Dietary Laws?
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Just this part....
At least that's what your comments on this topic indicate. The idea that "if you are a TRUE Christian, you must obey the dietary laws of the Jews"...... you have made it a salvation issue. Which it is not.
Please don't misunderstand, I have no problem with people not eating pork, or shellfish, or catfish.... whatever. Health-wise, it is probably safer to avoid those foods. But, also, health-wise, it would probably be wise to mostly avoid red meat, and coffee, and anything "processed" with added chemicals, etc....
But, for me to try to bind that on other believers, because it's against MY conscience, is wrong.
Please don't misunderstand, I have no problem with people not eating pork, or shellfish, or catfish.... whatever. Health-wise, it is probably safer to avoid those foods. But, also, health-wise, it would probably be wise to mostly avoid red meat, and coffee, and anything "processed" with added chemicals, etc....
But, for me to try to bind that on other believers, because it's against MY conscience, is wrong.
Acts 10:10-13
[SUP]10 [/SUP]And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
All manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth. No mention of feces. So I suppose feces still isn't food.
All fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts are food. So that's good. Because they are delicious.
Now if you ask a legalist if Do not murder means do not murder they will say yes. But if you ask them if all manner of fourfooted beasts means all manner of fourfooted beasts they say no, there is a list of clean and unclean.
But God says don't call un-clean what He has called clean. And what does He call clean? All manner of fourfooted beasts.
Why? Why are they clean now? Because of the grafting in of the gentiles. They were un-clean as a way of setting apart the jew from the gentile. Now they are all one. There is no jew and there is no greek. They are all one in Christ Jesus.
So if your faith says "Uh-oh I'm not sure if I should eat those un-clean foods that jews couldn't eat" then you shouldn't. Your faith is still very limited to your own works and even trying to keep your own self clean.
If your faith says it doesn't matter what goes into your mouth because that just gets tossed out the other end. What really matters is what comes out of your mouth, your words.
The bible says there will be both types of faith. The bible calls the first a weak faith. I would call it a very weak faith. It seems double minded to me. One that seems to say we are saved by Grace through faith but I better try to keep the law in my own understanding as well, just in case.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
All manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth. No mention of feces. So I suppose feces still isn't food.
All fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts are food. So that's good. Because they are delicious.
Now if you ask a legalist if Do not murder means do not murder they will say yes. But if you ask them if all manner of fourfooted beasts means all manner of fourfooted beasts they say no, there is a list of clean and unclean.
But God says don't call un-clean what He has called clean. And what does He call clean? All manner of fourfooted beasts.
Why? Why are they clean now? Because of the grafting in of the gentiles. They were un-clean as a way of setting apart the jew from the gentile. Now they are all one. There is no jew and there is no greek. They are all one in Christ Jesus.
So if your faith says "Uh-oh I'm not sure if I should eat those un-clean foods that jews couldn't eat" then you shouldn't. Your faith is still very limited to your own works and even trying to keep your own self clean.
If your faith says it doesn't matter what goes into your mouth because that just gets tossed out the other end. What really matters is what comes out of your mouth, your words.
The bible says there will be both types of faith. The bible calls the first a weak faith. I would call it a very weak faith. It seems double minded to me. One that seems to say we are saved by Grace through faith but I better try to keep the law in my own understanding as well, just in case.
Of course there is not a "quote" of you saying that. I was going off all of your comments... you know, reading with comprehension?
I imagine MOST people reading your comments would conclude that you were saying that the observance of Jewish dietary laws was mandatory for Christians. This whole topic was about that belief.
If you are saying that Jewish dietary laws are merely good guidelines to follow, then what are we discussing? I agree with that.
I imagine MOST people reading your comments would conclude that you were saying that the observance of Jewish dietary laws was mandatory for Christians. This whole topic was about that belief.
If you are saying that Jewish dietary laws are merely good guidelines to follow, then what are we discussing? I agree with that.
