For the records, it was my humble recollection that use of alcohol thread unfolded with a question – based on an opinion
Are there any here who oppose the consumption of alcohol? If so how would you respond to these: Scripture does not necessarily forbid a Christian from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. In fact, some Scriptures discuss alcohol in positive terms. Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs “drink wine with a merry heart.” Psalm 104:14-15 states that God gives wine “that makes glad the heart of men.” Amos 9:14 discusses drinking wine from your own vineyard as a sign of God’s blessing. Isaiah 55:11 encourages “yes, come buy wine and milk…”
I responded, “The way I oppose Russian roulette, I oppose the use of alcohol. But, guess what? Nobody cares.” I should have added that sniping verses from wisdom literature, or Psalms, and the prophets without reference to other things the Lord says about how we celebrate and what we celebrate isn’t . . . the best way to understanding. Perhaps that would would have taken the discussion in a different direction?
The blessings of created things such as wine, food, music, children, are not unmixed --given the nature of those who receive them. God intended all His creation for good. Because of the Fall, there is only one unalloyed Gift - blessing -- and that is His grace that grants His own to see Christ Jesus Ruling and Resurrected.
I used an analogy that offended many posters. An analogy or metaphor is often shocking – even offending.
The analogy works for all kinds of things – The Bible makes clear that “things” aren’t sinful; the heart is sinful and deceitful above all else. And it is quite adept at misusing things that God intended for blessing. The church is full of overweight and anorexic people whose god is their body. It is full of all kinds of driven people whose god is not the Lord. Indeed as Francis Schaeffer remarked personal peace and affluence, is our – the church’s – most dangerous enemy. Isaiah warned women about the ease with which they were living, and the consequences. (Isaiah 32)
I stated more than once that alcohol consumption is not forbidden – but its use carries serious warnings -- given the problems in the 21st century caused by addictions, esp. among solidly reformed types, I wonder that so many still want their freedoms unhampered.