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God’s End Time Vegetarian Diet:Bible Truth or Human Invention?

Part 1: Romans 14 and Related Texts—Meats, Drinks, andSabbath Days

David Qualls

Preface

In Part 1 of this study we examine commonly used texts in the New Testament that seemto support a non-vegetarian diet or at least seem to neutralize the issue. Part 2,Restor ing God’s Diet for the Last Generation, undertakes a Biblical study of diet acrossthe salvation timeline with special focus on the end times. Those who are confident of their knowledge of the topic of Part 1 may choose to go directly to Part 2.

Table of Contents for Part 1IntroductionTexts Used to Oppose Vegetarianism and Other Healthy Lifestyle Practices Romans Chapter 14 Matthew 15:11 Acts 10:9-16 1 Corinthians 10:19-33 Colossians 2:14-17 1 Timothy 4:1-5Bible Answers Romans Chapter 14 Colossians 2:14-17 Ceremonial Meats, Drinks, and Sabbath Days Texts Similar to Colossians 2:16 Matthew 15:11

Acts 10:9-16 1 Corinthians 10:19-33 1 Timothy 4:1-5Summary of Part 1Endnotes

Introduction

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has long been known as a denomination thatmaintains certain health standards and encourages its members in a healthy lifestyle. Infact, members are bound by the following solemn vow:

Baptismal Vow. Candidates for baptism or those being received into fellowship byprofession of faith shall affirm their acceptance of the doctrinal beliefs of the Seventh-day

Adventist Church in the presence of the church or other properly appointed body.

Baptismal Vow Number 10 (out of 13) says the following:

Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and will you honor God bycaring for it, avoiding the use of that which is harmful; abstaining from all unclean foods;from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages; the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption; and from the misuse of or trafficking innarcotics or other drugs?

Furthermore, Number 21 of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch states the following (in part):

21. Christian Behavior: We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act inharmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health,

and joy in our lives… It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the HolySpirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we areto adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified inthe Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs andnarcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we areto engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, whodesires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

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Many people question what the basis is for some of the stands that Seventh-day Adventists take on this issue. After all, doesn’t the New Testament (NT) make it clear that the health laws of the Old Testament (OT) were removed at the cross? Aren’t weChristians free from the restrictions placed upon the Hebrews of former times?

In this paper, we set about to examine the NT texts commonly used to back up thisclaim (Part 1). We then set about to explore the biblical basis for the healthy lifestylepractices adopted by the Adventists since i ts inception (Part 2).

Texts Used to Oppose Vegetarianism and Other

Healthy Lifestyle Practices

First, we will simply read the passages that are commonly used to back up the claimthat diet is not an issue Christians should be concerned about from a moral standpoint.If you are familiar with these texts and simply want to see our discussion of them feelfree to skip forward to the section entitled, Bible Answers below.

Romans Chapter 14

1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one

believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him thateateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth:

for God hath received him. 4Who 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 himstand. 5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike.

Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6He that regardeth the day, regardeth itunto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He thateateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he

eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to

himself. 8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the

Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ both died,

and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10But why dostthou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand

before the judgment seat of Christ. 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee

shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12So then every one of us shall

give account of himself to God. 13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s

way. 14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself:

but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15But if thybrother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with

thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17For thekingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy

Ghost. 18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of

men. 19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith

one may edify another. 20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure;

but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor todrink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself

in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because heeateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Matthew 15:11

Christ speaking to the Pharisees:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of themouth, this defileth a man.

Acts 10:9-16

9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up

upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would

have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened,and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four

corners, and let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the

earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice

to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any

thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time,

What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16This was done thrice: and thevessel was received up again into heaven.

