Understanding Biblical Laws on Clean and Unclean Meats

It is a joy to open the Word of God with you to discover how much He cares for our total well-being. The Bible teaches that our bodies are the temple of the living God, and He desires for us to be holy in both body and spirit 2 Corinthians 6:16+1. 🌟

The Original Plan and the Entrance of Disease

In the beginning, God provided a perfect diet of fruits, grains, and nuts for humanity. It was only after the fall and the subsequent flood that God permitted the consumption of clean animals Deuteronomy 14:4-6. However, as the world has aged, animals have become increasingly diseased, making the consumption of flesh meat dangerous to our health.

• ** Genesis 9:4**: "But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat."

• ** Isaiah 66:17**: "They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens... eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says the LORD."

The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean

The distinction between clean and unclean meats is not a mere Jewish ceremonial tradition that ended at the cross; rather, it is based on natural and sanitary laws designed for the preservation of human life. These laws protect us from scavengers and animals that are physiologically unsuited for human consumption.

• ** Leviticus 11:47**: "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."

• ** Deuteronomy 14:3**: "You shall not eat any abominable thing."

Specific Prohibitions for Our Protection

God provides clear scientific markers to help us identify what is safe. For land animals, they must both chew the cud and part the hoof. For water creatures, they must have both fins and scales. Creatures like the swine or the oyster do not meet these criteria and are classified as unclean.

• ** Leviticus 11:7-8**: "And the swine, though he divide the hoof... yet he chews not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall you not eat, and their carcass shall you not touch."

• ** Deuteronomy 14:10**: "And whatever has not fins and scales you may not eat; it is unclean to you."

The Connection Between Physical and Spiritual Health

What we place in our bodies directly affects our minds and our spiritual discernment. Eating "gross" or unclean food blunts our finer sensibilities, making it harder for the Holy Spirit to impress the truth upon our minds. True holiness involves cleansing ourselves from all "filthiness of the flesh."

• ** 2 Corinthians 7:1**: "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

• ** 1 Corinthians 10:31**: "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

A Call to Separation and Preparation

As we approach the end of time, God calls His people to come out from the world and be separate. This includes putting away habits and foods that defile the body. Soon, the decree will go forth that determines our eternal destiny based on our character and our obedience to God's laws of life.

• ** 2 Corinthians 6:17**: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

• ** Revelation 22:11**: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."

By choosing the most wholesome food provided by our Creator, we honor Him and preserve the "living machinery" of our bodies for His high and holy service. 🍎📖