Subject: word for wine in the original text? |
Bible Note: (con't.) Part 2 Third reason; 1. John 2, the miracle of turning water to wine, does not require that it be alcoholic. Many insist that on the basis of verse 10 in that chapter, that the wine must have been alcoholic. They would say that, in those days, it was common to serve the best alcoholic wine first, saving the worse until later, when men's tongues have been dulled by much drinking. They miss the point here! The words, "well drunk" in this passage mean, "to be filled up", such as "well drunk up". They show their ignorance of Scripture and Old English language meanings, as well as today's word meanings! The fact is, neither the wine which they had at first, nor the one Christ made, was alcoholic. Would Jesus join with Evil? Or violate the verse "Abstain from all appearance of evil" in 1 Thess. 5:22? 2. This next reason is found the same passage as 1.) In verse 11, Jesus "Manifested forth his glory". Would Jesus have gotten more glory by making people drunk? If they had indeed been already intoxicated as the people mentioned in 1.) advocate, would He have gotten more glory by making them more drunker? . 3. This reason is found in the passage mentioned in 1.) also. In verse 11, we notice that as a result of what He did, "the disciples believed on him." Would making alcoholic drink do that? Since John 1:41 shows that they already believed on Him as Messiah, this must mean a deepening of their faith and a proof that they had not been wrong. Would getting people drunk do this? On the contrary! Thus, because of the description of this miracle and it's result, we cannot conclude otherwise but that this wine was non-alcoholic. 4. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, or effeminate, or abusers of themselves with mankind," "Nor theives, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." God makes His position clear; drinking alcoholic wine and strong drink is against His Word. It is Sin, pure and simple. "Social drinking" is but one part of this sin. God is not a killjoy. He is warning us for our own sakes! God Bless |