1 Corinthians 10:19-33






19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is

any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils,

and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannotdrink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table,

and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,

but all things edify not.24Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:26For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 27If any of them that believe not bidyou to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no

question for conscience sake. 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrificeunto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the

Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for

why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30For if I by grace be a partaker,

why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31Whether therefore ye eat, or

drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give none offence, neither to the

Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33Even as I please all men in allthings, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Colossians 2:14-17

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he

quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out thehandwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of

the way, nailing it to his cross;

15

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made ashew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16Let no man therefore judge you in meat,or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

1 Timothy 4:1-5

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the

faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy;

having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding toabstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them

which believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be

refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God andprayer.

Bible Answers

Now we turn to a discussion of the above passages. We want to know what is beingsaid and what is not being said. Let us allow Scripture to interpret itself.

Romans Chapter 14

1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For onebelieveth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Who are the ones spoken of as being the “weak” ones? Unquestionably, it is those whochoose to eat only herbs (vegetables). The vegetarians are the ones spoken of asbeing “weak.” Paul doesn’t mention the word “strong” here for the non-vegetarians, butit is implied. In the next chapter (Romans 15:1) Paul admonishes, “We then that arestrong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Clearly, in this passage those who eat only herbs are considered “weak” in the faith. Butnow let’s turn to a well-known story in the book of Daniel. Daniel 1:5-20:

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine whichhe drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before

the king. 6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and

Azariah: 7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel thename of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to

Azariah, of Abednego. 8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he

requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself... 11Then said

Daniel to Melzar... 12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give uspulse [vegetables] to eat, and water to drink... 18Now at the end of the days that the kinghad said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before

Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was foundnone like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, hefound them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his






realm.

Let’s ask a simple question: In the passage above, would we consider Daniel and thethree Hebrew worthies “weak” in the faith? Were they weak for insisting on eating onlyvegetables? If we are honest with the Word, we would have to answer, No. The fact is,

Daniel and his companions were standing withutmost courage against the greatBabylonian conquerors. They were captives in exile. They were being offered anenormous incentive to obtain the best training and opportunities that could be affordedthem. Under threat of death, they stood firm for their beliefs and refused the king’s meatand wine and instead opted for a simple vegetarian diet. “Weak” would just not be agood word to describe these faithful Hebrew exiles. So what makes the difference

between them and the vegetarians spoken of by Paul in Romans? Perhaps Paul cangive us a clue. Let’s turn over to the book of 1 Corinthians. Scholars estimate that thisbook was written about one year apart from the book of Romans.

1 Corinthians Chapter 8:

1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge.

Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any

thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3But if any man love God, the same is

known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered insacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none

other God but one. 5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in

earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6But to us there is but one God, theFather, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all

things, and we by him. 7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some withconscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their

conscience being weak is defiled. 8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we

eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9But take heed lest by any

means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10For if anyman see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not theconscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to

idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin

against Christ. 13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while theworld standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

What is the issue in 1 Corinthians 8? Simply this: Certain Christians had knowledgethat an idol is nothing. It has no real power. It’s just a stone or piece of wood. The old

pagan practice of offering flesh food to idols before bringing it into the market place tobe sold, was causing certain Christian converts to avoid eating flesh food altogether.These Christians believed they should not eat food that had been offered to idols. ButPaul knew better. He realized that an idol was nothing. He really could care less if hisfood had been consecrated to an idol. It meant nothing to him. He was at “liberty”;strong in the faith. But for others, their religion was more restrictive in that they believedthey must follow a rigorous set of rules to remain free of guilt. Being “weak,” their conscience did not allow them to eat food offered to idols. Therefore, to be on the safeside, they chose not to eat flesh foods altogether, instead opting for herbs only.

Paul’s main point in this chapter is that the strong should not be a stumblingblock totheir weaker brethren by callously exercising their own “liberty.” To do so would be to“sin against Christ.” Charity (love) is better than mere knowledge, because knowledge,apart from charity, only puffs up. Summarizing his point, Paul states that if necessary he

will not eat “flesh” food so as not to offend his brother. [Please note that the word, “meat”means food in a general sense, while the word, “flesh” means animal flesh food.]

