WHEREAS, The abuse of alcohol has led to the destruction of many families and homes in our Nation, and the Scriptures confirm that the abuse of alcohol leads to many physical, mental, and emotional problems (Pro. 23:29-35); and
WHEREAS, The use of alcohol in moderation, or “recreational drinking,” leads to alcohol addiction in many individuals, and has been proven to be a “pathway drug” leading to the use of other drugs both legal and illegal; and
WHEREAS, Some religious leaders advocate the use of alcoholic beverages to their congregations, causing many to stumble by their example, misinterpreting the biblical doctrine of “freedom in Christ;” and
WHEREAS, Some ministers, laypersons, authors, conference leaders, and others have expressed a belief that using alcohol is an acceptable practice in evangelizing or ministering to others which practice is non-biblical and a misinterpretation of Scripture; and
WHEREAS, The biblical mandate of every Christian, both leaders and laypersons, is to live a life of holiness, without reproach and blameless before the world (Eph. 5:27, Phil. 2:14-16, 1 Tim. 3:2, 7, 10); and
WHEREAS, The Scripture teaches that Christians are not to be led astray by wine or strong drink (Pro. 20:1), and that leaders should not consume alcoholic beverages (Pro. 31:4).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Georgia Baptist Convention meeting in Woodstock, Georgia, November 9-10, 2009, affirm our opposition to the consumption, manufacturing, and distribution of alcoholic beverages; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we are opposed to the practice of some ministers, laypersons, authors, and conference leaders who advocate the use of alcohol as a means of evangelizing and ministering to others as such practice is non-biblical and a misinterpretation of Scripture; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we urge all Georgia Baptists to a life of total abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages, so that we may cause no one to stumble (1 Cor.10:31-33), and so that we can remain worthy of imitation, as the Scripture commands in 1 Corinthians 11:1; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we express appreciation to the leadership of the Georgia Baptist Convention for their commitment to nominate to places of service Godly individuals who abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages; and
BE IT THEREFORE FINALLY RESOLVED, That we also urge Georgia Baptist churches, ministries, and individuals to continue to take a leading role in helping those in bondage to alcohol find healing in Christ, and to help heal and reunite the families that have been damaged by this disease.
