ARE THERE UNCLEAN MEATS ANYMORE? Are we, as Christians, required to keep the law of clean and unclean meats? In order to answer this question let us go back and see when God required this law to be kept by His people and why? First let us look at God's instruction to Adam and Eve: Gen 1:29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. (NIV) Gen 1:30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-- everything that has the breath of life in it-- I give every green plant for food." And it was so. (NIV) Notice that God told Adam and Eve that He gave them only vegetation to eat. He also made the animals herbivores. Notice however that Abel was a keeper of sheep: Ge 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (KJV) The purpose for the animals seemed to be for offerings, since God at this point gave no instruction that we see in regard to the eating of animals: Ge 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: (KJV) It appears that God gave them instruction as to which animals He would accept as offerings. When Noah was instructed regarding the contents of the ark, he was told there was to be so many clean and unclean animals: Ge 7:2 Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, (NIV) Notice the reason was to preserve the animals alive: Ge 6:20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. (NIV) God told him to gather food for him and the animals to eat and to store it away: Ge 6:21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them." (NIV) People don't store away animals for food. Obviously they stored away dried fruits and grains, etc. The nature of the beasts apparently had not been changed yet, so they were all still herbivorous. What was the reason for the clean and unclean at this point in history? Notice: Ge 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. (NIV) Animal sacrifice to God is first mentioned in regard to Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep. He sacrificed the sheep to God. Cain, however, sacrificed the produce from the ground. God was displeased with his offering. Why? Because the offering or sacrifice was to picture Messiah to come. The produce of the ground did not picture the slain Messiah. Yaweh established which animals were acceptable as a type of Himself. Sheep or lambs were what He chose. He apparently instructed the first humans in this regard. Also He must have determined which animals and birds he would accept as freewill offerings. The freewill offerings did not picture the coming Christ, but were given as a freewill gesture of gratitude. God only allowed animals with a graceful and pleasant appearance to be offered to Him. Notice now that God changes the nature of the animals: Ge 9:2 The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. (NIV) God gave them into our hands to use for our purposes as we determine. Gen 9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. (NIV) Gen 9:3 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. (NKJ) Gen 9:4 "But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. (NIV) Gen 9:5 And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. (NIV) Notice God only forbids the eating of blood at this point. The life is in the blood and it is special in the eyes of God. God later emphasizes this point to Israel: Lev 17:10 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. (KJV) Lev 17:11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. (NIV) Lev 17:12 Therefore I say to the Israelites, "None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood." (NIV) Lev 17:13 "`Any Israelite or any alien living among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth, (NIV) Lev 17:14 because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, "You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off." (NIV) In summary we see so far: - the first humans and animals were herbivorous - clean and unclean was for sacrifices and offerings - Noah and his family were vegetarians (pre-flood) - Noah sacrificed only the clean animals as instructed - animals' nature changed after the flood - all animal flesh given for food after the flood - clean and unclean was a ceremonial issue - only blood forbidden prior to Sinai Now as we move forward in time to the children of Israel we see Yaweh giving instruction to Moses in how they should be separate from the nations and be a peculiar people to Him. He required them to be perfect in the flesh. He demanded physical perfection in order to be acceptable in His sight: Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: (KJV) Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (KJV) Exodus 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, (KJV) Exodus 19:12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: (KJV) Exodus 19:14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. (KJV) Exodus 19:15 Then he said to the people, "Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations." (NIV) Notice the emphasis on cleanliness and ceremonial washing by the priests: Exodus 30:19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water.....(NIV) Exodus 30:20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made to the LORD by fire, (NIV) Exodus 30:21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come." (NIV) Note the emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness and perfection: Lev 15:16 "`When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:17 Any clothing or leather that has semen on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:18 When a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:19 "`When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:20 "`Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. (NIV) Lev 15:21 Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:22 Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:23 Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean till evening. (NIV) Lev 15:24 "`If a man lies with her and her monthly flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. (NIV) Lev 15:25 "`When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. (NIV) Lev 15:28 "`When she is cleansed from