The parallels between this passage and Romans 14 are unmistakable. The issue is notone of dietary concern or of clean versus unclean meats in dietary sense; the issue isthat of food being offered to idols and how fellow Christians should relate to each other in that regard.

Two primary issues facing the new church were that of (1) meat offered to idols, and (2)whether the ceremonial law was still binding. These two issues plagued the Christianbelievers of that era as we shall see below.

Continuing in Romans 14:5-6 we read:

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let everyman be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto theLord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.

What is meant by this passage? Some have assumed that Paul is talking about theSeventh-day Sabbath and that he is admonishing the Christians in Rome to alloweveryone to make up his own mind in regards to what day is to be considered special






for worshiping God. But we note that the passage does not state this. This would be anassumption that is not necessarily warranted by the context. Neither can we find anyother statements by Paul that would clearly indicate that this passage is talking aboutthe Seventh-day Sabbath. Colossians 2:14-17 comes close and we will examine it. Butfirst, let’s think about this phrase, “every day alike.” Does this really mean that someChristians truly esteemed every day the same? For a clue, let’s look at another Bibleverse that uses this same phrase.

5Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread [manna] from heaven for you;and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove [test]

them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 6 And it shall come to pass, that on the

sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as theygather daily.... 26Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath,in it there shall be none. Exodus 16:4, 5, 26. (Emphasis supplied.)

Notice, God tells the Children of Israel that they should go and gather the manna “everyday.” But then in verse 26, there is an important exception. On the Seventh-daySabbath, they were not to go out and gather the manna. There would not be any togather. So we see that the “every day” phrase earlier in the chapter really means everyday that was not a Seventh-day Sabbath.

Now, we turn to Colossians 2:13-17 to see what this passage has to say. Learningabout this passage will help us to understand what Paul is talking about in Romans14:5-6.

Colossians 2:14-17

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he

quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out thehandwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of

the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a

shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16Let no man therefore judge you in meat,or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Once again we read that no man should judge another in respect of meat, drink, holydays, or sabbath days. That in fact, these were blotted out and nailed to the cross.Surely this is proof positive that diet and Sabbath-keeping is something everyoneshould decide between them and God, correct? It’s really no one else’s business, is it?

Let’s turn to a parallel passage in Ephesians and see if there are any clues:

14For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of

partition between us; 15Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, somaking peace (Ephesians 2:14-15).

Notice that this is saying almost the same thing as in Colossians except here it isslightly more specific. What is abolished? The law. But which law? The law of

commandments contained in ordinances. What is that talking about? Well, let’s turn toHebrews and see what it says.

3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity

that this Man have somewhat also to offer.

4

For if He were on earth, He should not be apriest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5Who serve untothe example and shadow of heavenly things… (Hebrews 8:3-5).

Note that in the next few verses we insert the marginal readings from the KJV to helpclarify the meaning.

1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances [margin—ceremonies] of divine service,

and a worldly sanctuary.... 9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which wereoffered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as

pertaining to the conscience; 10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diverswashings, and carnal ordinances [margin—rites, ceremonies], imposed on them until thetime of reformation. Hebrews 9:1, 9-10.

We note that in this passage, the old ceremonial law is being described. Words like

example, shadow , ordinances, ceremonies, and rites (rituals) are used to describe it.Notice what is included in these rites and ceremonies: meats, drinks and sacrifices.

What does the word shadow signify in this context? The Greek Strong’s number 4639

[skia] means: “1a shade caused by the interception of light. 1b an image cast by an

object and representing the form of that object. 1c a sketch, outline.”—Strong’sConcordance.






Ceremonial Meats, Drinks, and Sabbath Days

The ceremonial system of meat and drink offerings and sacrifices and ceremoniesserved as a shadow. What cast the shadow? The cross of Christ. What was the sourceof that light? Christ, the light of the world (John 1:9).

Now, remember we are trying to understand in Colossians 2 and Ephesians 2 what lawwas abolished or blotted out or nailed to the cross. Let’s examine a series of OldTestament verses that should help us.