None of my comments come close to indicating that. That is why you're only going off of your own perceptions. Anyone here who has any familiarity with my beliefs will tell you that I've never equated obedience to the Law with salvation or it being "mandatory for Christians." Go ahead, ask around. (And you might want to pay attention to my signature at the bottom of my posts. Could be helpful.
)
Otherwise, stop making baseless accusations.
)Otherwise, stop making baseless accusations.
None of my comments come close to indicating that. That is why you're only going off of your own perceptions. Anyone here who has any familiarity with my beliefs will tell you that I've never equated obedience to the Law with salvation or it being "mandatory for Christians." Go ahead, ask around. (And you might want to pay attention to my signature at the bottom of my posts. Could be helpful.)
Otherwise, stop making baseless accusations.
)Otherwise, stop making baseless accusations.
I can have a signature that says "I love all races, creeds, and backgrounds" but then post a bunch of racist drivel, what are you going to believe? My signature, or my "actions"?
If it walks like a duck....
If you don't believe that following the dietary laws is a "command", and that if we don't follow God's commands we will be lost, then why did you start the thread?
I'm not trying to be argumentative, but your disclaimer doesn't line up with what you are actually "pushing"...
It seems you missed the whole point of this vision and put your own interpretation upon it. The reason I say this is because Peter came to an understanding of what the vision meant and even recorded it so that we would not make a mistake.
Act 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
notice Peter did not understand the meaning at this point. He did not assume it simply meant I can eat any meat I want. So you should not either.
It follows that men who are considered by Jews as unclean come to the door. coincidence? I think not.
Remember God showed Peter a vision but how did Peter now understand it?
Act 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
No "Man" common or unclean.
See chapter 11 as Peter explains this point.
Anyone who uses this to say its OK to eat both clean and unclean meats is simply abusing the vision and its clear scriptural meaning. Regardless of weather its OK to eat unclean meat or not this passage does not support the concept.
Act 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
notice Peter did not understand the meaning at this point. He did not assume it simply meant I can eat any meat I want. So you should not either.
It follows that men who are considered by Jews as unclean come to the door. coincidence? I think not.
Remember God showed Peter a vision but how did Peter now understand it?
Act 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
No "Man" common or unclean.
See chapter 11 as Peter explains this point.
Anyone who uses this to say its OK to eat both clean and unclean meats is simply abusing the vision and its clear scriptural meaning. Regardless of weather its OK to eat unclean meat or not this passage does not support the concept.
context, context, context. The context was eating with unwashed hands, not eating pig.
If you want to take a verse out of context, you can make Scripture say lots of things.
wanna make some easy money?
go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money:
If you want to take a verse out of context, you can make Scripture say lots of things.
wanna make some easy money?
go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money:
Disease travels from animal to animal. Especially through the blood which is why the bible says not to eat the blood. Also the fat contains disease. Pork is one of the most diseased animals. Many in the unclean section are scavengers and full of disease that is transferable to people.
So with all the knowledge we have today, Gods laws on food are actually health laws. Being that God made us it makes sense that he knows what is good for us and what is not.
These health laws first appear in the story of Noah before the law was given to Moses. God wants us to be healthy and protect us from disease.
3Jn_1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
But if you don't care about health and are happy to disregard Gods help for us on this. That is your free choice. If you think being Sick glorifies God then go for it.
So with all the knowledge we have today, Gods laws on food are actually health laws. Being that God made us it makes sense that he knows what is good for us and what is not.
These health laws first appear in the story of Noah before the law was given to Moses. God wants us to be healthy and protect us from disease.
3Jn_1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
But if you don't care about health and are happy to disregard Gods help for us on this. That is your free choice. If you think being Sick glorifies God then go for it.
When GOD created all things HE declared all things "Good".
It isn't GOD who makes unclean things...it is the effects and affects of sin in the world which caused what was initially clean to become unclean...
That goes for both men and animals.
Which is why when GOD made a distinction, (*which HE did even at the First Passover) it is HIS making a distinction that the thing is now clean...because of GOD.
