Since when did drunkeness become the 'ultimate sin'? I've wondered about this alot, especially after joining the church of the Nazarene. I think the church in America has placed emphasis on some things that the bible really doesn't emphasize. Drukeness is sin, yes, but not unforgivable and no worse than say, the sin of, dare I say it....gluttony.
ed!:
I find the Old Testament to be a rich source of seeing just how God interacts with men, with all our spots and blemishes. We truly find the answer to the question, "How many times will God forgive me?" by reading the Old Testament. We see the fatal mistakes made by men, and yet also God's faithfulness.
Take for example the story of David and Bathsheba. Not only does it include adultery, but also murder, for David deliberatly put Uriah into harms way, just to cover his own sin. God didn't condone any of this, and sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke David. David also faced the horrible consequense of his sin, by watching his little innocent son, the product of that sin, die. But, nonetheless, David cried out to God, "Create in me a new heart, O my God and renew a right spirit within me!" and God readily answered his heartfelt confession of his sin and forgave David. David, this man who did this terrible thing, then becomes known to all of history as "the man after God's own heart."
Then there are things which are cultural in nature. We are held to the standards of our culture somewhat, in that we are to walk blamelessly before both God
and man. Polygamy was the norm in Old Testament times, God didn't institute it, nor does He seem to condemn it, but His Spirit recorded all the inherent problems with polygamy. I mean, truly, after reading about the family strife between Leah and Rachel and all the kids, or Solomon's downfall, does anyone really think that polygamy is a good thing?
Polygamy also was NOT the norm in New Testament times, and Paul directed Timothy to choose elders based upon the fact that they were the husband of ONE wife. Polygamy in those days would have been an affront to the culture, rather than the norm. Which is one of the reasons why the fundamental Mormons have it all wrong in our culture of today. (Of course, fundamental Mormons have bigger problems than even polygamy.)
I find reading the Old Testament stories to really give me clarity on how God interacts with us, both within our selves as well as within our culture. I don't think one should read it as though everything that it records has God's stamp of approval and one definately should not assume that all of it shows God's will for us today.
Hope this helps.
BTW katsa, I really like your questions and your posts. You seem to be so eager to search out how one should walk before God. I know that maybe at times the forum seems to give conflicting answers, but I'm sure that God is working in you to show you the way. Your questions are good ones for Christians to consider.