Introduction: Creation’s Gifts—Blessing or Burden

Throughout history, God's creation has offered countless gifts to mankind: plants, minerals, and natural resources meant for our flourishing. Substances such as alcohol and marijuana, both derived from God's good creation, present opportunities for both blessing and burden. Scripture and experience teach us that good gifts can be twisted for destructive ends when human sin distorts their purpose. Wine, created to gladden the heart (Psalm 104:14–15), when misused, brings ruin and shame (Proverbs 20:1). Similarly, cannabis—also a product of God's creation—can be used to serve human well-being or be abused for fleeting pleasure.

As believers living in a rapidly changing society, we must wrestle deeply with how to respond to alcohol and marijuana use. This document seeks to provide biblical clarity and wise pastoral counsel on these substances, focusing on the principles of creation, moderation, freedom, self-control, and sober-mindedness. Our goal is not merely to offer rules but to nurture hearts aligned with God's purposes.

Scripture provides a balanced biblical theology rooted in God’s design, Christian liberty, and personal responsibility. Alcohol, as presented in the Bible, is not inherently sinful, but its abuse—especially through drunkenness—is clearly condemned. Christians are called to exercise discernment and care, considering the impact of their actions on others within the body of Christ.

In light of the growing cultural acceptance and legalization of marijuana, it is important to apply the same biblical principles to both alcohol and marijuana. While the substances differ in their historical use, cultural symbolism, and effects, both require thoughtful reflection on how believers can live sober-minded, Spirit-filled lives. In every decision, conscience, community, and Christlike character must guide our practice and witness.

Part 1: Alcohol and the Christian

Biblical Context

From the whole of Scripture, we never read a single command which universally prohibits drinking. Certainly, select groups (Levites, Nazirites, etc.) were restricted from partaking of specific beverages, but those limits are not equally applicable to all believers. For example, the Nazirites were also prohibited from eating dried grapes; should contemporary Christians consequently refrain from raisin consumption?

Overall, the Bible reveals a theology in which each individual is subject to a renewed spiritual conscience, responsible to God for his actions in light of such. We are not governed by the consciences of others (1 Corinthians 10:29), but are bound instead by the will of our beloved Lord. To deny another believer’s ability to respond to the leading of the Lord is the essence of legalism and a denial of the very freedom for which he was saved (Galatians 5:1; Romans 14:22).

Alcohol is not necessarily or inherently evil. Certainly, we recognize that excess leads to regrettable, evil, and destructive consequences. However, the very real fact that some will abuse the freedom does not mean that we should therefore strip all of their liberty. Does the fact that some abuse the gift of sex lead us to a position of marital celibacy? Does the sin of gluttony (Proverbs 23:20-21) lead us to starvation? Of course not. Rather, we recognize the limits which God has placed upon His gifts and enjoy them within such boundaries. Like food, alcohol was created by God to be enjoyed within limits by His creatures (1 Timothy 4:3).

Some people will find that they are too susceptible to excess in order to worshipfully partake in moderation and will therefore be led toward a position of absolute abstinence. This is good in the sight of the Lord! Some will find that any consumption, within the confines of their unique circumstances, would result in a compromised witness and will therefore sacrificially refrain. This is good in the sight of the Lord! Some will find moderation to be acceptable to their conscience and circumstances and will therefore joyfully drink in such a manner. This is good in the sight of the Lord! None of the above positions are more holy or sinful than the others. Rather, all are expressions of the leading of the Spirit within a renewed heart and mind and should be embraced as such.

Regardless of one’s personal convictions on the issue, a few absolutes need to be stated:

1. No one can impose stricter standards than Scripture commands upon another believer.

• Romans 14:3-4,10,13 — "The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him... Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way."

2. If a believer finds himself in a situation in which the exercise of his freedom might cause another brother to stumble, then he must restrict himself.

• 1 Corinthians 6:12 — "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable... I will not be mastered by anything."
• Romans 14:15, 21 — "If because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love... It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles."

3. Drunkenness is sinful and alcohol is addictive; this much is clear.

• Proverbs 20:1 — "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise."
• Isaiah 5:11 — "Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink..."
• Ephesians 5:18 — "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."
• Romans 13:13 — "Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness..."
• Galatians 5:19-21 — Lists drunkenness as among the deeds of the flesh.

