Yes, but. And the "but" matters more than most people want it to.
Drinking alcohol isn't always sinful. In fact, some passages of Scripture talk about it in pretty positive terms. "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart" (Ecclesiastes 9:7 ESV). God gives "wine to gladden the heart of man" (Psalm 104:15 ESV). Amos describes people drinking wine from their own vineyards as a sign of God's blessing (Amos 9:14). Scripture even mentions wine for someone near the end of life (Proverbs 31:6). And Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1–11).
But it is always sinful to get drunk. "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18 ESV). "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1 ESV). Paul even lists the drunkard alongside the sexually immoral and the greedy (1 Corinthians 5:11).
You might be thinking, "Great, so I can drink, as long as I don't get drunk." Not so fast. Being allowed to drink sometimes doesn't mean you can drink without restriction. Here's when a follower of Jesus shouldn't drink:
Don't drink if you're underage or it's illegal. We're called to submit to the government and those in authority, including parents (Romans 13:1–2; Ephesians 6:1). The only exception is when they ask us to do something God forbids or forbid something God commands. Drinking under 21 doesn't qualify. Neither does a drink before you drive.
Don't drink if you're addicted or prone to addiction. Jesus came to set us free from bondage. "'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be dominated by anything" (1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV). If you can't go out without a drink, or you reach for one every time you're stressed, you may be addicted. Whether you're getting drunk or not, the Lord doesn't want you in bondage to anything. (That includes vaping and smoking, by the way.)
Don't drink if you're tempted to get drunk. People who are tempted to get drunk tend to redefine drunk. "I'm not drunk, I'm just tipsy." Instead of flirting with the line, don't get anywhere close to it. If you regularly cross that line, it's probably wise and godly to skip alcohol altogether.
Don't drink around people who struggle with alcohol. Your freedom shouldn't cause a brother or sister to stumble. "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble" (Romans 14:21 ESV). If you're with someone who has a history of alcohol abuse, pass. That's what loving your neighbor looks like: you give up your freedom so they stay free.
Don't drink around people who believe it's wrong. Some people's conscience tells them drinking is always wrong. As we've seen, Scripture doesn't say that. But we're called to love people with a weaker conscience and not drink in front of them (1 Corinthians 8:9–13).
Don't drink when you need to make important decisions. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine" (Proverbs 31:4 ESV). If you're leading or making important calls, do it with a clear head, led by wisdom and God's Spirit. "Be sober-minded; be watchful" (1 Peter 5:8 ESV).
So here's the bottom line: only drink if you can do it to the glory of God. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV).
And if you're reading this and realizing alcohol has more of a grip on you than you'd like to admit, you're not alone, and there's no shame in asking for help. Reach out to us. We'd be glad to walk with you.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:7; Psalm 104:14–15; Amos 9:14; Isaiah 55:1; Proverbs 31:4–6; John 2:1–11; Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20:1; 23:20, 29–35; Isaiah 5:22; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Romans 13:1–2; Ephesians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19; 1 Peter 1:13; 5:8; Romans 14:13–23; 1 Corinthians 8:9–13; 1 Corinthians 10:31