What are the “sabbath days” mentioned in Colossians 2:16? Is this not the Seventh-daySabbath? Let’s look at Leviticus 23 for a clue.

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, and sayunto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy

convocations, even these are my feasts. 3Six days shall work be done: but the seventhday is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is thesabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.4 ¶ These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in

their seasons. 5In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover.6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the

LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7In the first day ye shall have an holyconvocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

Note that this chapter contains a listing of the old Jewish festivals, feast days, andassociated sabbath days. In verses 1 and 2, God introduces His topic: feast days andholy convocations. He then talks about the Seventh-day Sabbath. But note that this isnot part of the festivals. We can tell this by the fact that verse 4 starts back up again byre-introducing the topic: “these are the feast… even holy convocations.” The paragraphmark (in the KJV) shows a logical break at the beginning of verse 4. The Seventh-daySabbath is set apart and mentioned at the beginning before God then goes into topic of the festivals and their associated sabbath days. Beginning with verse 4 and throughoutthe remainder of the chapter, God describes the festivals.

Verses 24, 32, 39 mention “a” sabbath. Verses 7, 8, 21, 25, 35, and 36 designate thatthe people “shall do no servile work therein.” Putting these together, we find there to bea total of seven ceremonial sabbath days. But note that these were not the weeklySeventh-day Sabbath. For example, verse 27 designates “the tenth day of the seventh

month there shall be a day of atonement,”—“a sabbath of rest” (v. 32). This is tied to aparticular day of the month and thus could fall on any day of the week, Monday, Tuesday,etc. When a festival sabbath day happened to fall on the weekly Seventh-day Sabbath,it was known has a “high Sabbath” (John 19:31).

Furthermore, we note that the weekly Sabbath was institutionalized by God back at thevery beginning during Creation Week (see Genesis 2:1-3). This happened before sinentered into the world. Additionally, the weekly Sabbath is enshrined in the heart of theTen Commandment Moral Law written in stone by the finger of God (Exodus 20:8-11;Exodus 31:18). Thus it was not a shadow pointing forward to Christ like the ceremonialsabbaths. Instead, it is as eternal as God’s Moral Ten Commandment Law.

Let’s now examine some Bible verses that use language similar to that found inColossians 2:15 and Ephesians 2:15. Remember that we want Scripture to be its owninterpreter.

Texts Similar to Colossians 2:16

Numbers 28 talks about meat and drink offerings no less than 20 times. Numbers 28:11speaks of monthly offerings, “And in the beginnings of your months [new moons] ye shalloffer a burnt offering unto the LORD.”

1 Chronicles 23:31-32

And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and onthe set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continuallybefore the LORD: And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of thecongregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their

brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 8:13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, onthe sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year,even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.






2 Chronicles 31:3

He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for themorning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for thenew moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.

Ezra 3:5

And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the setfeasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewilloffering unto the LORD.

Nehemiah 10:33

For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering,of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for thesin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

Psalms 81:3

Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

Isaiah 1:13-14

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons andsabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemnmeeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble

unto me; I am weary to bear them.

Ezekiel 45:17

And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drinkofferings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burntoffering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

Hosea 2:11

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths,and all her solemn feasts.

So, when we come to Colossians 2:16-17 where it says, “Let no man therefore judge

you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of thesabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ,” howshould we interpret it? We recognize that this is clearly talking about the old shadow,ceremonial law of the OT that was done away with by Christ, fulfilling and ending it at thecross. Note that the “sabbath days” is plural. Note also that these are said to be a“shadow of things to come.”

