Is drinking alcohol a sin?

TL;DR:

The Bible does not deem drinking alcohol sinful but warns against drunkenness and addiction. Believers should approach alcohol wisely, seeking to honor God.

The Bible does not say that drinking alcohol is inherently sinful, but it warns against drunkenness and addiction. Throughout Scripture, alcohol is often portrayed as a gift from God that can bring joy, yet it also carries the potential for abuse and harm. Old Testament and New Testament verses alike caution believers to be mindful of their consumption and avoid excess. Christian liberty allows for drinking in moderation, but believers should exercise wisdom and consider the impact on others. Ultimately, each person should approach the issue prayerfully, seeking to honor God and reflect His love in their choices.

from the old testament

The only specific injunctions about refraining from alcohol are for on-duty priests (Leviticus 10:9) and those who have taken a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:3), a special, voluntary vow separating the person for special duty to God.
The Bible warns against too much alcohol (Proverbs 23:29–35).
Ecclesiastes 9:7 says, "drink your wine with a merry heart," and Psalm 104:14–15 says God gives wine "to gladden the heart of man."

from the new testament

Jesus made wine (John 2:10–11), drank wine, and also gave wine to His disciples to drink (Matthew 26:27–29).
The New Testament also warns against too much alcohol (Ephesians 5:18), as well as addiction (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19).
Paul gives specific instructions that "overseers," or elders, are not to be characterized by drinking alcohol (“not a drunkard,” 1 Timothy 3:3) and that deacons are not to drink too much (1 Timothy 3:8).
The Bible does not state that anyone, including pastors or elders, are to completely refrain from alcohol. That being said, all believers, particularly church leaders, should be sensitive to the possibility of their liberty causing a brother to "stumble" (Romans 14:21).
Paul exhorted Timothy to drink wine when his stomach was upset (1 Timothy 5:23).
John 15:1–11 explains that abiding in Christ, the true vine, will give us His joy and make our own joy complete. Drinking a nightly glass to calm down from a busy day can be used by some as a lesser substitute for the joy only found in Christ (Ephesians 5:15–21). Wine can be received as a good gift from the Lord with gratitude unto Him, but it cannot satisfy our hearts the way He can (Colossians 2:16–23; 1 Corinthians 10:23–30; 1 Timothy 4:1–5; 1 John 5:21).
First Corinthians 10:31 tells us: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

implications for today

As in many things, drinking of alcohol is a matter between each believer and God. Part of developing into a mature Christian is recognizing that we are given both freedom and responsibility. We should not be made to feel that drinking is a sin in itself (1 Corinthians 10:30), although, at times, it may be inappropriate (1 Corinthians 10:23–24). Certainly, recovering alcoholics should not drink and those with a family history should be extra cautious. Abstaining among more immature Christians is a thornier subject. It may be that seeing Christians drink will give them the wrong idea about such liberties, but it may be that they need to see alcohol used in a responsible, biblical manner. Instead of insisting on our own point of view regarding alcohol, we should study the scriptures and take the opportunity to develop freedom and responsibility in our Christian walk.

understand

The Bible does not consider drinking alcohol sinful but warns against drunkenness and addiction.
Scripture acknowledges the joy alcohol can bring while advising moderation and caution in its use.
Believers should approach alcohol thoughtfully, seeking to honor and represent God well.

reflect

How do you personally approach the topic of alcohol in your life, and what influences your views on drinking?
How can you ensure that your consumption of alcohol honors God and reflects His love to others?
Have you ever felt pressure or judgment from others regarding your choices about alcohol? How did that affect your decision-making?

engage

Wine was a common beverage in the time of the Bible. Water was unsanitary, germs had yet to be discovered, and wine kept longer than both milk and other fruit juices.
What biblical principles can guide your understanding of moderation and responsible drinking in today's context?
In what situations might it be inappropriate for a believer to drink alcohol, and how can we discern those circumstances?