Nothing Is To Be Refused

Verse of the day: Leviticus 11:46-47 “This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.”

In this chapter, Israel received the law pertaining to the diet they were to follow in respect to what animals they could eat, or not eat, based on whether they were clean or unclean. Sadly, today, there are those who consider themselves more spiritual, godly, or walking closer to God, because they teach, and practice, that these dietary rules are still in place for us who are in Christ. However, based on New Testament Scriptures, we are not under the constraints of this law, as we are not under the constraints of the Law as a whole. Romans 6:14 clearly tells us, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Furthermore, we are told in Galatians 3:10-12, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’ 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’ 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’” In other words, if we are going to be adamant that a certain Old Testament Law must be followed, as a Christian, then we must follow ALL of the Law, and we are no longer living and operating under the law of grace in Christ. In Acts 15, it was determined, by the Jerusalem Council, that a Christians was not obligated to follow Mosaic Law. Under the Law of Liberty, we are told in Romans 14:1-4, “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Colossians 2:16-17 also tells us, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” While there are health benefits to eating certain foods and avoiding certain foods in excess, we are no longer under the rule of law that says we cannot eat certain foods. The bottom line is that we can choose to follow the guidelines given, as a personal conviction or preference, but to say that all of us as Christians must follow them, when Scripture has released us from it, is to be legalistic, and based on Romans 14:1, causes “disputes over doubtful things”, or “quarrels over opinions”. 1 Timothy 4:1-5 clearly states, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” To insist that we are supposed to keep the dietary laws of the Old Testament in order to be right with God is equivalent to “giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons”. As God’s children, we should want to do our best to take care of our bodies, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), by having a proper diet and exercising. If we desire to have a good quality of life, so that we can serve the Lord with energy and vigor, then we ought to do our best to take care of the body God has given us. However, this is to be done out of preference and personal conviction; for there have been some who have eaten the right things, and exercised, and still suffered from terminal illnesses and even died due to sudden, unexplained reasons. Rather than quarrel over what we should be eating or not eating, it would be more profitable to work on becoming the godly people we are supposed to be in Christ. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) The best rule to follow in what we eat is to avoid the sin of gluttony (Proverbs 23:2, 20-21; Proverbs 28:7); and not be a stumbling-block to other in our eating and drinking habits. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).