We remember that the Seventh-day Sabbath was instituted before sin entered into theworld after the fall of Adam and Eve. The weekly Sabbath was instituted at the verybeginning by the Creator God Himself as a memorial of His completed work (Genesis2:1-3). In the heart of the Ten Commandments, God asks us to “remember” the weeklySabbath day as a memorial of what He has done (Exodus 20:8-11). To confuse this withthe shadow sabbaths of the ceremonial ordinances of the Mosaic law is to wrest theScriptures to our own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

Thus, when we read Paul admonishing us to not judge another man in meat, drinks, or days, we recognize that the issue is not about dietary clean and unclean animal flesh or about the weekly sabbath. Instead, the issue is how we are to treat our brothers andsisters who sincerely believe in adhering to a stricter set of rules regarding food offeredto idols; it is about whether the ceremonial holy days, and sabbath days, and other aspects of that law are still binding upon Christians; it is about whether we will be astumbling block or not.

Matthew 15:11

Here Christ is speaking to the Pharisees: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth aman; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

Is Jesus saying that whatever we eat won’t defile us? Let’s look at the context to seewhat Jesus is talking about.

1Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2Why dothy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when

they eat bread.... 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and

understand: 11Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh






out of the mouth, this defileth a man.... 15Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare

unto us this parable. 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17Do notye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is

cast out into the draught? 18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth

from the heart; and they defile the man.19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,

murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20These are thethings which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man. Mathew15:1, 2, 10, 11, 15-20.

What is the issue according the Jesus? According to verse 20, the issue is whether aperson is defiled by eating with unwashen hands. The Pharisees were insisting that

Jesus and His disciples were breaking the law by not washing their hands (in aceremonial sense). The parallel passage in Mark chapter 7 is even more clear as to

what the real issue was. In fact, it demonstrates that Christ was upholding His laws of the Old Testament. It was the Jews who were breaking God’s law while at the sametime enforcing their own man-made traditions.

1Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from

Jerusalem. 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to

say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except

they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when theycome from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be,which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots brasen vessels, and of

tables. 5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according

to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 6He answered and said

unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This peoplehonoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7Howbeit in vain do they

worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8For laying aside thecommandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and

many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the

commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift,

by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no

more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13Making the word of God of none effect

through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. 14 Andwhen he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every

one of you, and understand: 15There is nothing from without a man, that entering into himcan defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.16

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

17

And when he was entered into the housefrom the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. 18 And he saith untothem, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing

from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; 19Because it entereth not into his

heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? 20 And he said,

That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21For from within, out of the

heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22Thefts,covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride,

foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7:1-23.

The problem under discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees had nothing whatever

to do with the kind of food to be eaten, but only with the way in which it was to be eaten—whether with or without ritual hand washing. The context makes emphatically clear that Jesus was not calling into question in any way the precepts of the OT, but rather

was denying the validity of oral tradition [of the Pharisees], and here specifically thetradition that declared food eaten with hands improperly washed (in a ritualistic sense)became the cause of defilement. It was always, and exclusively, “the commandments of men” (v. 7) against which Jesus protested, in sharp distinction to the “commandment of God” (v. 8) as set forth in the Scriptures. To apply vs. 15–23 to the matter of clean andunclean meats is to ignore the context completely. Had Jesus at this time eliminated thedistinction between clean and unclean flesh foods it is obvious that Peter would not later

have responded as he did to the idea of eating unclean flesh foods (Acts 10:9-18).3

Acts 10:9-16

In the following passage Peter receives a vision that will alter his worldview in adramatic way. Let’s read it and see what the real issue was.

9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went upupon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would

have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened,and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four

corners, and let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the

earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice

to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any






thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time,

What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16This was done thrice: and thevessel was received up again into heaven.

Many have concluded that this passage is removing the distinction between clean andunclean animal foods set forth in the OT. But is this what is being said here? Let’s letPeter tell us in his own words what lesson he learned from this dramatic vision. Wecontinue in verse 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 that Peter is wondering what this vision is all about. What is God trying to teachhim? A little later, after going with the men to visit Cornelius and finding himself in themidst of a group of his friends and family, Peter relates to them the lesson that God hadbeen trying to teach him with the vision (verses 26-28):

Peter...said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew tokeep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I shouldnot call any man common or unclean.

