Biblical Answer

The Biblical Context of Wine

The Bible presents wine as a complex and multifaceted substance, reflecting both its potential for blessing and its potential for danger. In the Old Testament, God allowed the Israelites to enjoy wine and strong drink in moderation (Deuteronomy 14:26), but also warned against the dangers of intoxication (Proverbs 20:1). The New Testament similarly presents wine as a blessing from God (Romans 14:14; Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5), but also cautions against the dangers of overconsumption (Luke 7:33-34).

The Nature of Wine in the New Testament

The New Testament presents wine as a real wine that has the power to intoxicate. The fact that the wine used by Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper was not grape juice, but real wine, is evident from the reaction of the unbelievers who accused them of being "full of new wine" (Acts 2:13). This reaction assumes that the wine had been overindulged, and not just that it was a symbol or a metaphor. Furthermore, the biblical context suggests that the wine used by Jesus and the disciples was likely to be wine that had been diluted with water, as was common in the New Testament world.

The Implications for Modern Practice

Given the biblical context and the nature of wine in the New Testament, it is clear that the wine used in the celebration of the Lord's Supper should be real wine, with a significant alcoholic content. While grape juice may be used as a substitute, it is not a direct substitute for the wine used by Jesus and the disciples. The use of individual cups is also not necessarily required, and the common cup is a traditional and meaningful way to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Ultimately, the choice of elements to be used in celebrating the Lord's Supper should be guided by a careful consideration of the biblical context and the nature of wine in the New Testament.