her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean. (NIV) Lev 15:29 On the eighth day she must take two doves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. (NIV) Lev 15:30 The priest is to sacrifice one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. In this way he will make atonement for her before the LORD for the uncleanness of her discharge. (NIV) Lev 15:31 "`You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them.'" (NIV) Lev 15:32 These are the regulations for a man with a discharge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen, (NIV) Lev 15:33 for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who lies with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (NIV) Lev 17:15 "`Anyone, whether native-born or alien, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then he will be clean. (NIV) Note how God demanded physical perfection of His people: Lev 21:17 "Say to Aaron: `For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. (NIV) Lev 21:18 No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; (NIV) Lev 21:19 no man with a crippled foot or hand, (NIV) Lev 21:20 or who is hunchbacked or dwarfed, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles. (NIV) Lev 21:21 No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the offerings made to the LORD by fire. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. (NIV) Note the practice of exclusion of assembly: Deut 23:2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. (KJV) Deut 23:2 No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. (NIV) Now notice the emphasis on diet: Deut 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (KJV) Deut 14:3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. (KJV) Abominable: Strong's # 8441 tow` ebah (to-ay-baw'); or to` ebah (to-ay-baw'); feminine active participle of 8581; properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol: KJV-- abominable (custom, thing), abomination. (DIC) Unclean: Strong's # 2931 tame' (taw-may'); from 2930; foul in a relig. sense: KJV-- defiled, + infamous, polluted (-tion), unclean. (DIC) Peculiar: Strong's # 5459 cegullah (seg-ool-law'); feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth (as closely shut up): KJV-- jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special. (DIC) Comment- many of the false gods "required" sacrifices of animals which God called ceremonially unclean. Now notice the instructions given regarding the clean and unclean meats: Lev 11:1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, (NIV) Lev 11:2 "Say to the Israelites: `Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: (NIV) Lev 11:8 You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. (NIV) Lev 11:9 "`Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. (NIV) Lev 11:10 But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales-- whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water-- you are to detest. (NIV) Lev 11:11 And since you are to detest them, you must not eat their meat and you must detest their carcasses. (NIV) Lev 11:12 Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be detestable to you. (NIV) Lev 11:13 "`These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, (NIV) Lev 11:47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.'" (NIV) Deut 14:7 However, of those that chew the cud or that have a split hoof completely divided you may not eat the camel, the rabbit or the coney. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a split hoof; they are ceremonially unclean for you. (NIV) Notice that last phrase- "ceremonially unclean". We will refer to this later. Note here that God allowed Israel to sell something, which He considered forbidden, to the gentiles: Deut 14:21 Do not eat anything you find already dead. You may give it to an alien living in any of your towns, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. But you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk. (NIV) Now let us come forward to the time of the new testament church. Jesus began to set the stage for eliminating the ceremonial law and ushering in grace. Notice Jesus' own words: Matt 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (KJV) Matt 15:11 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him `unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him `unclean.'" (NIV) Matt 15:17 "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? (NIV) Matt 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man `unclean.' (NIV) Matt 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (NIV) Matt 15:20 These are what make a man `unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him `unclean.'" (NIV) Defiled: Strong's # 2840 koinoo (koy-no'-o); from 2839; to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially): KJV-- call common, defile, pollute, unclean. (DIC) Mark 7:1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and (NIV) Mark 7:2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. (NIV) Mark 7:3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. (NIV) Mark 7:4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) (NIV) Mark 7:15 Nothing outside a man can make him `unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him `unclean.'" (NIV) Mark 7:18 "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him `unclean'? (NIV) Notice the next 4 translations for verse 19: Mark 7:19 For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.") (NIV) Mark 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? (KJV) Mark 7:19 "because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?" (NKJ) Mark 7:19 because it goeth not into his heart, but into his belly, and goeth out into the draught? (This he said), making all meats clean. (ASV) Note the Greek text from the Diaglott:" that not goes of it into the heart, but into the belly; and into the privy goes out, cleansing all foods." The word here translated draught or privy is simply the word toilet. Mark 7:20 He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him `unclean.' (NIV) Mark 7:21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, (NIV) Mark 7:22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. (NIV) Mark 