4. All Christians are subject to the laws of the land.

• Romans 13:1-2 — "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities... whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God."

These truths, taken together, guide our understanding and practice of alcohol within the body of Christ.

Different Christian Viewpoints on Alcohol

Historically, Christians have held three primary views regarding personal use of alcohol:

1. Prohibition — Some believe alcohol itself is inherently evil, and therefore, all drinking is personally sinful.
2. Abstention — Others acknowledge that alcohol is not inherently evil, but choose to abstain voluntarily out of love for others, personal conviction, or concern over its potential for abuse.
3. Moderation — Many believe that moderate consumption of alcohol is biblically permissible, provided it does not lead to drunkenness or cause others to stumble.

Each individual must be guided by their conscience and the clear teaching of Scripture. As a church, we recognize and honor the personal convictions of those who hold to either prohibition or abstention. While some can seek corporate prohibitiions thoughprooftextt it is clear throughout all of Scripture that moderation is the norm. These are strong and honorable positions that reflect sincere desires to pursue holiness and avoid harm.

At the same time, the unified minimal position of Village Bible Church for its members is one of moderation—affirming that responsible, non-drunken consumption of alcohol in appropriate settings can be consistent with Christian liberty and biblical teaching. We recognize that not all members will exercise this liberty, and we do not want disagreements about these positions to become a point of contention. Rather, we encourage a winsome spirit of understanding and humility, where differing personal convictions are treated with respect, and unity in Christ is preserved above all.

Words of Advice to Our Members About Alcohol Moderation

For those who choose to exercise their Christian freedom in drinking moderately, we offer these pastoral words of advice. These are not merely practical tips, but biblical guidelines for those who choose to use their freedom in this way—guidelines meant to ensure that liberty is exercised with wisdom, love, and a desire to glorify God.

A Word to Those Struggling with Alcohol

We recognize that for some, alcohol is not merely a matter of moderation but a source of real struggle and bondage. To those who find themselves caught in the throes of alcoholism, please know that you are not alone. The church is not a place for the perfect but for the broken seeking the healing and restoration that only Christ can bring. We encourage you to reach out for help—whether to a pastor, counselor, or trusted brother or sister in Christ. There is no shame in admitting weakness; indeed, Scripture reminds us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Freedom from addiction begins by bringing struggles into the light and submitting them to the care of Jesus, the One who binds up the brokenhearted and sets captives free (Isaiah 61:1). We urge anyone struggling to seek accountability, pursue wise counsel, and lean heavily into the grace and power of Christ. He is able to rescue, redeem, and restore. If one chooses to pursue the freedom to consume alcohol moderately, we give the following wisdom and guidelines to ensure that such freedom is exercised in a way that honors God and serves others well:

• Always drink in a way that maintains self-control and sobriety (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Drink only in settings where your liberty will not cause others to stumble (Romans 14:21).

• Never allow alcohol to become a refuge or coping mechanism in place of turning to Christ (1 Peter 5:7).

• Remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and you are called to honor God in how you treat it.

• Be mindful of the legal limits and responsibilities related to alcohol consumption (Romans 13:1-2).

• Practice gratitude for God's gifts without being mastered by them (1 Corinthians 6:12).

• As a matter of unity and witness, alcohol should not be present at any church-sponsored activities. While we do not believe alcohol is inherently evil, we want to protect the unity of believers and the conscience of all attendees, especially those who may struggle with alcohol. Practicing personal liberty in private settings is appropriate, but corporate gatherings should reflect love, sensitivity, and a desire not to place a stumbling block before others (Romans 14:13).

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths annually in the United States, highlighting the destructive potential of alcohol when misused. [1]

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Alcohol and Public Health," https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol"Public attitudes toward marijuana legalization."

Part 2: Marijuana and the Christian

Marijuana in the Bible?

While marijuana is not directly mentioned in Scripture, some cite Genesis 1:29 as justification for its use. However, God's provision of plants for food does not imply endorsement of intoxication. Joe Carter insightfully remarks:

"Presumably, no one adds marijuana to brownies because it improves their flavor. The reason to add this particular plant to food is because of its effect on senses other than taste." (Joe Carter, Gospel Coalition Blog) [2]

Thus, while cannabis is good as a created plant, its recreational use for intoxication distorts God's intent.

