Pastor Jim Staley challenges the common interpretation of God’s intent regarding clean and unclean animals in the Bible, arguing that God originally intended for no one to eat unclean animals before the fall of Adam. He provides examples from various scriptures to support his argument and discusses the cultural and religious context of the early Christian community. Jim also presents his perspective on the food laws in the Bible, emphasizing their relevance today and the significance of understanding scriptural context to avoid misinterpretation. Highlighting the importance of obeying God’s laws, particularly in the context of food consumption, he stresses that loving God is demonstrating obedience to His will.

In 1953, Dr. David Macht from John Hopkins University conducted a groundbreaking study that proved every animal deemed unclean in the Torah was highly toxic. This discovery particularly highlighted swine, connecting its consumption to over 100 diseases and viruses.

This journey began with a deep dive into Genesis 7, where Pastor Staley revealed a surprising detail often overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, Noah brought seven pairs of each clean animal and only one pair of each unclean animal onto the ark. This distinction, Jim argued, indicates that God’s dietary laws existed long before the Mosaic Law was given at Mount Sinai. He emphasized that “God’s instructions were clear from the beginning.”

God’s concern for dietary choices wasn’t merely about ritual purity but health. Examples are cited of unclean animals like pigs and shellfish, which serve as natural scavengers, which are cleaning toxins from the environment. Consuming these animals meant ingesting those toxins, leading to potential health issues. “God loves us and is wiser than we are,” Daniel asserted. “He designed certain animals to clean the earth and water, not for us to eat.”

Many Christians, Pastor Staley pointed out, misinterpret key New Testament passages to justify eating unclean foods. He dissected scriptures from 10, Mark 7, 1 Corinthians 8, Romans 14, and Colossians 2, arguing that these texts addressed ritual purity and community fellowship rather than nullifying dietary laws. “We must seek the author’s original intent, not impose our beliefs on the text,” he urged.

To bolster his argument, Pastor Staley referenced the 1953 study, which found that fish with scales and fins could pass toxins through their bodies, whereas those without scales retained toxins in their flesh. This scientific validation aligned with the biblical injunctions against eating certain types of seafood. stressing that observing these dietary guidelines was about living in accordance with God’s design for health and holiness, not about salvation. “It’s an expression of love and obedience, reflecting our desire to live a holy life,” he concluded.

Pastor Staley challenges his listeners to reconsider their dietary choices not out of fear or legalism but out of love for God and respect for His wisdom. The debate in Alexandria continued, but many found themselves re-evaluating their plates, realizing that divine instructions often carry deeper meanings, harmonizing ancient wisdom with modern science.

The Importance of Salvation and Faith

Salvation, in its truest essence, is not contingent upon dietary choices but is deeply rooted in faith. It’s about recognizing oneself as a sinner, believing in the Savior, and seeking redemption through faith. According to the Bible, those who love God are compelled to follow His commandments, which are not burdensome but rather a testament to one’s faith. A study by the John Hopkins Institute aligns with this biblical perspective, indicating that faith and obedience to God’s commandments are central to the Christian life.

Health Concerns Linked to Pigs

Pigs have been associated with numerous health concerns. The CDC reports that over 100 viruses, including the notorious H1N1 swine flu, have been transmitted to the United States from pigs. Additionally, pigs are carriers of Trichinosis, a disease caused by worms embedded in their flesh, which can lead to severe health issues if the meat is not cooked properly. Pigs, lacking sweat glands, cannot expel toxins, which remain in their meat and subsequently enter the human body when consumed. Despite their unappealing nature and health risks, the taste of pig meat remains popular, though it raises questions about why such an animal would be created and designated as unclean by God.

Biblical Logic and Dietary Laws

The Bible outlines a clear distinction between clean and unclean animals. God instructed Noah to bring seven pairs of clean animals and only two pairs of unclean animals onto the ark, indicating the importance of consuming clean animals. This distinction continued through Mosaic Law, and prophetic books like Jeremiah and Isaiah emphasize that God’s dietary laws remain unchanged. Jesus Himself, in Matthew 5, reinforced the permanence of these laws, suggesting that the arrival of Christianity did not nullify the commandments regarding unclean animals.

Misinterpretations in Scripture

Certain biblical passages, like Genesis 9:3, which states that every moving thing shall be food, are often misunderstood. This directive was given to Noah, who already knew the difference between clean and unclean animals. Therefore, it was implicitly understood that only clean animals were considered food. The passage should not be taken to mean that any living creature is suitable for consumption, as this would contradict the established biblical laws.

Clarifying New Testament Teachings

One of the most frequently misinterpreted scriptures is found in Mark 7:18-20. Jesus’s statement that what enters a man from the outside cannot defile him is often cited to suggest that all foods are permissible. However, it’s crucial to understand the context: Jesus was addressing Jewish rabbis who would never consider unclean animals as food. The term “food” within the Jewish context strictly referred to what was deemed clean by the Torah. Jesus’s discussion focused on ceremonial cleanliness rather than altering the dietary laws.

Consistency of God’s Laws

Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament through the teachings of Jesus and into the prophetic visions of the future, the dietary laws remain consistent. God’s instructions on clean and unclean animals were given for the well-being of His people. The concept that these laws would be abolished, only to be reinstated in the future, is inconsistent with the nature of God, who does not change. The Bible portrays a God who is steadfast and whose commandments are designed for the benefit and health of His followers.

