Biblical Evidence for the Perpetuity of Health Laws

The Biblical evidence for the perpetuity of health laws rests on the fact that the distinction between clean and unclean animals was established at creation and is based on natural sanitary principles rather than temporary ceremonial regulations. 🌿

Let’s look into God's Word together to see how these principles are woven throughout the history of humanity, from the garden of Eden to the very end of time.

The Origin Before the Ceremonial Law

Many people believe the health laws began with the Jewish nation, but the Bible shows that the distinction between clean and unclean beasts was recognized long before a single Jew existed. When Noah was instructed to enter the ark, God commanded him to take clean animals by sevens and those that were not clean by twos Genesis 7:2. This demonstrates that the categories of "clean" and "unclean" are inherent to the nature of the animals themselves, as designed by the Creator, rather than being a later "Jewish" invention.

Principles of Holiness and Health

God’s desire for His people is that they be a "peculiar people" and a "holy people" Deuteronomy 14:2. This holiness is not just spiritual; it includes how we treat the "living machinery" of our bodies Genesis 2:7. The prohibitions in the law are given because certain things are "unclean to you" and "unfit for food" Leviticus 11:8.

• The Swine: Specifically, the swine is forbidden because it does not meet the physiological criteria for clean food Leviticus 11:7.

• Sanitary Purpose: These laws were given so that we might "discern between the unclean and the clean" Ezekiel 44:23.

• God's Ownership: Because our bodies are formed by God and belong to Him Genesis 1:26+1, we are duty-bound to preserve them in the best health possible.

The New Testament Perspective

It is a common misconception that Christ abolished these distinctions. However, the New Testament confirms that God's people are still called to be separate and to "touch not the unclean" Isaiah 52:11.

• The Vision of Peter: Peter’s vision of the sheet was not about making swine's flesh fit for food, but about showing that no man should be called common or unclean Acts 10:28. Peter himself, years after the cross, declared he had "never eaten any thing that is common or unclean" Acts 10:14.

• A Living Sacrifice: We are exhorted to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" Romans 12:1. An unholy or diseased body, weakened by the indulgence of perverted appetite, cannot be the "spiritual worship" God desires.

• Glory to God: The overarching principle for the Christian is: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31.

The Final Test at the Second Coming

The Bible indicates that these health principles remain in force until the return of Christ. God’s judgment is serious regarding those who willfully disregard the light they have been given.

• Consumption of the Unclean: The prophet Isaiah warns that when the Lord comes with fire to plead with all flesh, those found eating "swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse" will be consumed together Isaiah 66:15-17.

• The Character of the Remnant: In the last days, the message of the fall of Babylon describes her as a "cage of every unclean and hateful bird" Revelation 18:2, highlighting that God still recognizes the category of "unclean."

• Condition of Translation: Those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord are called to cleanse themselves from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" 2 Corinthians 7:1 so that they may be found "without spot or wrinkle" at His appearing Ephesians 5:27.

Summary: The distinction between clean and unclean is based on the unchanging nature of the animal and the physical laws of our own being. By following these laws, we honor our Creator and protect the mental and spiritual faculties needed to discern His truth. ✨