I T HAS ALWAYS BEEN AMAZING for me to realize how some people can feel that the drinking of alcoholic bever ages in moderation can possibly be acceptable. They will argue that Paul speaks of taking wine for one’s stom ach’s sake. They will also infer that the Lord made wine. Such a rational ization, however, causes real prob lems, for one must realize the devas tating results of alcoholic consump tion. The proper interpretation of any language is to try, in so far as possi ble, by factual data and a careful analysis of the time when it was used, to project oneself into that era and culture to gain the real meaning. The King James Version of the Bible, translated in 1611, uses many words which were meaningful to men and women of that day but which don’t necessarily carry the same con notation today. As an example the word “conversation” th en meant “manner of life,” whereas today it means “talking to one another.” The word “Comforter,” speaking of the Holy Spirit, makes us think of One who dries your tears and puts His arm about you in a sympathetic way. The root meaning, however, is from the word “fort” and speaks of One who strengthens and fortifies you. He is our Advocate. We will see these same things in connection with the word “wine” used in Scripture. We certainly need to keep in mind that one can’t be moderate in the use of a substance which is harmful. This is, of course, very true about alcohol. It is a poison in the human body. Would anyone be foolish enough to suggest moderation in the use of arsenic? What is the point of convincing people they should use a little poison with their meals just be cause they won’t die from it? Keep in mind the fact that the Greek word translated “wine” in the
King James Version simply refers to “the fruit of the vine.” This is ac cording to best Biblical scholarship. That, you see, does not necessarily mean a drink which is alcoholic. The same is true of the word “cider” which can simply mean the fruit of the apple tree, or it can have refer ence to that which is fermented. So, the word in the Greek translated EASTER The Lord is risen, the resurrection morning Has dawned, and from my troubled heart has fled The fear of death, and now in place of mourning Joy, sweetest joy and peace are mine instead. The Lord is risen, the reign of sin has ended; He holds the key of death, and from its sway My soul is freed, for now in Him ascended Life, everlasting life is mine to-day. The Lord is risen, He Satan's power has broken. And from the foe, my ransomed soul is free; The Lord is risen, and by this wondrous token I too shall rise His glorious face to see. —Marion E. C. Netherton “wine” means really “the fruit of the vine” which is grape juice. This can be fermented or unfermented. Those who live in that culture today will hear people talking about “gathering wine leaves.” These are used to wrap a very special meat dish. What they have reference to are grape leaves. In ancient writings this is also commonly found. It is my belief that in the first re corded miracle of our Lord, the bev erage was unfermented grape juice. 11
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