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NASB | Matthew 26:29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 26:29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." |
Subject: What is 'the fruit of the vine'? |
Bible Note: Steve, total abstinence from alcohol cannot be defended by Scripture, and I have never said that it can be. There can, however, be no serious doubt that Scipture in no uncertain terms proscribes drunkenness. My position on abstention is born less of theological concepts about the use of alcohol than of medical and experiential considerations. The medical reasons are exemplified in my post in which I quoted Dr. Rex Russell; the experiential, in my dealings with a number of problem drinkers in my lifetime thus far. Why play around with a substance that does neither the body nor the mind any good, is toxic, addictive, potentially hazardous, and a possible stumbling block to the Christian's witness to others? I hold neither you nor others in less esteem if you choose an occasional glass of wine; I do not pronounce judgment upon you. At the same time, I have chosen not to imbibe in alcohol because, in addition to the reasons I've heretofore stated, I can find no time or place in my life in which alcohol intensifies the joy of living that I find in simply being merely a Christian. --Hank |