Revisiting “Alcohol Today”

Is abstinence a worthy pursuit? I’ll answer that question right off the bat. Yes it is!…and the activity known as abstinence seen in the pages of biblical history is very well documented (Numbers, Chapter 6). With that well understood concept, it is also vitally important to remember that abstinence, as introduced in the special Nazirite (some translations render it Nazarite) vow, had very little to do with the alcoholic content of wine. The relationship of the “vow” was with what God had given to the Israelites for sustenance. And why? This vow represented a separation, a typification of Christ’s resolve to the finish a work given to him by the Father many years in the future, and there would be other clear typification’s that would occur along the way in the very same manner. Christ’s fulfillment of the type is the only resolve that is capable of maintaining complete relationship with the Father, …..as the nation of Israel had just began to learn in the days of Moses, and witnessed in the days of John the Baptist, and now live to acknowledge in the days of a risen Savior.

Peter Lumpkin’s work titled “Alcohol Today” reveals an emotionally charged appeal, but more importantly it discloses a dissimilarity to a consistent biblical hermeneutic while defining its case for abstinence to a Christian audience. I have spent quite a bit of time reducing this commentary and answer to Peter’s response from a question posed several weeks back, so pardon the brevity of the exposition of passages supporting a consistent biblical hermeneutic. Although brief,..the two themes presented are clear and unambiguous.

To be sure, my intent is not to disparage Peter or his work. As I have said repeatedly and in a previous review, I believe that his background and the many years of research have produced a book worth having on the shelf. Yet within the vein of positive attributes and his obvious motive within the 172 pages, it is important to examine its use of biblical evidence that leads to his final conclusion. That is my aim in this short response exposing why wine was given to Israel;… as well as wine at the Cana wedding. I believe that abstinence is a worthy pursuit,…yet for the same reasoning developed throughout the scriptures….which is different than the evidence given or argued for in “Alcohol Today”.

Gnostic Playground

The bottom line for slipping into a neo-Gnostic type thinking is a tendency to develop a maneuver, a subterfuge,… typically using the language of evil, or the hint of evil, while defining the game….even if the intended method leads toward a morally acceptable outcome. That is what occurs in many religious settings. Many well meaning brothers and sisters want the right thing to occur or a successful moral outcome, regardless of the expense to the Holy Spirit’s leading to rightly teach His Word.

Chapters 10 and 11 of “Alcohol Today” introduce the reader to the same neo-Gnostic flaws of past history. Not as brash and forward as typical Gnosticism, yet born of the same leaven. In the beginning of the book,…it was encouraging to read the opening nine chapters. Why? Because, even in the midst of what I suspected would be most likely the inevitable conclusion, the majority of the first nine chapters developed a reasonable history of why people drink intoxicants. In the American culture….beyond the practice of some other cultures,…I can completely agree with Peter’s assessment. Most people that drink “distilled alcoholic beverages” do so with the intention to create the buzz. The buzz seems to be a consistent and meaningful confidant. The issue then …. Is why do people think this way? Is it because of the “evil” that exists in the fermented beverage, or is it because they seek a buzz, and not a Savior? Do they seek for hedonistic idols,…and forget about love for their brothers and sisters in Christ? If the “confidant is the goal”,…certainly Christ and love are not.

To this point, it appears that Peter and I are on the same trajectory. Of course, that’s until we get to page 81 of the book. This is where the words begin to veer off of a consistent hermeneutical course and then begin to set in motion an eisegetical biblical argument for a moral construct …when he writes:

“First, rehearsing passages from the Bible that offer positive support for a particular moral position – in this case, wine is to be enjoyed in moderation – without fairly dealing with those passages that appear to negate the position one is advocating is both unacceptable and inadequate in forging a moral construct – especially a moral position in which its foundation is the Word of God. The truth is, we shall see later, many passages of Scripture offer negative support for consuming wine.

