Bible Wines and the Laws of Fermentation
As a general rule, the term wine is used for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Therefore the context must dictate the usage of both of these terms. Both the Greek and Hebrew language make no distinction between alcoholic and non-alcoholic wines. On the contrary, the English language especially today makes this distinction. The English language uses wine for alcoholic drink and juice for non-alcoholic drink.
Why is there so much controversy between members of the church of Christ and between the scholarly world? Let us remember that the Bible is the standard of authority and not the ideas of the world. God created the world and consequently the laws of science were created by God. Therefore, if one speaks about the immutable laws of science, then one is speaking about the laws set forth by God and his authority.
In speaking about the usage of wine in the Bible, one must determine what terminology will be used. Consider that sometimes wine is used in a parallel sense with gall, poison, and a maddening substance. In other cases wine is used in connection with a blessing and comfort and on the altar and the emblem of the blood atonement. The only way to distinguish between the two is to look at the context and determine that the word wine can mean both. Consequently, because it has a dual meaning, then something must be used to distinguish between the two meanings. The method of identifying the correct definition must come from the context of the verse. When used in an evil sense then wine must be the alcoholic definition. When used as a blessing then wine must be non-alcoholic.
There may be some that want a more physical proof of the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic wine. Several methods can be used. Science can be used to verify the laws of fermentation therefore restricting the process to a specific pattern. Deductive reasoning can be used to determine that the character of Jesus would never allow alcoholic wine and blessings to be synonymous. Common sense is necessary in this discussion because the Bible will determine for us the true definition of wine.
Which of these terms would be associated with the character of Jesus? Unnatural, decayed, mocking, raging, deceiving, unsociable, intoxicating, unhealthful, poisonous, wasteful, deadly, stumbling block, or bad fruit - do any of these terms seem to correctly identify the Messiah who came to earth to save man from his sins?
Natural, sweet, healthful, pleasant, refreshing, good, fruit of the vine, or for all people - do any of these terms seem to correctly identify the Messiah who came to earth to save man from his sins? Of course the second list seems more apt to identify the Christ. The Bible refers to wine as containing terminology from both lists. So deductive reasoning must conclude that Christ must have used and created and offered to man only non-alcoholic wine. If Christ had used, created or offered alcoholic drink to man then he would be marred by being unnatural, decayed, mocking, raging, deceiving, unsociable, intoxicating, unhealthful, poisonous, wasteful, deadly, stumbling block, and bad fruit. If Christ did this then he could not have been the Messiah.
Science has his own say in the debate between the two definitions of wine, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The laws of fermentation can be used because they were established by God for a process in this world. Therefore can we conclude certain things from this. First of all let us take the same logic used for Christ and apply it to the laws of science created by God. If God created the laws of fermentation and the ability to create alcohol comes from these laws then is it not okay to use something God created for alcoholic wine? Is this a clear argument? God created the laws of nuclear fission and fusion but if used inappropriately, man could create a weapon of war and of mass destruction. Oh, he already has created this weapon by failing to use the laws of nuclear physics appropriately. Therefore just because man can pervert the laws of fermentation to produce alcohol does not mean that God intended that to be appropriate
The laws of fermentation are such that no grape would turn from fruit of the vine to alcoholic wine in nature. It would turn to vinegar. The laws of alcohol fermentation are so specific that only man can effect the fruit of the vine to turn to alcoholic wine.
Four requirements must be meet to turn the fruit of the vine into alcohol. There must be sugar and yeast present. The temperature must be between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The fruit of the vine must be of a specific consistency, too thick or too thin and fermentation will not occur. Lastly, too much sugar or yeast and alcohol cannot be produced. If any of these requirements are not meet then alcohol cannot be produced.
The discussion about these immutable laws of science will continue on Wednesday and in the next bulletin, however; it is important to do ones own research and ask ones own questions. If you disagree with these arguments and these conclusions please come to me and we can discuss our ideas in accordance with the Bible. You may disagree with what has been stated here but let us take the appropriate position and say that regardless of what anyone believes the Bible is right. If we take this position we can find the right answer. The Bible is truth and we must obey the Bible.
Posted in: Alcohol, Bible Answers, Christian Sobriety, Purity, Sin, Temptation, Word Study