Churches Can Use Either Grape Juice or Alcoholic Wine in the Lord’s Supper

A Biblical and Theological Examination

The question of whether churches should use grape juice or alcoholic wine in the Lord’s Supper has been discussed among Christians for centuries. Different denominations hold different convictions. This article examines the issue biblically and historically, with Scripture references for clarity.

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1. What Did Jesus Use at the First Lord’s Supper?

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during the Passover meal (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20).

In Matthew 26:27–29, Jesus said:

“Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament… I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine…”

Notice the phrase “fruit of the vine.” The Bible does not specifically use the Greek word for fermented wine (oinos) in the institution passages. Instead, it uses a broader phrase that can refer to the juice of grapes.

Key Observation:

The text does not explicitly state whether the drink was fermented or unfermented.

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2. The Argument for Alcoholic Wine

Many churches—including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and some Protestant denominations—use alcoholic wine.

Biblical Support Often Cited:

1. Passover Context

   • At Jewish Passover meals, wine was traditionally used.

   • Some argue that fermented wine would most naturally have been present.

2. Use of “Wine” in Scripture

   • The Greek word oinos commonly refers to fermented wine.

   • Jesus turned water into wine in John 2:1–11.

3. 1 Corinthians 11:21

   • Paul mentions that some were “drunken” at the Lord’s Supper.

   • This suggests alcoholic wine was being used in Corinth.

“For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.” (1 Corinthians 11:21)

This passage is often seen as strong evidence that fermented wine was present in the early church.

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3. The Argument for Grape Juice (Unfermented Wine)

Many Baptist and independent churches use grape juice.

Biblical and Theological Reasons:

1. “Fruit of the Vine”

Jesus used the phrase “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29), which can refer simply to grape product—fermented or not.

2. Symbol of Purity

Leaven in Scripture often symbolizes sin (1 Corinthians 5:6–8).

Since Jesus’ blood was sinless (1 Peter 1:18–19), some argue the cup should represent purity and not fermentation.

3. Avoiding Offense or Stumbling

Romans 14:21 teaches:

“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth…”

Churches in areas affected by alcoholism may choose grape juice to avoid causing anyone to stumble.

4. Practical and Pastoral Reasons

Using grape juice:

• Avoids issues with recovering alcoholics.
• Is culturally appropriate in many regions.
• Reflects a commitment to total abstinence from alcohol in some traditions.

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4. What Is the Most Important Element?

The New Testament emphasis is not on the chemical composition of the cup, but on its meaning.

1 Corinthians 11:26 says:

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”

The Lord’s Supper is:

• A memorial (Luke 22:19)
• A proclamation of Christ’s death
• A time of self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28)
• A symbol of the New Covenant

The power is not in the liquid itself, but in what it represents—the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

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5. Historical Development

For many centuries, most churches used alcoholic wine.

In the 19th century, during the temperance movement, many Baptist and evangelical churches began using unfermented grape juice.

This practice became widespread especially among:

• Independent Baptist churches
• Fundamentalist churches
• Some Methodist and evangelical groups

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6. Is One Required by Scripture?

The Bible does not give an explicit command stating:

• “Thou shalt use fermented wine,” or
• “Thou shalt use unfermented grape juice.”

Therefore, churches make their decision based on:

• Their theological convictions
• Their interpretation of Scripture
• Pastoral wisdom
• Local church autonomy

In Baptist ecclesiology, each local church has the authority to decide such matters under Christ’s headship.

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7. Conclusion

Biblically speaking:

• Jesus used “the fruit of the vine.”
• Early Corinth likely used fermented wine (1 Corinthians 11:21).
• The New Testament does not mandate fermentation level.
• The ordinance is symbolic, not sacramental in Baptist theology.

Therefore, many conclude:

Churches may use either grape juice or alcoholic wine, provided the purpose remains the same—to remember and proclaim the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

The central focus is not the fermentation, but the faithful observance of Christ’s command:

“This do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)