50. 1Co_6:9-11
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Covetous nor drunkards.” It will be noticed that drunkards are here classed with fornicators, adulterers, effeminate, thieves, covetous, etc., all of whom, continuing such, “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Total abstinence from all these is a necessity. So long as mere moderation in them is concerned, there is no hope of reformation; nay, so long as any participation in them is concerned, there is no salvation. The moderate use of intoxicating drinks is unsafe; for strong men, in all stations of life, have fallen, and died drunkards, and many are following on. Total abstinence is the scriptural doctrine for all, and from all the practices which expose men to the sins which shut them out of heaven. Christ taught “lead us not into temptation,” and Paul exhorts “that no man put a stumbling-block, or an occasion to fall, in his brother’s way.”