The biblical narrative and supporting studies highlight the significance of faith and adherence to God’s commandments, including dietary laws. Misinterpretations arise when scriptures are taken out of context or when the cultural and historical background is overlooked. Understanding the consistent message throughout the Bible about clean and unclean animals can help believers align their practices with their faith, recognizing that God’s laws are designed for their good and remain relevant throughout all ages.

A Lesson in Faith and Tradition

In a discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus addresses the issue of ceremonial cleanliness, emphasizing that true defilement comes from within rather than from external practices. The Pharisees criticize Jesus’s disciples for eating bread without the traditional hand-washing rituals. Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, highlighting the hypocrisy of valuing human traditions over God’s commandments. He asserts that what truly matters is not the outward adherence to rituals but the inward purity of the heart. This incident underscores Jesus’s commitment to upholding God’s commandments while rejecting the added traditions of men.

The Vision of Peter

In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding of clean and unclean. While in prayer, Peter sees a sheet filled with various animals, including those considered unclean, and is told to “kill and eat.” Peter, perplexed, insists that he has never eaten anything unclean. This vision is repeated three times, emphasizing its significance. The meaning of this vision becomes clear when Peter is called to visit Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter realizes that the vision was not about food but about God’s acceptance of the Gentiles. This revelation signifies a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, illustrating that God’s salvation is available to all, regardless of their background.

Understanding Romans 14

Romans 14 addresses disputes within the early Christian community regarding dietary practices and the observance of certain days. Paul advises believers to respect one another’s convictions, whether they choose to eat meat or abstain, and whether they observe specific days as holy or not. The issue at hand is not about clean versus unclean foods but about personal convictions and avoiding judgment over disputable matters. Paul emphasizes that all actions should be done in faith and thanksgiving to God, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual respect within the community.

Clarifying Misconceptions

A common misinterpretation involves reading New Testament passages as abolishing Old Testament dietary laws. However, a closer examination reveals that these passages address specific cultural and religious contexts. For instance, in Mark 7, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees’ emphasis on ritual purity while neglecting moral integrity. Similarly, in Acts 10, Peter’s vision is about the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvation plan, not a change in dietary laws. Romans 14 deals with differences in personal convictions about food offered to idols, urging believers to avoid causing others to stumble.

The Consistency of God’s Law

Throughout scripture, the distinction between clean and unclean remains consistent. God’s dietary laws, given for the health and well-being of His people, are not nullified in the New Testament. Instead, the focus shifts to the underlying principles of faith and obedience. Jesus and the apostles uphold these principles, reinforcing that God’s commandments are designed for the benefit of His followers. Understanding the cultural and historical context of these teachings helps prevent misinterpretations and aligns believers’ practices with biblical intent.

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and understanding God’s commandments. Misinterpretations arise when passages are taken out of context or when the cultural background is overlooked. Recognizing the consistent message throughout the Bible regarding clean and unclean helps believers maintain practices aligned with their faith, acknowledging that God’s laws are designed for their good and remain relevant across all ages.

Context of Food and Fasting in Early Christian Communities

In the early Christian communities, debates surrounding food and fasting practices were prevalent. Different groups had varying customs about fasting days and dietary restrictions, leading to disagreements among believers. Some believers would fast on specific days, while others had different schedules. The controversy extended to whether it was acceptable to eat meat that might have been sacrificed to idols or if one should be a vegetarian altogether. These disputes reflect the diverse backgrounds of the early Christians, including Jews who brought their traditions into the new faith and Gentiles who had their practices.

Clarification on Dietary Laws

The issue of dietary laws is addressed in multiple scriptures, such as Romans and Timothy. A key point made is the distinction between what is considered food according to God’s laws and what is not. In Leviticus 11, specific animals are designated as clean or unclean, and this classification was understood and followed by figures such as Adam, Noah, and later, Moses. The argument is made that God’s designation of food has not changed, even in the New Testament context.

Misinterpretations of Paul’s Teachings

Paul’s letters, particularly to Timothy and the Colossians, are often cited in debates about dietary freedom. In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul warns against doctrines of demons that forbid marriage and command abstaining from certain foods. However, it is clarified that Paul refers to foods sanctified by God’s word, not just any food. The notion that every creature of God is good is qualified by the requirement that it be sanctified by the word of God and prayer, which refers back to the clean animals listed in the Old Testament.

The Role of Tradition versus God’s Commandments

In Colossians 2, Paul advises not to let anyone judge believers regarding food, drink, festivals, or Sabbaths, which are shadows of things to come. This passage is often misinterpreted to mean that believers can eat anything they want. However, the deeper context reveals that Paul is cautioning against the traditions and doctrines of men, not against God’s commandments. He emphasizes that these man-made traditions have an appearance of wisdom but are ultimately not from God and should not be imposed on believers.

The Consistency of God’s Law

Throughout the discussions, a consistent theme is that God’s laws, including dietary laws, are still relevant and important. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles affirm the permanence of these laws. The idea that Jesus’ death abolished these dietary laws is challenged as illogical and inconsistent with the rest of Scripture. Instead, the focus is on adhering to God’s instructions and not being swayed by human traditions that add unnecessary burdens.

Conclusion

The discussions on food and fasting in early Christianity highlight the importance of understanding the context and distinguishing between divine commandments and human traditions. Paul’s teachings support the observance of God’s dietary laws while rejecting the addition of man-made restrictions. This perspective underscores the continuity of God’s law and its application in the lives of believers.

Watch the entire teaching here: “TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT”