Q9. Was the wine of the Lord’s Supper fermented?

Picture: Q9. Was the wine of the Lord’s Supper fermented?JTLD 367.1

The word “wine” (Greek, oinos ) could mean fermented or unfermented juice. However, Christ avoided using oinos . Instead, he used the phrase “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29), which always refers to a nonalcoholic “sweet wine.” This unfermented juice was sometimes made from raisins, or from concentrating grape juice to a syrup, adding water at the time of consumption. When stored in a cool place, this syrup would not ferment.JTLD 367.2

The pure, unfermented juice would be a fitting symbol of the blood of Christ, who calls Himself the “True Vine” (John 15:1). Since alcohol is a product of decay and death, it could not symbolize the redeeming, life-giving blood of Jesus.JTLD 367.3