The Bible never declares alcohol itself as sin. So why does the Korean church emphasise abstinence so strongly?
1️⃣ Summary
The Korean church’s stance on total abstinence from alcohol is not a biblical command, but a historical and cultural decision shaped by the nation’s moral context.
Scripture does not condemn drinking itself, but warns against drunkenness and lack of self-control.
Therefore, abstinence is not legalism but a voluntary act of holiness and love within Christian freedom.
2️⃣ Context
In many Korean churches, drinking alcohol is still viewed as unspiritual.
Church officers or deacons are often required to pledge total abstinence,
and some denominations restrict leadership roles to those who completely avoid alcohol.
But is this truly biblical?
Did God prohibit alcohol itself—or the loss of self-control and spiritual clarity that often comes with it?
3️⃣ Biblical Principles
📖 Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
→ The Bible condemns drunkenness, not the act of drinking.
📖 Romans 14:21 (ESV)
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
→ The principle of love before liberty governs the believer’s behaviour.
📖 1 Timothy 5:23 (ESV)
“Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
→ Moderate drinking was even permitted for health and practical reasons.
📖 Proverbs 23:29–32 (ESV)
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? … Those who tarry long over wine.”
→ The danger lies in indulgence, addiction, and loss of judgment.
4️⃣ Theological Insights
📜 John MacArthur — The Christian and Alcohol
“Scripture does not forbid alcohol, but calls believers to use it
with wisdom and self-control for the glory of God.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
“Christian liberty is always restrained by love.
Freedom that causes others to stumble is not true freedom.”
📜 John Piper — Desiring God
“Freedom that no longer leads to holiness becomes idolatry.”
📜 Dr. Hyung Ryong Park (Korea Theological Seminary)
“The Korean church’s abstinence arose from moral decay and social alcoholism.
It was a gospel-driven resistance to corruption and a commitment to holiness.”
📜 Westminster Larger Catechism, Q136
“The sins forbidden include lack of moderation, gluttony, and drunkenness.”
5️⃣ Misconceptions and Truths
| Misconception | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|
| “Drinking alcohol is a sin.” | The Bible condemns drunkenness, not drinking itself (Eph. 5:18). |
| “Abstinence is doctrine.” | It is a cultural expression of holiness, not a doctrinal law. |
| “Drinkers have weak faith.” | True faith is seen in self-control and obedience, not external acts (Rom. 14:1–3). |
| “You can’t serve God if you drink.” | Salvation and service come by grace, not abstinence (Eph. 2:8–9). |
6️⃣ Practical Application
1️⃣ Understand the Historical Background
→ During late-Joseon and colonial times, drinking and violence plagued society.
→ Early Korean Christians chose abstinence to model purity and resist moral corruption.
2️⃣ Choose Love Over Liberty
→ If my freedom leads another believer to stumble, it ceases to be love.
3️⃣ Respect Church Discipline
→ Church abstinence policies are not legalism but a collective commitment to holiness.
4️⃣ Practice Personal Self-Control
→ If alcohol dulls your spiritual sensitivity or weakens your prayer life, it is wiser to abstain.
💭 Reflection Question:
“Do I use my freedom to please myself—or to glorify God and love others?”
7️⃣ Conclusion
The Korean church’s “no drinking” culture emerged not from legalism,
but from a sincere desire to protect holiness in a morally broken society.
The Bible never bans alcohol outright,
but it calls every believer to live with restraint, discernment, and love.
True biblical abstinence is not about restriction—it is about voluntary holiness.
To choose holiness over freedom is to shine as light in a dark world.
Faith. Work. Renewal. — Revito
8️⃣ Hashtags
#ChristianFreedom #Temperance #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #Holiness #WestminsterCatechism #KoreanChurch #Revito