What did Peter say was the issue? “God hath shewed me that I should not call any mancommon or unclean.” The issue was the separation of the Jews from the Gentiles. Godwas trying to teach Peter that the Gentiles, whom God had created, were not to betreated as common or unclean as was typically done by the Jews of that era.

1 Corinthians 10:19-33

19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is

any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils,

and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannotdrink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table,

and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,

but all things edify not.24Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles [market], that eat, asking no question for

conscience sake: 26For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 27If any of themthat believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you,

eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28But if any man say unto you, This is

offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake:

for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but

of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30For if I by grace

be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31Whether therefore

ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give none offence,

neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33Even as I please allmen in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may besaved.

Once again as we saw in the above passages, Paul is dealing with the issue of foodoffered to idols. This is a continuation of his overall discussion beginning in 1Corinthians 8 that we examined above.

Some wonder about Paul’s statement in verse 23, “All things are lawful for me, but all

things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” Is Paulechoing a libertine, anything goes philosophy here? Let’s go back a few chapters to 1Corinthians 6:12, where we see Paul use the same phrase.

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Are all things truly lawful for Paul and other believers? Paul answers our question for usa few verses back in the same chapter (verses 9-10):

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselveswith mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shallinherit the kingdom of God.

It is apparent from the context that Paul is not saying that everything is lawful, but onlythose things that were in question in his discussion with the Corinthian believers. Thatwould include the issues of food offered to idols, whether the ceremonial law was stillbinding, and possibly certain other errors that had begun to creep into the early church(Gnostic errors that we will look at below).

1 Timoth 4:1-5






1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the

faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy;

having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding toabstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them

which believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be

refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God andprayer.

Note that Paul is warning Timothy that in latter times there would arise people that wouldforbid to marry and command church members to abstain from meats. Now notice in

the Interlinear Bible how this is rendered:

But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from thefaith...forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods, which God created for partaking with thanksgiving by the believers, and those knowing the truth. Because every creature of

God is good and nothing to be thrust away....4 (Emphasis supplied)

What foods are being talked about here? The text clarifies it for us, only those foods“which God created for partaking with thanksgiving by the believers, and those knowingthe truth.” Is that clear? The text provides us a qualification; it tells us that only thosefoods that God created for eating are to be eaten. The OT clearly lays out what waspermitted to be eaten. That did not change in the NT. Otherwise Peter would not haveprotested in the vision of Acts 10 (see above). And note that Peter did not take awayfrom that vision that he should now start eating unclean meats. He knew well what God

was trying to teach, not to call an man unclean or common.

Some mistakenly assume from the above text that God is telling us that we can eatliterally anything so long as we receive it with thanksgiving. If we believe that is the case,then we have just handed the cannibals of New Guinea a biblical basis for pursuingtheir practice of eating the flesh of their fellow human beings. After all, doesn’t the textsay, “every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received withthanksgiving”?

In Genesis 1:29, God tells us, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herbbearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is thefruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Again, in Genesis 9:3 (after theflood) God says, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the greenherb have I given you all things.”

Let’s ask the question, Did God say we could eat every herb bearing seed, and every tree? The answer is, Yes. But would you and I eat Poison Ivy or the Poinsettia plant(think Christmas)? Are they not part of the herbs bearing seed? Yes. But no one in their right mind would eat these things. To do so would be presumptuous. God has given uscommon sense and wisdom to help us understand what is included in His permission toeat every herb. We recognize that sin has changed things. The curse is resting moreand more heavily upon the earth as sin deepens in the world. Could that be somethingwe need to take into consideration in our diet for today (the worsening curse of sin onGod’s creation)?

Acts 15:29 plainly debunks the notion that the apostolic church considered all foodpermissible to eat. “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us [the apostles]...”The early church was commanded to abstain from “blood, and from things strangled.”

Clearly the apostles, after careful deliberation and under the watchful guidance of theHoly Spirit, concluded that dietary restrictions most certainly applied to the saints in

New Testament times. Evidently, they understood that God’s dietary guidelines had not been removed at the Cross. So, what is Paul talking of in 1 Timothy 4:1-5?