7:23 All these evils come from inside and make a man `unclean.'" (NIV) Meats in this passage is the following in the Greek: Strong's # 1033 broma (bro'-mah); from the base of 977; food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law: KJV-- meat, victuals. (DIC) In other words the "unclean" was ceremonially forbidden. God required perfection in the physical in connection with the offerings and in His people. Next let us read the account of Peter's vision: Acts 10:9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. (NKJ) Acts 10:10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance (NKJ) Acts 10:11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. (NKJ) Acts 10:12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. (NKJ) Acts 10:13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." (NKJ) Acts 10:14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean." (NKJ) Acts 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." (NKJ) Acts 10:16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. (NKJ) Acts 10:17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. (NKJ) Acts 10:18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. (NKJ) Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (NKJ) Acts 10:29 "Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" (NKJ) Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (NKJ) Acts 10:35 "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteuosness is accepted by Him. (NKJ) Unclean as used in the previous passages: Strong's # 169 akathartos (ak-ath'-ar-tos); from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally [lewd] or specially, [demonic]): KJV-- foul, unclean. (DIC) Now obviously from what Peter says to Christ in the vision he had not eaten anything unclean prior to this time. This would indicate that Christ's words in regard to what goes into a man had not been understood as applied to the unclean meat laws at this point. The reason for this would be He had not died yet and the ceremonial law had not been made obsolete. In Peter's vision God is showing the ceremonially clean and unclean requirements were of no effect anymore. We are acceptable to God when we come under Christ's blood. We are no longer to try and be acceptable through ritual and ceremony which was replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus. Also we were not to exclude the gentiles or other unclean or ceremonially unclean people anymore. The practice of exclusion on the basis of race, previous religious conviction, past sins, or for any reason (except willful, blatant disregard of the ten commandments) was now not allowed. We are to include every person which God calls. And we are not to refuse the company of even a known practicing sinner who is an unbeliever. How else can our light shine to the world unless they have access to us: John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. (NIV) John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (NIV) John 17:19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (NIV) John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (NIV) 1 Cor 5:9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- (NIV) 1 Cor 5:10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. (NIV) 1 Cor 5:11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (NIV) 1 Cor 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? (NIV) 1 Cor 5:13 God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (NIV) Let's read what Paul says in regard to diet: Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. (NKJ) Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. (NKJ) Romans 14:3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. (NKJ) Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. (NKJ) Romans 14:14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (NKJ) Unclean as used here: Strong's # 2839 koinos (koy-nos'); probably from 4862; common, i.e. (literally) shared by all or several, or (cer.) profane: KJV-- common, defiled, unclean, unholy. (DIC) Paul cautions us to exercise love in our liberty: Romans 14:15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (NKJ) Romans 14:16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; (NKJ) Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (NKJ) Romans 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. (NKJ) Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (NKJ) Romans 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. (NKJ) Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (NKJ) Romans 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (NKJ) Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (NKJ) Romans 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (NKJ) Romans 15:2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. (NKJ) Paul addresses the liberty he experienced : 1 Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (KJV) 1 Cor 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: (KJV) 1 Cor 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. (KJV) 1 Cor 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. (KJV) Notice he says not to cause offense by what we eat: 1 Cor 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: (KJV) 1 Cor 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? (KJV) 1 Cor 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (KJV) 1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (KJV) Paul admonishes us here to not offend the Jews, the gentiles or the Church of God: 1 Cor 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (KJV) 1 Cor 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (KJV) Again Paul addresses our liberty: Col 2:16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, (NKJ) 1Tim 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV) 1Tim 4:2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. (NIV) 1Tim 4:3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. (NIV) 1Tim 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (NIV) 1Tim 4:5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (NIV) Note in this last passage the "word of God". This word in the Greek is logos. We have the new testament record of the things God saw fit to change and we have the words of Jesus himself as recorded by John Mark and Matthew. 