Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are waging war within the culture and even within the church. An addict can be found living on almost every block, within almost every family, and even within almost every home. Drugs are taking their toll on the world as we know it. As the problem continues to grow, convictions concerning the matter begin to dwindle. More and more drug and alcohol abuse becomes acceptable as even the government shifts from banning substances to allowing them to be used by the masses.
Gaining a proper biblical perspective on the matter is vitally important for the Christian. Oftentimes the addict may say something like, “The Bible does not speak about marijuana; therefore, it must be okay to use,” or, “The Bible only talks about alcohol not the substances that I am using,” or, “God made mushrooms, the marijuana plant, the cocaine plant, and even the opioid plant; therefore, I should be able to use them.” At this point, the Christian is often dumbfounded and does not know what to say.
As a result, the Christian admits defeat, and the addict goes on his way thinking that he is right or at least that he has won that battle. Sadly to say, oftentimes the Christian does not have a response for the hope that is in him. The Christian oftentimes does not know what to say concerning many attacks that are made against God’s Word and His heart. So what is a true biblical view on the topic of drugs and alcohol?
Intoxication
While the Bible does not directly reference substances like marijuana, opioids, mushrooms, cocaine, and methamphetamines, it does mention alcohol a great deal. The following is what the Scriptures say concerning alcohol:
• The Bible says that the body of a believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the body must be cared for (1 Cor. 6:15)
• Jesus speaks negatively of drunkenness (Luke 21:24)
• Alcohol will lead people astray (Prov. 20:1)
• The Bible speaks out against loving wine (Prov. 21:17)
• Drinking causes people to lose control (Is. 28:7-8)
• Getting drunk is considered to be debauchery in the Scriptures (Eph. 5:15-18)
• Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10)
• Drunkards should be avoided and not associated with (1 Cor. 5:11)
All of this and more is said about the drunkard and those who abuse alcohol. Unfortunately, for many, breaking free from an addiction is hard to do. Knowing what the Bible says about this matter is important. Nevertheless, a problem still arises in the life of many even if they know what the Bible says about alcohol. Many individuals struggling with addiction do not have a problem with alcohol, and as a result, the Scriptures may seem to be silent on the matter concerning their drug of choice.
However, as one looks at the Scriptures carefully, he will see a principle that begins to shine through rather than a direct command. He will see an implication rather than a rule that is directly applied. This principle is the principle of intoxication.
In the case of the drunkard, he is not being told to stop drinking in the Scriptures because God just so happens not to like alcohol. Rather, he is being told to stop drinking in the Scriptures because alcohol is intoxicating him. In all of the drugs found in the world, there is an intoxicating affect. In the case of marijuana, mushrooms, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamines, they all have intoxicating effects. Even in the substances that are being sold over the counter, like spice, kratem, bath salts, etc., all of these and more have intoxicating effects on the person who uses them.
What does not matter is whether a substance is legal or not. What does matter is whether or not the person is using substances that will intoxicate him. It is at this point that a type of umbrella is formed, the umbrella of intoxication, and all of the substances that are being dealt with in our modern time period can be found underneath.
This is a true biblical worldview on the topic of drugs and alcohol. The question is, “Does the substance lead to intoxication, or is it being used for intoxication purposes?” If the answer is yes, it should not be used.
Hope for the addict
Addiction is like bondage for the addict. It can be very hard to get out of the lifestyle, and some never do. However, while the Bible speaks out against the lifestyle of the addict, it also provides the addict with hope. Scripture says, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived…drunkards…shall not inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
This Scripture tells us a number of things. First, there is hope for those who are in addiction to be set free from their addiction. Second, addicts can be set free, cleansed, and sanctified through Christ and by the Holy Spirit. Finally, it is important to remember that Paul wrote this to a church. What this means is that these former addicts were in the church. They placed themselves under the authority of a pastor and set themselves around people that would hold them accountable. In this Scripture, we see the path to victory for the addict and the hope that can be found in Christ.
Final prayer
Father, I pray that You would help me to be a light in this dark world. I pray that is there is anyone in my life that You would desire for me to help, You would show me and give me the words to speak. In Jesus’ name, Amen.