Mike,

I don't consider medicine with trace elements of alcohol in it as social drinking, therefore, are you then saying that it isn't a sin to have a social drink of fermented wine, for example, with your meal? Or, if wine is a bad example, then rum or whisky or vodka, or whatever?

Who is to say whether or not it is a sin to use alcohol based medicine? Do you have a Bible or SOP quote to back up your opinion?

Is it a sin to drink wine, whiskey, beer, rum, vodka, etc? I don't know. The Bible clearly condemns getting drunk. But at what point is someone considered drunk? Is it the same as the legal blood alcohol limit for driving a vehicle?

If it's not a sin to use alcohol based medicine, then would it be a sin to socially sip the equivalent alcohol content of wine? If so, then what makes the difference?

One thing I do know. There is no excuse for sinning, no matter how strong the temptation or how weak our resolve. God said He will not allow us to be tempted above His ability to empower us to resist unto His honor and glory. 1 Cor 10:13.

Does that include situations where we go places or do things unbidden by God? Does His promise still apply? Well, one thing remains true - there is no excuse for sinning! no matter what weakens our resolve. Yes, there are reasons why we fall, but they don't count as excuses.

quote:

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2. Is it impossible to resist temptation if we use medicine that contains trace amounts of alcohol?

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Mike,

If, as you say, alcohol is a sin, then sipping or tasting this sinful alcohol is sinning.

Here is what EGW has to say about that:

quote:

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Warned That They May Escape the Evil Results.--With the awful results of indulgence in intoxicating drink before us, how is it that any man or woman who claims to believe in the word of God, can venture to touch, taste, or handle wine or strong drink? Such a practice is certainly out of harmony with their professed faith. . . . {Te 42.3}

The Lord has given special directions in His word in reference to the use of wine and strong drink. He has forbidden their use, and enforced His prohibitions with strong warnings and threatenings. But His warning against the use of intoxicating beverages is not the result of the exercise of arbitrary authority. He has warned men, in order that they may escape from the evil that results from indulgence in wine and strong drink. . . . {Te 42.4}

The liquor traffic is a terrible scourge to our land, and is sustained and legalized by those who profess to be Christians. In thus doing, the churches make themselves responsible for all the results of this death-dealing traffic. The liquor traffic has its root in hell itself, and it leads to perdition. These are solemn considerations.--Review and Herald, May 1, 1894. {Te 43.1}

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It can't be said any clearer than that!

I agree that drinking wine or strong drink is wrong. Therefore, I don't do it - not even a social sip. Not one drop. But the closet thing I've found, so far, calling it a sin is the following quote.

CD 217.3
Very explicit was the command prohibiting the use of wine by the mother. Every drop of strong drink taken by her to gratify appetite endangers the physical, mental, and moral health of her child, and is a direct sin against her Creator.

Yes, Mike, that is much clearer than the quote I provided.