Any supposition that all Baptists don't drink would be erroneous. Although the covenant adopted by many Baptist churches prohibits the "sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage", it is understood by this author that there are those who don't adhere to it. In this article I intend to establish the Biblical basis for abstinence from intoxicating beverages, God's commandments concerning it and why Baptist churches forbid the use of it. It is my hope that any Missionary Baptist who is a social drinker or abuser of alcohol will see the error of his ways and repent.

Alcoholic beverages are most often referred to in the Bible as "wine" or "strong drink". The Word of God is quite clear concerning drunkenness. It is stated in Ephesians 5:18, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit". however, there is no Scripture that explicitly prohibits the use of alcohol in moderation thus it is assumed by many that a light drinker or social drinker is ok in the sight of God. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." In Colossians 3:17 it is written, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." What a Christian needs to know, then, is, "Does God approve of the use of alcoholic beverages?" or "Is social drinking OK in the sight of God?"

Alcohol is a mocker and a deceiver. The writer of Proverbs states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise", Prov. 20:1. According to Proverbs 31:4-5, it impairs judgement. These verses state, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted". According to Prov. 23:29-30 its effects include woe, sorrow, contention, babbling, wounds and redness of the eyes. God has also given us some vivid examples of alcohol's effects. According to Gen. 19:30-38, Lot in his later years committed fornication with his daughters, an action induced by alcohol.

Taking into account what the Bible says about the effects of alcohol one can see that God doesn't approve of the use of it by his people. I believe that churches should discipline their members who knowingly, willingly and habitually violate the precepts of this covenant and of the Word of God, especially when the violator becomes a public embarrassment to the church.

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