I just talked about this in another thread.
Much of the confusion as to whether wine was fermented or unfermented stems from the word "wine" being used in translation of the Greek word "oinos", which can denote either grape juice or intoxicating wine.
Bible translators of the Bible knew that the word "oinos" could refer to either fermented or unfermented wine. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul commands us to "be not drunk with wine (oinos)."
In the Bible, there are 247 references to wine and strong drink. Of 247 references, 36 are negative references. There are 17 warnings against abusing alcohol, 19 examples of people abusing alcohol.
The 3 references to selecting leaders caution that those who abuse alcohol should not be selected as leaders. They use the phrases "not given to much wine," "not given to drunkenness," and "not given to wine."
On the positive side, there are 59 references to the commonly accepted practice of drinking wine (and strong drink) with meals, 27 references to the abundance of wine as an example of God's blessing, 20 references to the loss of wine and strong drink as an example of God's curse, 25 references to the use of wine in offerings and sacrifices, 9 references to wine being used as a gift, and 5 metaphorical references to wine as a basis for a favorable comparison.
The Bible has several warnings against drunkenness, but only one caution against the responsible use of alcohol in celebration and with meals.
I am not going to be legalist about this. I am not a drinker of alcohol but I do drink wine every now and then. During a hot day in the summer, I probably drink a can of COLD beer.
I should add that Christians should not "lose any sleep" over disagreements in drinking. This is an area what theologists called "Peripheral Beliefs". It means its not worth fighting or lose any sleep because of these beliefs and practices that are not really that important. These might include debates over modes of baptism, appropriate dress, ecclesiastical organization, the appropriateness of smoking and drinking, being a Democrat, Republican, or a Socialist, etc.
I should add anothing point.. that most Christians usually follow a reason rather a rule against drinking, smoking or any other unhealthy lifestyle:
The most important Scripture in this regard is 1Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" Your body is a "good" and wonderful gift from God. Christians know that God is with them, they sometimes feel it is unnecessary to make needed lifestyle changes to stay healthy.
Paul said, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection ..." (1Corinthians 9:27). The key word here is "discipline." Starting and maintaining a proper diet and exercise program involves more than anything else, discipline and caring enough for yourself (again, "...as you love yourself") to take care of yourself. You have to remember that exercise should not become an obsession. Paul wrote, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1Tim 4:8). So Paul recognizes that physical exercise has some profit, it is important. But there are also more important things in life; namely our relationship to God.
