HPBC Pastoral Statement on Alcohol
1. Scripture clearly condemns drunkenness (Eph. 5:17-19; Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 6:10; Isa. 5:11; Pro. 23:20-21; Tit. 2:3; Rom. 13:13; Isa. 5:22).
2. Scripture speaks specifically to pastors and deacons that they not be given to wine, which is primarily a warning against drunkenness (I Tim. 3:3, 8; e.g. Pro. 31:4-5).
3. Scripture often speaks of wine as common in life and a blessing from God (Gen. 14:18; Dan. 10:3; I Tim. 5:23; Deut. 14:26; Psa. 4:7; Psa. 104:14-15; Pro. 3:10; Isa. 25:6).
4. Scripture gives clear warnings concerning wine due to how easily one may fall prey to drunkenness (Pro. 20:1; Pro. 23:29-35; Rom. 14:21).
5. Alcohol abuse leads to personal and social ruin. Our current culture, however, too often portrays the intemperate use of alcohol as a necessary ingredient for social enjoyment.
6. Therefore, we condemn drunkenness, and we strongly encourage our members to pursue sobriety in this area by whatever means necessary including total abstinence.