When Jacob separated the flocks from Laban's herds...he actually took those that appeared on the outside to be....well, not looking so healthy...so that Laban would know that these were his sheep...
But after Jacob got through with them...well, they looked pretty clean.
That worked for Naaman
And it also worked for Gehazzi
Look into it.
It isn't GOD who makes unclean things...it is the effects and affects of sin in the world which caused what was initially clean to become unclean...
That goes for both men and animals.
Which is why when GOD made a distinction, (*which HE did even at the First Passover) it is HIS making a distinction that the thing is now clean...because of GOD.
When Jacob separated the flocks from Laban's herds...he actually took those that appeared on the outside to be....well, not looking so healthy...so that Laban would know that these were his sheep...
But after Jacob got through with them...well, they looked pretty clean.
That worked for Naaman
And it also worked for Gehazzi
Look into it.
Ok...then give to GOD what belongs to GOD and don't withhold from GOD what you, in your own wrong judgment, might want to (because of your wrong judgment) withhold from GOD...
That was OUT of CONTEXT completely...
The taxes needed to be paid.
Christ asked Peter do the sons of this world's kingdoms pay taxes?
and Peter answered no...
Well, then Christ said, so as not to offend, pay it any way...give to Ceasar what is nothing and is temporal anyway.
And give to GOD what is EVERLASTING and ETERNAL...and don't withhold it...even though the sons of the Kingdom should be exempt from all the rules of this world...they still, for the sake of what is right, will do what is right...
Therefore, pay the taxes...or eat or don't eat...
Everything is permissible
Everything is permissible
But not everything is beneficial
You are to make the right judgment on what should be done based on the responsibilities to listening to authorities in this world for orders sake...
Not because we have any authority over us, but GOD...but because our work is to be at peace with all men as much as it is in our ability to do so.
So, if we want to eat or not to eat, based on the situation and circumstance and what is and will ensure peace for all parties involved...do it...or don't do it.
But as to pay taxes, nope we have to do it.
That was OUT of CONTEXT completely...
The taxes needed to be paid.
Christ asked Peter do the sons of this world's kingdoms pay taxes?
and Peter answered no...
Well, then Christ said, so as not to offend, pay it any way...give to Ceasar what is nothing and is temporal anyway.
And give to GOD what is EVERLASTING and ETERNAL...and don't withhold it...even though the sons of the Kingdom should be exempt from all the rules of this world...they still, for the sake of what is right, will do what is right...
Therefore, pay the taxes...or eat or don't eat...
Everything is permissible
Everything is permissible
But not everything is beneficial
You are to make the right judgment on what should be done based on the responsibilities to listening to authorities in this world for orders sake...
Not because we have any authority over us, but GOD...but because our work is to be at peace with all men as much as it is in our ability to do so.
So, if we want to eat or not to eat, based on the situation and circumstance and what is and will ensure peace for all parties involved...do it...or don't do it.
But as to pay taxes, nope we have to do it.
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This is irrelevant! This issue is are we under the food law to abide by those laws given to Moses and the Israelites? I repeat, if a person wants to eat only vegetables, or abstain from certain foods, they can do so. But when you make it a requirement for salvation, then anyone who does this is not trusting in Christ, but is trying to gain favor with God by obeying the works of the law. If your faith allows you to eat those things, then you do well. If your faith is weak and because of conscious sake you cannot eat certain things, then don't eat them. For if you eat them against your conscious, then you sin. We are free from those dietary laws given to Moses and the Israelites and that because we are not under the law. We are not saved whether we eat them or don't eat them.
Yes I believe I said at the end you are free to choose to be sick and disregard Gods advice on health.
Did you not also read that the clean and unclean was seen back in Noah's day?
No one has to listen to the wisdom of God. No one has to trust His wisdom. So by all means do as you wish. For what we sow we will reap.
Did you not also read that the clean and unclean was seen back in Noah's day?
No one has to listen to the wisdom of God. No one has to trust His wisdom. So by all means do as you wish. For what we sow we will reap.