By Mark Swarbrick

For the complete story on Jimmy Swaggart, get my book, Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, available now on Amazon for only $6.99. For information click HERE. Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook – 266 pages of documented facts! 

Jimmy Swaggart advocates against the use of any alcohol. That is well and good. A strong Biblical case can be made against Christians using alcohol in today’s society. Unfortunately, Swaggart goes far beyond that, stating that if any amount of alcohol is consumed by a Christian he is then doomed to an eternity in Hell. Here is what he says in his magazine The Evangelist, Nov 2011:

“But if it takes ten beers to make a person drunk, then it is a scientific fact that one beer makes the person one-tenth drunk. The vision is impaired by that much, with the motor responses also impaired. The reaction time is also slowed. And this is not merely the conclusion of a Preacher — this is a scientific fact after exhaustive investigation… the eternal destiny of those who engage in drunkenness is eternal Hell…when a person takes just one drink, he is partially drunk.”

Of course there is a major theological problem with what Swaggart says there. According to Swaggart, you are not saved anymore f you ingest even an infinitesimal amount of alcohol. Thus you are no longer saved by grace but by works, for you must be careful to abstain from any alcohol; one drink will negate the work of Christ on the cross, according to Swaggart.

Another problem is that this position creates many conundrums in scripture. For example, Jesus turned the water into wine and used wine at the last supper. But, If Swaggart’s assertions are true, we are confronted with a parodox: Jesus, who was sinless, would be sinning by creating and drinking wine.

Swaggart attempts to evade this problem by claiming that it was only pure unfermented grape juice used or made by Jesus. He even asserts that nearly all the wine used in Israel was merely grape juice. He says, “The wine referred to here was doubtless such as was commonly drunk in Palestine. That was the pure juice of the grape…”

The problem with Swaggart’s argument is that in Israel’s climate, without refrigeration or vacuum packing, it is nearly impossible to preserve unfermented grape juice. Warm grape juice almost immediately begins to ferment. Alcohol will be present as soon as fermentation begins, which will be only one or two days. So even if somehow the disciples found unfermented grape juice for the last supper, by the time they brought it to the upper room and drank it after their supper, there would be some amount of alcohol in it already, and according to Swaggart they would therefore all be partially drunk and Hell-bound.

Another point to consider is that the Greek word oinos is used in the passage. Oinos means wine, and by definition is alcoholic. The writers of scripture could have used the Greek word for grape juice, Gleukos, but they did not. They called it wine (Oinos).

“Gleukos” literally means “New Wine” or simply put “Unfermented grape juice”. You could still get drunk on Gleukos or new wine if you drank a lot of it, for as mentioned above, the juice begins fermenting almost immediately. In fact we see this alluded to in Acts 2:13, where we read, “Others mocking said, ‘These men are full of new wine (Gleukos).’” To get drunk on gleukos you had to be “full” of it.

The only conclusion can be that there was alcohol in the wine that was used by Jesus and the Disciples. This is not a problem for the average Bible-believing Christian for the Bible never says that drinking anything alcoholic is a sin. It does say that getting drunk is unwise and that Christians should not be drunk on wine but rather should seek to be filled with the Spirit. The Bible does say that being a drunkard (someone who habitually is intoxicated) is sin. 1 Cornithians 6:10 tells us that drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

If the wine that Jesus or the Christians of the 1^st century drank had no alcohol, then there are numerous scriptures that make no sense. For example, Luke 7:33-34, “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard…” They accused Jesus of being a drunkard because he did not abstain from alcohol as John the Baptist did. This is clear evidence that Jesus did drink alcoholic wine.

In 1 Timothy 5:23 we read where the Apostle Paul tells the young minister Timothy, “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” And again, the word used here is Oinos (wine) not gleukos (grape juice). Why does Paul say “a little wine,” instead of just wine? Clearly because of the alcohol content. He was admonishing Timothy to use a little for its medicinal benefits, but to avoid using too much because of the alcoholic content.

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition researchers found that the polyphenols found in fermented red wine have been proven to increase the beneficial bacteria needed in the intestines for proper digestion. This benefit is not available in grape juice, but is found in wine. It is common knowledge today that many fermented foods and drinks are beneficial to digestion. Apparently the beneficial qualities of wine was common knowledge in the first century. Because Christians were careful about alcohol consumption, Paul tells Timothy it is Okay to use a little for medicinal purposes.