Second, the unproven premise on which moderation is constructed is that whenever the Bible speaks of wine, it speaks of only one particular type of wine; that is, wine which is fermented and therefore intoxicating. We intend to show this premise to be both unproven and unlikely. Consequently, if we are correct, the entire moral construct of moderately consuming alcoholic beverages for recreational purposes collapses. If God commends some wines (non-intoxicating) but condemns others (intoxicating), no moral case can be made from Scripture for the recreational use of intoxicating beverages today. Even more, if no moral case can be made for intoxicating beverages, we possess full moral authority to make a solid case against the recreational use of any and all intoxicating substances regardless of whether is it consumed in beverages, swallowed as capsules, or directly injected. Obviously, the medicinal usage of drugs is not in view. The Bible makes this clear (cp. [compare passage] 1 Tim. 5:23; more on this passage follows).”
This section of the book is very confusing and misleading. First of all, there is little consistency on the terms used; intoxicating beverages, alcoholic beverages for recreational purposes, wine, intoxicating substances…consumed in beverages, and a few other naming conventions are used by the author.
We get a little better idea about the definition, albeit an inaccurate statement rendered on pages 67-68:
“First, the “wine” about which the Bible speaks – fermentation aside – is hardly the mass-produced, distilled substances sold exclusively for recreational usage in bars and supermarkets today. And, contrary to what some suggest, whether, contextually, the substance of Scripture either commended or condemned is identical to the substances available today really does not make a difference. Thus, we must address this possible substance discrepancy. In Part 3 I intend to focus more on this.

Second, to limit the biblical record’s application to simply “wine” or even alcoholic beverages for that matter neglects the much larger and desperately needed application to an endless parade of intoxicants whose primary purpose is identical to “wine” – stimulating pleasure. Incidentally, once again we must remind ourselves, unlike the ancients who necessarily consumed grape products specifically for survival, those lobbying for moderately consuming intoxicants today in the form of drinking distilled wines, beers, and other alcoholic beverages are lobbying for consumption distinctively driven by pleasure alone.
Even so, Scripture knows nothing of mind-altering drugs we have today on both open and black markets. Nevertheless we believe biblical revelation speaks definitively – albeit indirectly – about them. Furthermore, as we construct our moral position on consuming intoxicating substances, “wine” is simply one of many intoxicants within a conglomeration of substances a biblically driven ethic brands as largely immoral if used strictly for recreational purposes.”

The language of the book seems to convey, and it is certainly clarified by the end of the book, that “intoxicating substances” (such as fermented wine) in and of themselves are immoral agents (active against morals)… as though stemming from evil. This type of language is common to a religio-gnostic tone. Teachers must be careful when they begin to develop a “biblically driven ethic” without a consistent biblical hermeneutic. No matter the lack of definition that is given to beverages that bring pleasure and are associated to recreation….. I would estimate that the beverages that we drink are pleasurable,….that seems to be a reasonable pursuit for drinking something other than water (some water tastes better than others as well…and today…to make water even more consistent, we treat it or filter it).

Additionally,….Did the ancients know of mind altering intoxicants and drugs?….you bet they did! That is abundantly clear from the history and customs of ancient Egypt. So, the current culture’s use of drugs and intoxicants would be no surprise to the ancient world during the time of the Exodus. The larger and more important question is…. do the Scriptures agree with what Peter’s book seems to deduce about “biblical wine” in its natural stages of formation? Let’s look further to understand this better….and reveal a biblical and less complex design for “wine”; bearing a solid hermeneutic.

The Fruit of the Vine

“Fruit of the Vine”…What an expression! An outstanding gift from God to His people and a clear and unambiguous typological language that extends from the very formation of God’s chosen people until we meet again at the marriage supper of the Lamb. The final cup with our Lord will be glorious and will be revealing of the final “type” rendered time and time again in God’s dealings with His people.

Why was “wine” given as a type and gift to Israel?

