Fruit of the Vine

Abstract

Prof. Schuetze briefly discusses the on-going argument over whether the Cup in the Lord’s Supper must contain fermented grape wine. He presents the viewpoint, based on biblical and extra-biblical sources, that we cannot assert that “fruit of the vine” always refers to wine. He asserts that we would not be wise to upset historical and biblical precedent by using something other than wine, or allowing a believer or body of believers to choose arbitrarily. But he adds that the Spirit’s choice of the uncertain term “fruit of the vine” allows us to make exceptions in the case of those with physical restrictions against drinking alcohol.