Christians of the 1^st century had differences of opinion on these matters, just as we do today. Many thought it was wrong to eat meat, mostly because much of it had been sacrificed to idols before being butchered and sold at the market. Some also thought it was wrong to drink wine. Paul made it clear that it was alright to eat meat or drink wine but that we ought to consider the beliefs of others and not judge one another in these matters or make it a matter of division.

Romans 14:19 – “All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

Paul’s word is clear, if you drink wine in view of a fellow Christian (who feels drinking wine is wrong), and he therefore drinks wine also (but feels guilty about it), then you have caused a brother to stumble. In such cases it is best to abstain.

Now of course if the wine was non-alcoholic grape juice as Swaggart contends, this whole passage becomes nonsensical, for why would anyone ever think it was not alright to drink grape juice?

Swaggart takes the opposite position from scripture and pronounces judgment upon all who disagree with him on this matter. He says, “When you take one drink, you’re saying you’re in favor of all the world stands for, all the flesh stands for, and all the Devil stands for.” That is ludicrous. Many Christians take communion with real wine. Swaggart says that puts them on the side of Satan. This is the sort of division and rhetorical excess that the Apostle Paul warned against.

Swaggart says that fermented wine, is the product of “fungi and bacteria,” that it is “rotted, fermented, decayed, spoiled…” and that because of this it is evil to put it in our bodies. It might surprise Jimmy Swaggart to know that it is bacteria in our intestines that makes digestion possible. If wine is evil because it is fermented, then pickles and sour kraut are sending people to hell!

In fact, our bodies produce small amounts of alcohol in our digestive tract through fermentation. According to Swaggart you are then a little bit drunk, not to mention the debauchery of those who take cough medicine that has alcohol in it. All these people doomed to perdition and they don’t know it because they haven’t read Jimmy Swaggart’s article on wine!

Swaggart also makes a point that alcohol causes impairment and that is sinful. Well, if you didn’t get a good night’s sleep you are impaired. If you are sick you are impaired. Growing old makes you impaired. People are impaired by lots of things but that doesn’t mean they are sinning.

The Bible’s message on alcohol is crystal clear: If you drink, don’t do it in such a way that it harms your witness for Christ and do not drink in excess and become drunk. Do not judge those who don’t drink and don’t judge those who do.

When anyone goes beyond what the scripture says and starts making up rules that not even Christ followed, then you have started down the path of legalism. The problem with legalism is that it detracts from the true spirituality of being filled with the Spirit and walking with Jesus, replacing it instead with dry, dead rules. Those who choose rules over relationship end up being judgmental and divisive and then they imagine they are holier than thou because of their legalism. Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

I’ll conclude with the words of the Apostle Paul who summed it up well in Colossians 2:16,21-23,

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink… Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?  These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

To see the entire list of articles on Swaggartism, click the down arrow (v) to the right of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in the menu to the left.

If you found this article interesting, you would enjoy my book, Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, available now on Amazon for only $6.99. For information click HERE.

Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook – 266 pages of documented facts! 

 

 

 

 

 

Books by Mark Swarbrick…

For more information on Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, get my book, Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, available now on Amazon in paperback, Kindle eBook, and audio book, starting at only $6.99. For information click HERE.

Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook – 266 pages of documented facts! 

 

Evolution Exposed: The Biblical and Scientific Evidence against Evolution

Author Mark Swarbrick unequivocally and convincingly illustrates the intrinsic incongruity between evolution and biblical Christianity. 

275 pages of truth! Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book.  Only $6.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

Real Science vs Evolution: The Scientific Evidence against Evolution

Real Science vs Evolution offers a succinct analysis outlining why evolution, in its divergence from established scientific laws, fails to align with the foundational principles of genuine scientific inquiry. 

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $3.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

Seventh-Day Adventism Examined: A Concise Summary of Adventism’s Unbiblical Doctrines

Author Mark Swarbrick meticulously dissects the myriad of false teachings within Adventism, contrasting these interpretations with scriptural truth. 

