Alcohol in Holy Communion

Q: Should the wine in the Lord’s Supper be alcoholic or not?

A: First of all, “should” makes this a question of the Law, while the Supper is pure Gospel and forgiveness. However, we are wise when we do as Christ gave us to do. If much of the alcohol is removed following fermentation, I’d not be overly concerned. However, since unfermented grape juice was unknown in Jesus’ time, I’d not replace wine with regular grape juice.

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Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book What Do Lutherans Believe.