Meat Consumption and the Antitypical Day of Atonement

Abstaining from meat is a vital part of soul-afflicting and self-control during the antitypical day of atonement, which is the solemn period of judgment we are living in todayGCB July 1, 1900, page 183.1+1. This practice helps to preserve the mind and body in a healthful condition so that we can cooperate with Christ in His work of cleansing the sanctuaryBDOC 55.109+1.

The Antitypical Day of Atonement

We are currently living in the great antitypical day of atonement, a period that began in 1844 when Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the work of investigative judgmentGC88 433.1+1. Just as the ancient Israelites were required to "afflict their souls" on the typical day of atonement or be cut off from the people, we are now called to deep heart searching, repentance, and the putting away of every sin Leviticus 23:29GCB July 1, 1900, page 183.1+1.

Control of Appetite and Soul Affliction

• A Lesson from the Type: In the typical service, the congregation fasted entirely, which required complete control of their appetiteGCB July 1, 1900, page 183.1. This serves as a lesson for us today, indicating that those living in the real day of atonement should also maintain complete control over their appetiteGCB July 1, 1900, page 183.1.

• Preserving the Soul Temple: Since our cases are soon to come in review before God, we must not defile the soul temple with anything that perverts reason or destroys virtueRH March 25, 1884, Art. A, par. 10+1. The appetite must be controlled as to both quantity and quality to ensure the mind is in a healthful condition to receive the impressions of the LordGCB July 1, 1900, page 184.1+1.

• The Influence of Meat Eating: Indulgence in meat eating is often linked to the strengthening of animal passions and the perversion of the senses, which can cloud our spiritual perceptionTe 95.3+1. God is bringing His people back to His original design, which does not include subsisting on the flesh of dead animalsTSDF 69.1.

Health Reform as a Spiritual Duty

• Preparing for the Judgment: The work of preparation for the judgment is an individual one, requiring us to subdue evil tendencies and maintain purity of characterTDOC 149.5+1. Abstaining from meat is described as a "keynote" for health reform, helping individuals better inform themselves on other divine principlesGCB February 15, 1895, page 169.12.

• Instruction through Practice: Those who teach the truth or lead out in the work must illustrate these principles by both precept and exampleCE 157.1+1. In large gatherings and sanitariums, the absence of meat is a testimony that flesh is not the most healthful food and that we must not deny our principles by our practice13LtMs, Ms 184, 1898, par. 34+1.

• A Requirement of the Law: Living in harmony with the laws of our being is part of our obedience to God's commandments17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 8+1. By discarding things detrimental to physical and moral perfection, such as meat, we follow the example of Daniel and glorify God in our bodies 1 Corinthians 6:19-2011LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, par. 19.

The Spiritual Bread

True life and strength during this time come from "eating the flesh and drinking the blood" of the Son of God, which means receiving, practicing, and repeating His holy words3SM 202.2+1. While the physical flesh of animals profiteth nothing, the words of Christ are spirit and life John 6:6314LtMs, Lt 85a, 1899, par. 14. By following the light of health reform, we place ourselves in a position where the Holy Spirit can enlighten our reason and sanctify our souls10LtMs, Ms 75, 1895, par. 2+1.