”)

Those things which come out of a man defile a man. (Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”) The Lord clearly states the sins that do defile us come from our fleshly hearts. Too have an acholic drink is not sin. Yet, God tells us also we ought not to overindulge in that drink. (“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph. 5:18) Perpetual drunks do not have eternal life. (“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” I Cor. 6:10) Also, (“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Prov. 20:1) Wine and strong drink cloud the mind and heart. Causing those deceived by it to make foolish decisions. Over drinking is sin.Drinking in moderation is not sin. (Study: Prov. 23:29-35) It is those who tarry long indulging in the wine, who bring sorrow, woe, etc., upon themselves.

The Lord instructs us not to offend another which deems it a sin to partake or may have a weakness in this area of their lives. (“Let not then your good be evil spoken of:” Rom. 14:16) (“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” I Cor. 8:13) (“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.” Rom. 14:19-22)  Therefore it would be wrong to partake of drink around any who would deem it to be sin, or has a weakness toward such liberty.

Now, another point on this matter is if one has the tendencies to often overindulge. One ought to refrain and not partake, for it maketh a way for the flesh (drunkenness). (“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Rom. 13:14)