Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Bible recognizes the ability of alcohol consumption to impart joy or gladness (Ecclesiastes 9:7; Psalm 104:15), and even beneficial physical effects (1 Timothy 5:23). However, it also warns in multiple passages (including those cited at https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Alcohol) of the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption, and (more generally) of allowing any influence (person or thing) to come between the individual and God to the point where the individual would be unalterably opposed to giving it up -- in effect, exhibiting by action (if not words) a greater love for it than for God -- and even more so if that influence is creating adverse effects in the person's life. 

None of us will ever be completely free of sin in this life. However, by the fact of even asking the question (indicating spiritual concerns about the subject), as well as characterizing himself or herself as an alcoholic, the questioner is admitting doubt about the matter, as well as an adverse physical (not just psychological) addiction over which he or she has no control, which is not a state in which God wants Christians to live. That state is not unforgiveable, but it must be recognized and continually repented of (both initially and whenever any lapses occur). I would strongly suggest becoming affiliated with a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous for help and support in that effort.

September 15 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

The only sin that can send a person to hell is UNBELIEF that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the World. Every Christian struggles with one sin or another that we can’t seem to overcome. God expects us to confess our sins each time we are aware of them. Then he expects us to repent, that is, turn away from our sins to the best of our ability, but saying no can be very difficult when we are addicted to something. But God knows the attitude of our heart, he knows if we are sincerely repentant or not, and that’s what counts for him to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

But the bible also challenges us to examine ourselves, and see if we are really in the faith - if our faith is authentic and genuine or not (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Jesus said we can know a tree by its fruit, as a good tree will produce good fruit and a bad tree will produce rotten fruit. He said the same thing is true of people. Evil people will produce wickedness, while good people will produce righteousness. Therefore we can examine the conduct of our lives and see what fruit we are producing (Matthew 12:33-37; Luke 6:44-45).

The apostle Paul said “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-25).

The second fruit mentioned here is joy. We can certainly see the evidence of that in the people who encountered Jesus, Whenever Jesus healed someone or delivered a person from the power of demonic forces, they were ecstatic and jumping for joy. They immediately wanted to follow Jesus. 

The joy and thrills we can get from the sins we indulge in can seem beneficial for a time, but they always lead to spiritual slavery and ultimately death. 

Jesus said to one man, “What do you want me to do for you?” and the man said “I want to see”, so Jesus healed him and restored his sight.

What do you want Jesus to do for you? Ask him and he will set you free from addiction to alcohol.

September 20 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft 74 year old retired pipeline worker

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace ye are saved, through faith, John six:47, and that not of yourselves, we did nothing but believe on Jesus alone, it is the GIFT of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. You can not boast in free. 

Romans 4:5-8 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness apart from works. Blessed is the man whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 

Romans six:23 For the wages of sin is death, and we all sin, First John 1:8, and we all die, but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

How we live and what we do after we have received the free gift of eternal life, is for rewards or lack of rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-21. 

The gift of God is by a one time faith alone in Jesus alone apart from works. Acts sixteen:31. 

We can lose our life, and our rewards in heaven, but you can not lose eternal life which is a free gift from God. 

If a person quit drinking to excess would that save them? No. Lots of people never drink but have never received Jesus free gift of eternal life by faith alone. 

We are saved by a one time faith alone in Jesus finished work on the cross alone. But our rewards in heaven are based on how we live after we have received the free gift of eternal life. 

Ephesians 1:13-14 Our guarantee of eternal life. Ephesians 4:30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit in whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 

The bible does warn of drinking to excess because when you do you may harm yourself or others. You can lose your life, and your rewards in heaven, but eternal life is eternal, and it can not be earned and it can not be lost. 

God does chasten His children? Yes. John 1:12. Once we become a child of God, we are a child of God forever. Romans 1:sixteen. We can get out of fellowship with our heavenly Father but not our relationship. The GIFT of God is eternal life. Once you accept the gift you have eternal life. 

Believers are no longer condemned, John 3:18 But because we still have our old sinful nature and can still remain in terrible sin in which God has to chasten us, We should discipline our selves so He does not have to. But at some point in our lives we all need a good whippen from the Lord. The Lord does chasten us as a good father. 

But the good news is we can not lose the free gift of eternal life. John 5:24. John 3:sixteen thru 18. Romans 1:sixteen.

October 23 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report