Let us note what the highly respected Protestant commentary by Jamieson, Fausset,and Brown (published in 1871) says about this text:

1 Tim 4:4, 5. ... every creature ... good — (Ge 1:31 ; Ro 14:14, 20). A refutation byanticipation of the Gnostic opposition to creation: the seeds of which were now lurkinglatently in the Church. Judaism (Ac 10:11–16; 1Co 10:25, 26) was the starting-point of theerror as to meats: Oriental Gnosis added new elements. The old Gnostic heresy is nowalmost extinct; but its remains in the celibacy of Rome’s priesthood, and in its fasts from

animal meats, enjoined under the penalty of mortal sin, remain.5

Note that they attribute what Paul is speaking of as referring to the Gnostic heresy thatthought that creation was inherently evil. Furthermore, Paul saw prophetically that thisheresy would become more widespread in the church. Sure enough, history bears outthat the Church of Rome forbade her priests and nuns from marrying and commandedchurch members to abstain from eating certain foods on Fridays, during Lent, and at

other times. In fact, the hedonistic and riotous partying of Mardis Gras (French for “Fat






Tuesday”) is the last chance to eat, drink, and be merry before the 40 days of fasting of the Roman Catholic Lent commences the next day on Wednesday leading up to Easter 40 days later.

Summary of Part 1

We have examined Romans 14, Mathew 15:11, Acts 10:9-16, 1 Corinthians 10:19-33,Colossians 2:14-17, 1 Timothy 4:1-5 and associated passages in answering thecharge that these texts nullify the OT dietary restrictions imposed by God upon Hispeople. We have allowed Scriptures to interpret Scriptures showing that these

passages do not take away God’s plan for our diet or for the keeping of the Seventh-day weekly Sabbath. We demonstrated that the shadowy aspects of the OT, theceremonial law contained in ordinances was nailed to the cross. The old festivals, holydays, and ceremonial sabbaths, along with the sacrifices and other ceremonial aspectsof the Mosaic law were fulfilled by Christ and are thus non-binding today. However, theMoral Law of Ten Commandments, written by God’s finger in stone, and stored insideof the ark of the covenant, is still binding on all people today. Part of this Mosaic Lawdealing with the non-ceremonial aspects are also still binding upon us today, includingthe health laws.

In the next section, we will examine God’s ideal for us in the area of health. We aim todemonstrate that God is very interested in our living a healthy, happy, abundant life hereon earth as we prepare for the next life.

Go to Part 2: Restoring God’s Diet for the Last Generation

ENDNOTES

1. Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual , Revised 2000, 16th Edition(Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2000), pp. 32-33,http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/church_manual/chapter6.html#32 (accessedMarch 2, 2004).

2. Seventh-day Adventists Believe...27 Fundamental Beliefs (Hagerstown, MD:Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p. 278,http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/index.html(accessed March 2, 2004).

3. F. D. Nichol, The Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary (Washington, D.C.:Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1978), Mark 7:15.

4. Jay P. Green, Sr., The Interlinear Bible (Lafayette, IN: Sovereign GracePublishers, 1985), 1 Tim. 4:1-5.

5. Jamieson, R., A. R. Fausset, D. Brown, A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Oak Harbor, WA: LogosResearch Systems, Inc., 1997), Originally published in 1871. 1 Ti 4:4.

David Qualls is an active member of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. Raised aSeventh-day Adventist by godly parents, he turned his back on God in his teens, but by the grace of Godreturned to the faith of his youth with a strong desire to serve God and to help others prepare for His sooncoming. He has served in several self-supporting ministries and currently resides near Tulsa with his wife,Ruth. Having earned degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, he currently works in thesoftware development field for a large telecommunications firm. Taking an active interest in currenttheological issues within the Remnant Church, he desires to let God use him to spread the true gospeland to help others avoid being blown about by every wind of doctrine.

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