1Co 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (KJV) 1Co 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. (KJV) Again here the word for meats is broma. This refers to foods which were previously forbidden or allowed by the Mosaic law and now Paul is saying it doesn't matter anymore because the meats as well as our physical temples are temporary. Note the word used for destroy in this passage: Strong's # 2673 katargeo (kat-arg-eh'-o); from 2596 and 691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: KJV-- abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void. (DIC) Note the ASV and NIV: 1Co 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall bring to nought both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body: (ASV) 1Co 6:13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"-- but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (NIV) Our bodies are temporal. God is primarily concerned with "the new man". Notice: 1 Cor 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (NKJ) 1 Cor 3:17 If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye. (ASV) Note this passage is properly rendered destroyed not defile. The word in the KJV for defile is the same for destroy in this verse. Notice the definition: Strong's # 5351 phtheiro (fthi'-ro); probably strengthened from phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave): KJV-- corrupt (self), defile, destroy. (DIC) God is not saying that anyone who "defiles" the human body will be destroyed. God is also not saying that an imperfect diet or lack of of sleep or any of the so called laws of health will cause us to be destroyed. He said through Paul that anyone who destroys our temple He will deal with. We are in His care and nothing can take us out of His hand. If perfect health and diet were a requirment for salvation than not many of us would be saved. Note the comments made in regard to the two covenants: He 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (KJV) He 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. (KJV) He 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. (KJV) He 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; (KJV) He 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. (KJV) He 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (KJV) He 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (KJV) He 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (KJV) He 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) Take note that in all these last references by Paul as well as by Jesus in regard to meats the word for meats is "broma" or "bromata" in the Greek. It means the meats which were allowed or not allowed under Jewish or Mosaic law. Further comments: Eph 2:15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (NKJ) Again broma is the Greek word used in these passages: He 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (KJV) He 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. (NIV) He 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (NKJ) He 13:9 Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited. (ASV) Notice the context of this passage is talking about the sacrifices and ceremonies: He 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (KJV) He 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. (KJV) He 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (KJV) He 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (KJV) He 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (KJV) He 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (KJV) He 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (KJV) Now let us examine what was discussed in the Jerusalem council: Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." (NIV) Acts 15:5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." (NIV) Acts 15:6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. (NIV) Acts 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. (NIV) Acts 15:8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. (NIV) Acts 15:9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. (NIV) Acts 15:10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? (NIV) Comment- if circumcision were the only issue, how could that be a burden they could not bear? It was a one time event on the eighth day. Obviously the burden was all the other re- quirements of the ceremonial law which were a burden. Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." (NIV) Acts 15:12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. (NIV) Acts 15:13 When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. (NIV) Acts 15:14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. (NIV) Acts 15:19 "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (NIV) Acts 15:20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. (NIV) Acts 15:21 For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath." (NIV) Acts 15:23 With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. (NIV) Acts 15:24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. (NIV) Acts 15:25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul-- (NIV) Acts 15:26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) Acts 15:27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. (NIV) Acts 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: (NIV) Acts 15:29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. (NIV) Notice the only forbidden diet related items mentioned were blood, food sacrificed to idols, and strangled meats. The practice of strangling meats was done to save the blood for cooking. Blood has special meaning to God as we mentioned earlier. It seems evident from this study that the following things are true: - prior to the flood God's servants were hebivores - after the flood they were allowed all meats - clean and unclean referred to acceptable offerings - restrictions were added to separate Israel ceremonially from the gentiles - Christ fulfilled the ceremonial laws - dietary and other laws of exclusion were part of that law Byron K. Sanders 5/91