I am a born again christian who mostly lurks here but I have written in a time or two over the past 5+ years.
 
My grandfather was a Baptist Minister and he along with my Mother believed like others do that abusing alcohol is a sin.  I believe this too.  Abusing alcohol is a sin.  Abusing food is also a sin.  Abusing anything is a sin, right?  My grandfather occasionally drank a small glass of wine to "aid his digestion" as he put it.
 
Like others here, my mother also believed that the "wine" Jesus made from water was actually grape juice.  She also believed this was the case with all references in the bible about wine; not alcoholic but grape juice.  Just like others, she never was able to provide scriptural proof of this but believed it nontheless.  I think some of this may have come from living through "prohibition" and also seeing first hand the long list of negative effects alcohol can and does have on some people.
 
What is difficult to understand is that some people appear to get "angry", or at least "agitated" when somebody disagrees with them on the "wine is not alcoholic but really grape juice"' theory.
 
It is difficult for me to understand why somebody would "add to" or "take away from", or "read something that isn't there", about the "wine that Jesus made from water not really being wine but grape juice" theory and get upset when people disagree with them.
 
Also, My grandfather preached the gospel for about 70 years before his earthly body died.  He was also a mason.  He never knew of the (some) recent positions on masonry and the occult.  His involvement was innocent, his intent was not evil.  People have had actually told me that he would not be in "heaven" because of this.  These people called themselves "Christians".  How did they know whether or not my Grandfather went to Heaven??  Has God put any of you "in charge" of determining a man's salvation??
 
I am thankful my Heavenly Father is in charge of wether or not I, and my grandfather go/went to be in the presence of the Lord, and not someone here on earth who thinks they have all the answers and seems to know who will and won't go to Heaven.
 
I know this e-mail may invoke the anger of some who may attack me for what I've written here.
 
I believe the responsible and moderate use of alcohol is not a sin.  I believe the abuse of anything, including alcohol, is a sin.
 
I, like most all of you, love the Lord.  I long for His return and very much look forward to it.
 
For those of you who may be inclined, please do not attack me nor my guaranteed salvation, nor that of my grandfather.
 
My salvation is guaranteed and nobody can take it away.  (2 Cor. 1:21-22) (Colossians 2:13-14) (Ephesians 1:13-14)  (Rev. 3:5).
 
Praise God!!
 
Everybody, keep your eyes on Jesus and your own relationship with Him and not on what others believe.
 
God's Blessings on you all!  Soon we will all be together with Him!!