This was God’s “provision” to His people. Not a provision for six to twelve hours only,… before fermentation ensues as the natural yeast enzymes begin to act upon the sugar of the grape, but moreover a provision throughout the year until the next season. God made wine for the season, not for one day only, or a fraction thereof. This is the context of all the verses illuminating “new wine”. New wine was the introduction of the provision, not a sign of alcoholic content. Israel understood the feasts and the seasons as God had described…..and in the thirty nine (5 of which appear in the New Testament letters) or so instances where “new wine” is described in the scriptures, the hermeneutic for describing “new wine” as symbolic of the “beginning of the harvest season”…. It is unanimous. The “new wine” expression is not written to convey at what stage this beverage was “to be” drank (that would only serve eisegetical maneuvering),… but in each instance and with clarity “new wine” demonstrated the initiation of and the sustaining nourishment provided by God throughout the season. In all instances, except for three, the intent of the writer is to express the provision and promise of God. The other three are exposed for another reason by Hosea. The expression “new wine” is indicative of God’s promise to provide a promised fertile land for wheat, barley, grapes, and other foods designed to nourish and sustain the people in this land of milk and honey. “New Wine” is the seasonal expression of God’s goodness of initiating his sustaining power “season after season” for His people. God’s promises are true, and His people benefit forever, ….not for a few hours.

Furthermore, it is clear and consistent that the natural process God created for the preserving of this “new wine” is fermentation. Fermentation, which ensues in earnest by the sixth hour after crushing the grape, is its natural and God delivered process for the seasonal sustaining of this food source. Wild yeast, more distinctively known as “enzymes” floating throughout the land of milk and honey would naturally cling to the receptive skin of the grape and wait as tiny engines, rendered by God, to assist Israel in its effort to sustain its people throughout the year. The annual harvest yielded grapes, covered with enzymes, designed to convert the juice of the grape into wine. This is clearly depicted by Hosea as God demonstrates what He had created for His people, and subsequently laid bare that provision in judgment for their deeds:

“For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil, And lavished on her silver and gold, Which they used for Baal. “Therefore, I will take back My grain at harvest time And My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax Given to cover her nakedness.
(Hosea 2:8-9)

“It will come about in that day that I will respond,” declares the LORD. “I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth, And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and to the oil, And they will respond to Jezreel. “I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, And I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they will say, ‘You are my God!’”
(Hosea 2:21-23)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. They feed on the sin of My people And direct their desire toward their iniquity. And it will be, like people, like priest; So I will punish them for their ways And repay them for their deeds. They will eat, but not have enough; They will play the harlot, but not increase, Because they have stopped giving heed to the LORD. Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding. My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner’s wand informs them; For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray, And they have played the harlot, departing from their God. They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills, Under oak, poplar and terebinth, Because their shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters play the harlot And your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot Or your brides when they commit adultery, For the men themselves go apart with harlots And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes; So the people without understanding are ruined.
(Hosea 4:6-14)

It is important to note that Hosea does not make the argument on the “alcoholic” content of the wine. He reminds the people of God’s provision of grain, new wine as a season spawned gift, and wine throughout the year, etc. , and yet “all” of the provisions have taken away the understanding of the people. Hosea, does not play the religious Gnostic ploy,… his prophetic warning demonstrates that the true God is a jealous God, and it is God that demands obedience from his people. God provided the wine throughout the year,…therefore it is demanded that his people worship him and thank him for the provision in its season. “New Wine” is representative of what God is providing as a promise to his people,..once again, it is not referring to some legal limit of alcoholic content, or level of fermentation.

The fruit of the vine, from its introduction each season as “new wine” hinged upon God’s language of provision, …never depicting any stage of fermentation, which naturally began very soon after the grape was crushed and its juice rendered; being used throughout the year for offerings, harvest celebrations, and annual food supplies. Hosea has no need to define alcohol as evil… since the decision to use God’s provisions wrongly is in view. This same consistent hermeneutic is also present against those offering food to idols at Corinth and in the Apostle Paul’s warnings to the church through his letters to Timothy and Titus. The Apostle Paul’s warnings were no different than that of Hosea; a consistent understanding of the Holy Spirit’s working in the lives of his chosen people to be obedient to the Savior and have love one another.

