“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” – Acts 10:15
Understanding Clean and Unclean
As we navigate our faith, we recognize the significant importance of understanding the distinction between clean and unclean foods laid down in the Bible. The New Testament provides profound insights into what God considers pure. When God declared all foods clean, it urged us to broaden our perspective on dietary laws. By grasping this, we embrace God’s inclusive nature. Every believer is invited to partake without fear, reflecting God’s acceptance and eternal grace.
Mark 7:18-19
“He said, “Are you so dull? Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)” – Mark 7:18-19
Acts 10:14
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” – Acts 10:14
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” – Romans 14:14
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” – Colossians 2:16
The Law and Grace
We find ourselves standing at the intersection of law and grace, and the New Testament encourages us to see how Jesus fulfilled the law. The dietary laws of the Old Testament were a part of the Mosaic covenant, but grace brought about a new covenant which allowed us freedom. When we accept this divine grace, we acknowledge that our relationship with God isn’t determined by dietary choices but rather by faith in Christ. Celebrating God’s grace means letting go of legalism and embracing the goodness of His provisions.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
Romans 7:6
“But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” – Romans 7:6
Hebrews 8:13
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” – Hebrews 8:13
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
God’s Creation and Our Choices
In understanding how we relate to God through our choices, the guidelines offered in scripture remind us of our responsibility to honor creation and what God has provided. Our dietary choices, including the consumption of pork, should stem from gratitude and respect for God’s provisions. Instead of focusing solely on rules, we can choose to embrace the freedom that allows us to see food as a gift from God. This shift promotes a spirit of thanksgiving rather than a spirit of fear.
Acts 11:9
“But the voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'” – Acts 11:9
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Heart Matters
As friends in faith, we understand that it’s not merely the act of eating that matters; it’s the heart behind it. The New Testament teaches us that our intentions and our faith are what count before God. When we approach our meals with thankfulness and sincerity, we honor God with our choices, regardless of what food is on our plates. Our hearts being right before God allows for an authentic relationship with Him, one that transcends the physical and engages the spiritual heart.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” – Matthew 15:11
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” – Luke 6:45
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Unity in Diversity
As we gather together in fellowship, we realize the beauty of our diverse expressions of faith and practice. Christians come from various backgrounds, and our different diets should be a source of unity rather than division. The New Testament encourages us to honor each other’s practices and understand that, ultimately, we are called to love one another. By appreciating our differences and choosing to celebrate rather than debate, we reflect Christ’s love and create a welcoming environment for all.
Romans 14:1
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” – Romans 14:1
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Celebrating God’s Goodness
When we sit down for a meal, we have the perfect opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Each meal, whether it includes pork or not, can be approached with a thankful heart. It’s about appreciating the flavors and the nourishment that God provides us. This lifestyle of gratitude not only enhances our relationship with food but also strengthens our relationship with God and each other.
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26
Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Final Thoughts
Understanding the perspective of pork and dietary regulations in the New Testament is an enlightening and liberating experience. We find that God has declared all foods clean. Embracing the grace offered to us allows for a deeper relationship with Him, not based on rules, but on love and thankfulness. As we gather around the table, our hearts and minds should be focused not just on what we eat, but the spirit of unity and gratitude we bring to every meal.
We are called to love and accept each other, celebrating our diversity while holding fast to our common faith in Christ. By embracing this, we open the door to richer fellowship and community meals. Let’s continue in our faith journey, choosing gratitude and joy in the choices we make, honoring God in everything, including our meals.
Explore more about God’s goodness in our lives and the blessings He gives us by visiting Bible Repository. For insights on gathering with loved ones to enjoy blessed meals, check out Bible Verses about Gathering to Eat.