1 Tim. 2:
3 Forbidding to marry,
and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
If NEH6 can find in the Word of God where God created Pork, or human flesh, or eagles for food, to be received as food with thanksgiving, he might have a point.
But this one scripture does not make "ALL MEAT" food. Some animals were created for other purposes than for food. Now NEH6 belongs to a religion which has a tradition of eating Pork and shellfish, would be my guess given this post. I was born into this same religion.
Others are born into a religion where people drink blood, others, where human flesh is consumed. But when we turn to the God of Abraham, we are to "Change" from our ways to God's Ways.
If I have a practice of random sex with other men's wives, I need to repent and stop doing this. Not because it goes against some religious franchise traditions, but because it goes against the instructions of God.
If I have a practice of drinking animal blood, then when I turn to God I must repent and stop this behavior. (Acts 15) Not because it goes against some religion that "Comes in Christ's Name", but because it is contrary to the Instructions given by Jesus, as God of the OT.
If I have a tradition of eating pork or shellfish, then when I turn to God I must repent and stop this behavior. Not because of some religious belief, but because it goes against the instructions Jesus created for man.
4 For every creature of God
is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Humans, Pigs, maggots, cock roaches, Oysters, Eagles, owls, these are all good creatures created and sanctified for a purpose. That purpose is just not for food.
Those who believe in the Word of God understand this purpose and behave accordingly.
Others create their own traditions "Like eating only fish on this day or that" or rejecting meat all together and rebuking those who don't follow this tradition.
To preach that this one scripture erases God's Created purpose for His creation is a falsehood, widely spread, YES. But a falsehood just the same.
You make a very good point.
The word food has meaning attached to it which Neh6 totally misses.
Jesus had instruction from God so when they hear these words:
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
They straight away think OK which foods has God created to be received with thanksgiving. Then they would go oh yeah the ones he gave instruction about in the law.
In fact this scripture is picked because the context is not immediately clear. In other words he can not prove his point form this scripture, he has to make assumptions when using this passage alone. The deductions he makes are in fact based in assumptions. WE need more information to be sure.
But as above there is another point neglected and the hint is here:
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
"forbidding to marry" This is a cultural issue. There are people who are bringing in rules that are not found in the law and forcing them on people. We see Paul speak on similar issues in Romans 14.
This is all in verse 1:
1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
"depart from the faith". The issue is people departing from the faith, This passage to Timothy does not specify exactly what it means by forbidding to marry or obtain from foods that God gave.
But the law is clear that God did not give everything for food. Some were for food some were not to be eaten/not food. THe law does indeed forbid an adulterer from marrying.
The issue here is outside of these marriage and food issues.
We need some context and this passage does not give much, It does not tell us the reasons or reasoning behind the forbidding to marry or obtain form food.
But like I said there are passages that Paul does actually speak about food in this manner with some more context.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Here Paul talks about not judging about "doubtful disputations". Which simply means don't judge on issues that are not based in the faith or the scriptures/law and the prophets. Remember Paul taught that the law and the prophets known at the time as the scriptures were for instruction as it is written:
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Keep in mind this is also instruction to Timonthy. So the faith is based the scriptures/OT.
Paul speaks in Romans 14 of people judging concerning fast days, some eat others don't. Paul says the scriptures do not say, so don't judge.
In other places he speaks of food offered to idols as really not a big issue because Idols are nothing.
One could go on and on.