You mentioned that you believe that it is a lie when we say that the Bible is talking about grape juice in many places, and that the world doesn't believe this. I probably had doubts when I first heard it, and my buddy Bob who died from liver failure certainly didn't accept it. I believe you also mentioned that you feel Adventists are doing "too much" to say that "drinking alcohol is a sin" and we can't go down that path.

Are we giving undo attention to this issue?

Do we look like we are pretending to be "More sober than thou" if we share the health message against alcohol?

What does the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy say about fruit juice, alcohol, and sin?

Thank you for a great catalyst to study these issues.

In this essay I will focus on:

What does the Bible say?
What counsels was Ellen White given on the issue of alcohol still relevant as we struggle with alcohol a 100 years later?
Are we missing important changes we need to make in our habits?
Are we, in the spirit of focusing on the mote in our neighbors eye, missing the gallon jug in our midst while we focus on our neighbor's shot glass?

Let us pray that as we go through this study, may we be open to the influence of the Holy Spirit, may we desire, above all us, to seek the mind of Christ in all these things...

Is alcohol drinking a sin?

Understanding sin is important. In many places we are told to not trifle with any sin.

Here is a very clear Spirit of Prophecy counsel on whether or not alcohol drinking is a sin:

"an aggravating sin"...

Anything in eating and drinking which disqualifies the mental powers for healthful and active exercise is an aggravating sin in the sight of God. Especially is this the case with those who minister in holy things, who should at all times be examples to the people and be in a condition to properly instruct them. {Con 83.1}

Aggravating sin is very strong language. We see later how it affects the judgment of more than just those entrusted with holy things.

Are the Bible writers refering to fruit juice?

Regardless of what the world thinks about our Biblical exegesis on the issue of fruit juice vs. alcohol in the Bible (in fact, there are non-Adventist Bible scholars agreeing with our position about fruit juice), the Spirit of Prophecy has this to say in the Ministry of Healing:

"The Bible nowhere sanctions the use of intoxicating wine. The wine that Christ made from water at the marriage feast of Cana was the pure juice of the grape. This is the "new wine . . . found in the cluster," of which the Scripture says, "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it." Isaiah 65:8." {MH 333.1}

Over half of her statement is based on Bible verses, so throwing out what she says on that may lead the way to cast doubt on others Scriptures as well. It's clear that doubt on this issue is in direct opposition to the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy.

What about natural fermentation?

Granted that fruit juice (even unpressed fruit) will begin to ferment (spoil) when exposed to the air. Yeast floats in the air, and starts its work in any sugary solution it lands in. But it is likely that is not what God intended before sin. Ellen G. White (EGW) wrote about how to avoid this problem, and what happens if we don't make an effort to avoid this problem:

How to avoid the effects of fermentation of fruit juices...

The pure juice of the grape, free from fermentation, is a wholesome drink.--Manuscript 126, 1903. {Te 93.3}
Cider and wine may be canned when fresh, and kept sweet a long time, and if used in an unfermented state, they will not dethrone reason.--Review and Herald, March 25, 1884. {Te 93.4}

Sweet Cider. – Do we know of what this palatable sweet cider is made? Those who manufacture apples into cider for the market are not very careful as to the condition of the fruit used, and in many cases the juice of decayed apples is BEGIN P.94 expressed. Those who would not think of taking the poison of rotten apples into their system, will drink the cider made from them, and call it a luxury; but the microscope would reveal the fact that this pleasant beverage is often unfit for the human stomach, even when fresh from the press. If it is boiled, and care is taken to remove the impurities, it is less objectionable. {Te 93.5}
I have often heard people say, "Oh! this is only sweet cider; it is perfectly harmless, and even healthful." Several quarts, perhaps gallons, are carried home. For a few days it is sweet; then fermentation begins. The sharp flavor makes it all the more acceptable to many palates, and the lover of sweet wine or cider is loath to admit that his favorite beverage ever becomes hard and sour. – Review and Herald, March 25, 1884. {Te 94.1}

Why should we be concerned about alcohol, tea, and coffee?

Most of Ellen G. White's issues with stimulating agents, and CNS depressants such as alcohol, stems from their negative affects on our clear thinking. EGW also mentions in Patriarchs and Prophets that Israel was taught that fermentation represents sin, hence their effort to clear any fermenting element from their midst during certain of their festivals. While fermentation occurs today, it seems reasonable to say that this spoilage wasn't a part of God's original plan before sin. That Satan has helped sinful man develop a taste for this product of sin is not surprising.

Why did God teach the Hebrews against using alcohol?

Elsewhere, EGW mentioned some more very important things about why God taught the Hebrews against the use of alcohol. These statements may give us something to thing about in our social associations with leaders:

How alcohol is affecting the leadership of our country...

The special injunction of God to the Hebrews in reference to the use of intoxicating liquors should be regarded in this dispensation. But many who are holding the highest responsibilities in our country are, in too many cases, liquor-and-tobacco slaves. {Con 82.1}
Jurors in our courts, by whose verdict the innocence or guilt of their fellow men is decided, are many of them liquor-drinkers and tobacco-inebriates. And, while under the influence of these, which becloud the intellect and debase the soul, judgment is given upon the liberty and life of their fellow men. {Con 82.2}
Perverted judgment in many cases clears from all punishment the greatest criminals, when the safety of society demands they should receive the full penalty of the law which they have violated. {Con 82.3}
The men who are legislating, and those who are executing the laws of our government, while they are violating the laws of their being in debasing appetites, which stupefy and paralyze the intellect, are not fitted to decide the destiny of their fellow men. Those only who feel the necessity of keeping soul, body, and spirit in conformity to natural law, to the end that they may preserve the right balance of their mental powers, are fitted to decide important questions in reference to the execution of the law of our land. This was the mind of God by decrees to the Hebrews that wine should not be used by those who ministered in holy office. {Con 82.4}
Here we have the most plain directions of God, and His reasons for prohibiting the use of wine; that their power of discrimination and discernment might be clear, and in no way confused; that their judgment might becorrect, and they be ever able to discern between the clean and unclean. Another reason of weighty importance why they should abstain from anything which would intoxicate is also given. It would require the full use of unclouded reason to present to the children of Israel all the statutes which God had spoken to them. {Con 82.5}
Anything in eating and drinking which disqualifies the mental powers for healthful and active exercise is an aggravating sin in the sight of God. Especially is this the case with those who minister in holy things, who should at all times be examples to the people and be in a condition to properly instruct them. {Con 83.1}

Source: White, E. G. (1971;2002). Confrontation;Con;Redemption; or the Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness (pgpara.82.1). Review and Herald Publishing Association.

If we have friends who would be considered by the world to be in positions of power, are we called to witness to them about the impairment being caused by these unhealthful habits? Will be held responsible for being silent on these issues with those whose ears we have access to?

Are Adventists correct in saying alcohol use is sinful?

It would seem that Adventists who advocate the position that alcoholic use is sinful are in accordance with a multitude of inspired and scriptural writings on the subject. It seems to be very much in line with our temperance message to proclaim this fact in a Christ-like manner. I would think it without argument that any voluntary thing we do that destroys our God given body, destroys our thinking, and leaves us defenseless against Satan's devices, would be considered to be sin.

Can we allow ourselves to support groups that serve alcohol?

Lets consider another modern issue about the groups we are involved with, and their use of alcohol: Can we not be concerned about the liability issues of serving alcohol at group sanctioned events like Rotary, or the company Christmas party? If someone is allowed to leave the party under the influence, and they get in an accident and maim or kill innocent people, can the group who sponsored the party be held responsible? Plainly, a lawyer for the victims who doesn't spot that issue, and possible source of recovery of damages, should be disbarred for incompetence. Even if the lawyer isn't able to pin the blaim on the group, even the beginner lawyer can cost the group an incredible price in dollars and publicity as they defending themselves from the claim that they served the alcohol that lead to an innocent person being victimized by the inebriate.

So should we quietly stand by when these groups associated with our names serve alcohol? Should we risk that our donations to such a group will fund not only the use of alcohol, but lawyers to defend them from the damages thereof? Does our silence appear to give permission or sanction, and are we guilty of a sin of ommission in not using our influence and position to make gentle Christ-like suggestions that the alcohol isn't required, and actually has significant dangers? Many have used their position to make changes to remove sponsorship of alcohol in their organizations.

As Adventists, we need to study carefully whether silent association represents a grave compromise of the remnant health message that we are to be proclaiming.

What about the use of alcohol in medicine?

Also, in a study of what the Spirit of Prophecy says about alcohol, it's hard to miss the connection of alcohol with the medical ministry in ways that many may not be comfortable with. Spirit of Prophecy mentions in several places that we "must not" (her strongest language) give patients alcohol. And yet many modern medications use alcohol as a suspension agent to disolve the medicinal chemicals. As George Carlin says, those pernicious mixes are often named after saints to throw you off, and help teach the kids from the earliest age, "It's alright son, it's Saint Joseph's... Pain in the head, two in mouth... Pain in the head, two in the mouth....." (George Carlin skit "Drugs", 1970's) EGW is clear, "Alcohol or tobacco in any form must not be recommended, lest some soul be led to imbibe a taste for these evil things." (Letter 90, 1908 2SM;Selected Messages, Book 2 (Page 296)) She also decries how candies including alcohol are given to children, helping to hook them at an early age (MH 339).