Isn't Marijuana Just Like Drinking… Everything in Moderation

As was stated earlier in this paper, understanding that this issue is far more complicated than a simple “Do this or Don’t do that” answer is usually unhelpful and unproductive. On one side of the discussion someone might say that marijuana and alcohol are different because people drink alcohol for the taste but people use marijuana only to get high. This lack of nuance distracts us from reality. Let's be honest and realistic: even moderate drinking—which is permitted for the believer—has a loosening effect on the drinker. While drunkenness is prohibited in Scripture and comes with numerous warnings about the peril that comes with it (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19–21; 1 Peter 4:3), we must concede that God has given us wine and drink to “gladden the heart of man” (Psalm 104:14-15). It is because of passages like this that the Guiding Elders hold to a position of moderation when it comes to alcohol use and the believer. Can the same be said of moderate marijuana use? Should our position on alcohol serve as our guidelines and parameters when it comes to marijuana?

While the parallel between alcohol and marijuana is not exact, the intended effect of marijuana use is closest to the effect of drunkenness. At the heart of both the abuse of alcohol and marijuana use is the lack of self-control and sober-thinking. The Scriptures serve us well in helping us to understand the will of God:

• Ephesians 5:17-18 – “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 – “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”

• 1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is at hand: therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

The one thing we are forbidden by Scripture to do with alcohol appears to be just about the only thing we can possibly do with marijuana recreationally—and that is to become intoxicated by it. To this end, Doug Wilson adds clarity:

“The one thing pot does for you—get you buzzed—is the one use prohibited concerning alcohol. When Paul tells us not to be drunk with wine, he did not mean that getting drunk with beer or scotch was acceptable. The problem is not the wine, but rather the loss of self-control. And because such mental impairment is the whole point of smoking pot, recreational marijuana is a serious sin, from the very first toke on down. No one smokes pot because it pairs nicely with the fish.”

Jeff Lacine is extremely helpful in showing us the similarities and differences between alcohol and marijuana. He states the following:

Ways that cannabis is like alcohol:

• Cannabis, like alcohol, is an organic substance.

• Cannabis, like alcohol, has the potential to intoxicate and distort reality.

• Cannabis, like alcohol, has different effects on someone who uses it regularly than someone who uses it occasionally. (In other words, tolerances can be built up with regular marijuana use similar to the way tolerances can be built up with regular alcohol use.)

• Cannabis, like alcohol, can be habit-forming (see 1 Timothy 3:8).

Ways that cannabis is unlike alcohol:

• Unlike alcohol, you can’t blackout or die from an overdose of cannabis.

• Unlike alcohol, there are many different strains of cannabis. The same amount of cannabis smoked or ingested from two different cannabis plants can have different effects on an individual—even if both plants have the same exact amount of THC (the primary psychoactive chemical in cannabis).

• Unlike alcohol, marijuana has many different effects on an individual due to its complex chemical makeup. There are at least 113 different chemical compounds (cannabinoids) inside the cannabis plant that combine to cause a variety of effects on an individual when smoked or ingested.

• Unlike alcohol, cannabis has not been a staple in cultures all around the world for use in celebrations and ceremonies (like John 2:9).

• Unlike alcohol, regular cannabis use is strongly correlated with mental health disorders such as schizoaffective disorder. While heavy drinking (alcohol abuse) has also been linked to mental health disorders, moderate drinking has not.

• Unlike alcohol, cannabis has been a cultural symbol of rebellion for a large part of the last century.

• Unlike alcohol, cannabis was not used by Jesus in his Last Supper, which is to be regularly commemorated by the church (Mark 14:23–25).

• And perhaps most importantly, unlike alcohol, cannabis is not directly addressed in the Bible.

It is unhelpful to make direct correlations between cannabis and alcohol, as if all the Bible’s teaching on alcohol applies to cannabis. Not only are cannabis and alcohol vastly different chemical compounds, with vastly different effects, but the Bible gives us clear and direct permission for the moderate use of alcohol while never directly referencing other psychoactive compounds such as marijuana.