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $3.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

The Pre-Trib Rapture: Biblical Truth of the Blessed Hope

In his book, The Pre-Trib Rapture, author Mark Swarbrick meticulously outlines the extensive biblical support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, emphasizing the deliverance of the Church before the onset of the impending Tribulation period.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $3.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Hidden History: The Untold Story of the Democratic Party

The political narrative in America has transcended the realm of politics to become a battle between the forces of good and evil. It is essential that all Christians are informed on the anti-Christian direction of the Democratic Party.

200 pages of factual history! Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $3.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

The Covid Conspiracy: The Cure for Covid and the Plot to Hide it from the World

The Covid Conspiracy tells the incredible story of diabolical collusion between multinational drug companies, governmental regulatory agencies, and unscrupulous politicians.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

The Carnivore Diet: The Science, the Promise, and the Pitfalls

Author Mark Swarbrick thoroughly explains the diet, telling of his experiences with it and how it has radically improved his health in a short amount of time. One chapter deals with the current war on meat and what the Bible has to say about those who forbid eating meat.
Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Heavenly Miracles: True Stories of Supernatural Intervention

When the author saw how demons flee at the name of Jesus, his growing faith resulted in numerous miracles in his life and ministry. 

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

King James Onlyism: Is the KJV the Best Bible Version?

KJV Onlyists have troubled the hearts of many a Christian and have split churches in half. Controversy, factions, and strive are their forte. No doubt, they are sincere, but they are sincerely wrong.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

End of Days: What the Bible Says Happens Next

Within the pages of this book, you will find sound biblical exegesis of end-time prophecy. With careful historical analysis and fresh insight, the author reveals previously unknown prophetic fulfillments that transpired during World War II. 

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 –Click HERE to purchase eBook or Audio Book. To purchase paperback, click HERE.

 

The Hidden Truth about Catholicism

If you are a Catholic this book is for you. With loving respect, this book gives a detailed account of the history of Catholicism with an in-depth analysis of Catholic teachings.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon.

 

Life after Death: What Happens When We Die?

A refutation of soul sleep, the idea that people are unconscious or nonexistent until God raises their bodies from the dead at the resurrection.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon.

 

 

Mormonism Examined: The Bizarre History and Unbiblical Doctrines of Mormonism

This is not an anti-Mormon rant, but a thoughtful analysis of Mormonism in the light of the Holy Bible and historic Christian doctrine.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $4.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Truly Amazing: The Real Story of Adam and Eve

Children get bombarded with confusion about gender, marriage, and evolution at a very young age. This book shows what God has to say on these crucial matters. This book is a creation story for kids that explains the creation and the fall in an interesting way that children can relate to. 

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $2.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Global Warming: Socialism in Disguise

In “Global Warming Examined,” Mark Swarbrick compellingly illustrates how genuine scientific data contradicts the prevalent political narrative of an imminent climate crisis. Drawing on insights from esteemed scientists, he dismantles the fallacious belief in man-made global warming as a cataclysmic threat.
Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $3.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon.

 

Beyond Redemption: Love and Longing in the Old West  (Book 1)

A thrilling historical western and romance packed with Gospel truth. A perfect gift for someone you want to share the Gospel with. Here is what one reader said about Beyond Redemption:

THIS READ IS A GRIPPING JOURNEY back in time to the rugged Wild West, where love, justice, and redemption entwine in a tale that will leave you captivated. Author Mark Swarbrick skillfully weaves historical detail into this action-packed narrative, giving readers an authentic and suspenseful experience. The story revolves around Cal Chandler, an unlikely outlaw forced into a life of crime, and his love for Jessica Lorena McKenzie, a devout Christian, creating a captivating clash of faiths and emotions. For fans of historical depth, “Beyond Redemption” is a must-read that brings the people of the Wild West to life as they truly were.” — Jerry Rubenstein

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $6.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Beyond Redemption: War & Peace in the Old West  (Book 2)

The Second Book in the Beyond Redemption series. How the characters prayerfully deal with their challenges is a testament to the changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audio Book. Only $9.99 – Click HERE to purchase at Amazon. 

 

Other books by Pastor Mark Swarbrick, click the image below…