Why Dietary Laws Still Matter After the Cross

The dietary laws regarding clean and unclean meats remain relevant because they are based on natural law and sanitary principles rather than the temporary ceremonial system that pointed to ChristMR852 3.1+1. While the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial offerings ended at the cross, the distinction between clean and unclean animals existed long before the first Jew or the Mosaic dispensationMR852 1.4+1.

The Distinction Between Laws

It is essential to understand that not all laws given in the Old Testament were of the same natureARSH July 18, 1854, page 185.11. The Bible distinguishes between the moral law (the Ten Commandments), which is spiritual and eternal, and the ceremonial law (the handwriting of ordinances), which was a shadow of things to come and was nailed to the cross Colossians 2:14-17BDOC 67.51+1.

• The Ceremonial Law: This system consisted of "carnal ordinances" involving animal sacrifices, meat and drink offerings, and yearly sabbaths that served as types of Christ’s ministry Hebrews 9:10ARSH October 7, 1851, page 38.1+1. These were abolished because the reality—Christ's sacrifice—had come Hebrews 10:1MMM 11.4+1.

• The Health Laws: Laws regarding what is "clean" and "unclean" are based on the physical nature of the animals and their effect on human healthMR852 3.1. They are not "ceremonial" or "arbitrary" regulations but are designed to prevent the debasement of the soul and the destruction of healthMR852 3.1+1.

Pre-dating the Levitical System

The distinction between clean and unclean beasts was recognized by Noah long before the Levitical law was established at SinaiMR852 1.4+1. Because these principles were not "Jewish" in origin but were recognized at the time of the Flood, they cannot be dismissed as merely part of the "shadowy" system that ended at the crossMR852 1.4+1.

Sanitary and Natural Law

The prohibition against certain meats, such as pork, is grounded in the fact that these animals have filthy habits and are physically unhealthy for human consumptionMR852 1.4. These are "natural laws" that do not change with a change of dispensationMR852 1.1.

• Vitality: The observance of these distinctions contributed to the "marvelous vitality" of the Jewish people for thousands of yearsMR852 3.1.

• Biblical Warning: The prophet Isaiah indicates that those found eating swine's flesh and other abominations at the time of the Lord’s return will face destruction, showing that God still regards these dietary choices as significant Isaiah 66:15-17BHB 157.11.

A Growing Understanding

In early Adventist history, the focus was primarily on the physical harms of porkMR852 1.4. However, over time, there was a deeper realization that the Levitical distinctions were based on lasting sanitary principles rather than temporary ritualsMR852 3.1. We are encouraged to become familiar with the Levitical law in all its bearings, as it contains rules for health and practice that we are still to follow today1BC 1110.4.

Ultimately, keeping these health principles is an act of "true religion" because our physical habits affect our mental clarity and our ability to receive divine truthCME 31.4. Whether we eat or drink, we are called to do all to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31.