Jeff Lacine summarizes:

"It is unhelpful to make direct correlations between cannabis and alcohol... the Bible gives us clear and direct permission for the moderate use of alcohol while never referencing other psychoactive compounds such as marijuana." (Jeff Lacine, "Marijuana and the Christian") [3]

Medical Marijuana

The Guiding Elders distinguish medical and recreational marijuana use.

Medical marijuana, under proper medical supervision, may be justified for severe conditions (e.g., chemotherapy-related nausea, epilepsy, pain management). Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, shows medical promise without producing intoxication (CDC). [4]

Christians should approach medical marijuana cautiously, ensuring use aligns with biblical principles of stewardship, sobriety, and medical necessity.

Medical marijuana, under proper medical supervision, may be justified for severe conditions (e.g., chemotherapy-related nausea, epilepsy, pain management). Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, shows medical promise without producing intoxication (National Institute on Drug Abuse). [5]

Christians should approach medical marijuana cautiously, ensuring use aligns with biblical principles of stewardship, sobriety, and medical necessity.

Recreational Marijuana Use: A Heart Issue

Just as with alcohol, we know that marijuana can become a stronghold for many. If you find yourself dependent on marijuana to cope, relax, or escape, we urge you to recognize that this is not God’s best for your life. The fleeting high that marijuana offers cannot compare to the lasting peace and joy found in Christ. Freedom from dependence begins by bringing your struggle into the light—through confession, accountability, and pastoral care.

The church is a place of grace, not shame. If you are caught in a cycle of marijuana use and want help, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted leader or counselor. God’s power is sufficient to break any chain. He longs to set you free, to renew your mind, and to fill you with the Spirit—not substances. As Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).

Ultimately, marijuana use raises heart questions:

• Are we seeking escape from life's burdens instead of casting our anxieties on Christ (1 Peter 5:7)?

• Are we pursuing artificial highs rather than the joy of abiding in Christ (John 15:11)?

The use of recreational marijuana is not permitted for members of Village Bible Church. While we recognize marijuana as part of God's creation and affirm its potential for limited medical application, the sole aim of recreational marijuana use is intoxication—a state the Bible repeatedly warns against. For this reason, the Guiding Elders do not condone any recreational use of marijuana, and we expect members to refrain from such use as part of their Christian witness, obedience, and commitment to sober-mindedness.

Ed Welch wisely observes:

"The use of mind-altering drugs and alcohol always raises the question: What is so wrong with everyday life?" (Ed Welch, CCEF) [6]

God calls us to seek true peace and fullness of joy through a relationship with Him, not through temporary, artificial means.

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[3] Jeff Lacine, "Marijuana and the Christian," Desiring God, October 27, 2016. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/marijuana-and-the-christian

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Alcohol and Public Health," https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol"Public attitudes toward marijuana legalization."

[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse, "Marijuana Research Report," https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/letter-director

[6] Ed Welch, "Marijuana and the Christian Life," Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), https://www.ccef.org/marijuana/

CONCLUSION: LIVING AS PEOPLE OF THE DAY

The biblical call is clear:

• Ephesians 5:17-18 — "Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 — "Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Christians are called to live sober-minded, Spirit-filled lives that reflect God's glory. Whether regarding alcohol, marijuana, or any other created gift, our guiding question should be: "Does this help me glorify God with my body and mind?" (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

But it’s not merely about avoiding sin—it’s about pursuing Someone greater. The struggles of this world are real: anxiety, loneliness, grief, and pain often push people to self-medicate with substances promising escape or pleasure. Yet Scripture calls us to turn not to the fleeting comforts of this world, but to the Prince of Peace, who offers lasting joy, peace, and rest for our weary souls (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 11:28-30).

Only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings of the heart. Only His Spirit can empower us to live in freedom. Instead of chasing the high of intoxication, believers are invited to drink deeply of God’s grace, to find in Christ the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and to walk in step with the Spirit.

Let us be a people who do not simply numb our pain, but bring it to Jesus. Let us model to the world a better way—a life of clarity, purpose, and peace found not in the pleasures of the world but in the presence of our Savior.

Let us walk wisely, honoring the gifts of creation while resisting their abuses, so that in everything Christ might be glorified.