Was Cana’s Wedding About Wine?

Let’s examine the truth of the scriptures and apply it to this question.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus *said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” His mother *said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus *said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. And He *said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter *called the bridegroom, and *said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days. The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
(John 2:1-13)

The passage that explains Christ’s first miracle is actually for that purpose; “a miracle”, ….and, secondarily this easily recognizable beverage, wine, gives unquestionable context to this “miracle event”. As the Apostle John describes the event, he is careful to show us the clear and untainted view of Christ’s first miracle. The headwaiter knew of only “the taste” of the wine present during the season. So, he was a good judge of the knowing the difference of water, watered down wine, and wine. Thus John builds a wonderful case at the beginning of the passage where the waiter is unaware of the wine that is about to be presented to him during this March wedding. March weddings are always great and celebratory in the land of Israel, especially around Cana, as the seasonal rains begin to usher in the barley harvest, and all kinds of plants are poised to spring into bloom. In fact, the shriveled vines that will ultimately carry the fruit begin to drink in these spring rains, so as the summer emerges within the next few months,… grape harvests become an amazing site and reality in July and August. This was of particular interest to the waiter, since the good wine had not only been brought out and exhausted,…so he became a bit perplexed to discover that some additional wine had been found and the lighter less fortified beverage was not available as was the custom at this juncture in the wedding.

So it was, that the servants, and ultimately the disciples actually knew of the most important event “the miracle”….where the uninformed waiter only verified the vintage with no pretense of its quality. He was not aware of the miracle, but he was aware of the taste of Israel’s wine which can only be compared from the previous summer harvest. What Jesus provided for him, was comparable to the good wine which had already been delivered at the wedding…first.

To be absolutely clear,…Cana was about “a Miracle”. The wine was an amazing reminder and type… clearly pointing to the provision that God was providing for His people and will always provide for His people. The quality of the wine was well known, so that the servants and others may know of God’s provision without hesitation, and this was to manifest Christ’s Glory.

Where Does Abstinence Fit In

While I can agree with Peter that the much of the contemporary culture is hedonistically involved with distilled wines, and a multitude of alcoholic beverage, it is not hermeneutically accurate or honest to paint emotionally sifted definitions onto clear and unambiguous biblical passages concerning God’s provision for His people. There really is no need to forge new moral constructs, when obedience to God’s command has already been forged through the power of the Holy Spirit.

A case in point is my own testimony concerning abstinence. I take God’s word seriously, as it teaches me not to be drunk with wine.

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
(Ephesians 5:15-21)

I have been filled with the Spirit since my eighth birthday….and not one time in fifty years have I ever been drunk. Please don’t think that is unusual, or that I am trying to bring attention to my works….since my concept of not getting drunk is a conscience effort of obedience to God. I make that choice every day of my life, by the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit. Have I drunk wine, yes I have. Even though I do not drink much wine at all…. I have and may drink wine in the future (I probably have enough fingers and toes to count the occasions so far), yet I will not be drunk. The difference is clear to me….and there may be times in my life that I will choose not to drink wine. To practice abstinence is a good thing….especially if there is an occasion to love my brother or sister in Christ. I am “subject” to my brother or sister in Christ….so I choose to serve them.

Serving my brothers and sisters with a clear and unambiguous hermeneutic concerning why God gave wine is extremely important as well. Clouding the unambiguous hermeneutic concerning wine with emotional pleas for a new moral standard beyond what is clearly designed and presented as God’s provision to His people is counterproductive to the body of Christ,…and in a very real way reaches back to all of the Children of Israel, indicting the feasts and intentions of those serving the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Blessings,
Chris

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