"AN ARTICLE TAKEN FROM CHARLES SPURGEON'S WRITINGS" ~ 10/29/26

The Nazarites had taken several vows, including one that required them to abstain from wine. To make sure they did not violate that commitment, they were forbidden, not only to drink wine or strong drink, but also wine vinegar. The rule went even further; they could not drink grape juice, eat fresh or dried grapes, or consume anything made from the vine.

The purpose was to make their separation unmistakable. They were to avoid even the appearance of what could compromise their vow.

Surely, this teaches an important lesson to those who belong to the Lord. We should separate ourselves from sin in every form - not merely its most obvious and serious expressions, but also its influence, spirit, and appearance.

Careful, disciplined Christian living is greatly despised in our day. Yet be assured, dear reader, it is both the safest and happiest way to live. The person who continually gives the world a little ground places himself in great danger. The one who begins by eating the grapes of Sodom may soon find himself drinking the wine of Gomorrah.

A tiny crack in a sea wall in Holland can allow water to enter, and before long, that small opening can widen until an entire province is flooded. In the same way, even a small compromise with the world can become a snare to the soul, making us increasingly vulnerable to greater and more presumptuous sins.

There is another lesson here. If a Nazarite drank grape juice, he could not be completely certain that some fermentation had not taken place. As a result, he could not have complete confidence that he had kept his vow. In the same way, a Christian who continually compromises and tries to live as close to the world as possible cannot enjoy a clear conscience. The voice within continually raises questions about whether he had gone too far.

When something is doubtful, we should not force ourselves to call it acceptable. If our conscience cannot embrace it with confidence, we are wise to leave it alone. When something tempts us toward sin, we should not linger around it or see how close we can get. We should flee from it.

It is better to be mocked as a Puritan than to be exposed as a hypocrite.

Careful Christian living may require considerable self-denial, but the peace, joy, freedom, and fellowship with Christ that come from it are more than enough compensation.