So where does compromise on this principle bring us? Compare that habit in her day with today's cherry flavored alcohol containing medicines available over the counter. As a result of ignoring Spirit of Prophecy counsel, today there is a national epidemic of children using alcohol based OTC medications to get buzzed. And if those don't hook the kids, there are always the artificially sweetened "wine coolers" waiting for them... What a sad harvest the sowing of compromise reaps....

Isn't one bad thing not so bad as another bad thing?

While we may not want to clearly declare what is sin, for fear that we ourselves may appear to be trying to look sinless, EGW spends very little time trying to establish that one vice isn't so bad as another. Counsels on Diets and Foods compares the habits of tea, coffee, and alcohol drinkers, and finds their effects very similar!

How do the mental dangers of tea and coffee compare to alcohol?

When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others. Their words are not few or well chosen. The tidbits of gossip are passed around, too often the poison of scandal as well. These thoughtless gossipers forget that they have a witness. An unseen Watcher is writing their words in the books of heaven. All these unkind criticisms, these exaggerated reports, these envious feelings, expressed under the excitement of the cup of tea, Jesus registers as against Himself. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." {CD 423.1}
We are already suffering because of the wrong habits of our fathers, and yet how many take a course in every way worse than theirs! Opium, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor are rapidly extinguishing the spark of vitality still left in the race. Every year millions of gallons of intoxicating liquors are drunk, and millions of dollars are spent for tobacco. And the slaves of appetite, while constantly spending their earnings in sensual indulgence, rob their children of food and clothing and the advantages of education. There can never be a right state of society while these evils exist. {CD 423.2}

Source: White, E. G. (1938;2002). Counsels on Diet and Foods;CD (Page 423).

Reminders from the Old and New Testament about people set apart from the use of alcohol

The book Temperance speaks on page 90 of "Importance of Strictly Temperate Habits". EGW writes of Samson, and how the mother was also restricted from drinking alcohol, or any unclean thing. "The child will be affected for good or evil by the habits of the mother." John the Baptist's parents were instructed in the principles of health reform, he "shall drink neither wine nor strong drink".

John the Baptist was called to separate himself from, and even rebuke, those who indulged in gluttony...

John separated himself from his friends, and from the luxuries of life, dwelling alone in the wilderness, and subsisting upon a purely vegetable diet. The simplicity of his dress-- a garment woven of camel's hair--was a rebuke to the extravagance and display of the people of his generation, especially of the Jewish priests. His diet also, of locusts and wild honey, was a rebuke to the gluttony that everywhere prevailed. {Te 91.1}

God has made man in His own image, and He expects man to preserve unimpaired the powers that have been imparted to him for the Creator's service. Then should we not heed His admonitions, and seek to preserve every power in the best condition to serve Him? The very best we can give to God is feeble enough. {Te 91.3}

EGW also reminds us of Bible stories of those who used wine: The history of Nadab, and Abihu, whose intellects were confused by wine. "Nadab and Abihu would never have comitted that fatal sin, had they not first become partially intoxicated by the free use of wine... They could not discern the difference between the sacred and the common."

The Bible does not talk about a single positive story regarding the use of an alcoholic beverage.

Heaven or a smoke... Heaven or a drink...

BTW, although it's talking about tobacco, and not alcohol, what a sad story this is from "Temperance", I've met people who have expressed the same sentiment about their favorite drinks:

Would you give up an eternity in heaven for the solace of a smoke or a drink today?

The Pipe Versus Heaven. – I have seen many an example of the power of these habits. One woman I knew who was advised by her physician to smoke as a remedy for the asthma. To all appearance she had been a zealous Christian for many years, but she became so addicted to smoking that when urged to give it up as an unhealthful and defiling habit, she utterly refused to do so. She said, "When the matter comes before my mind distinctly, that I must give up my pipe or lose heaven, then I say, 'Farewell heaven;' I cannot surrender my pipe." This woman only put into words that which many express by their actions. God, the maker of heaven and earth, He who created man and claims the whole heart, the entire affections, is held subordinate to the disgusting, defiling nuisance, tobacco. – Letter 8, 1893. {Te 63.2}
That Christ should be discarded for these soul-and-body- destroying indulgences, is an amazement to the unfallen universe.--Letter 8, 1893. {Te 63.3}

Summary

Are not these things, that lead us to discard Christ and heaven, properly called sins? Should we not do all we can to help the world come out of sin? Can we stand by silently while a world perishes without this convicting knowledge we've been given?

Let us pray for strength to consecrate our selves to the health principles we've been given. Lets pray for the boldest of Christ in the Temple, the gentleness of His healing of the leper and the adulterer, and His compassion as he wept on the hill side while looking upon the lost nation that He loved, and His steadfastness to principle and certainty as He answered temptation with "It is written".....