Biblically are all foods Clean?

(Are we to restrict our foods to Kosher or Halal)

            For the Christian, yes, all foods are lawful. Please note I did not say all foods were clean. Nor did I say they were Profitable or Expedient.

            The Apostle Paul wrote something that we need to consider carefully when we are talking about our Christian Liberties.

            1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “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.” It is interesting that this is in a section pertaining to fleeing sexual immorality. But, I would l think that the principle is transferrable to all areas of life.

            1 Corinthians 10: 23 repeats the theme in an area about bringing Glory to God, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”

            If we take, 1 Corinthians 10:31 to heart, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Then I hope you will agree that the universality of the above stands.

            As an illustration, let’s say I regularly drive 5 mph above the posted speed limit. I seriously doubt God is bothered by that and the chances of my getting a ticket are pretty low.

However, should I drive 100 mph, I still doubt I would make God angry by that act alone.

But, the laws of physics may discipline me and put me in front of a sorrowful Heavenly Father.

That is if the law of the Blue Lights doesn’t catch me first.

In either case while it will not cost me my salvation, it would be neither profitable or expedient. I trust you can see that point.

            Many quote: Mark 7:19, “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.)

I could not understand why my pastor didn’t use this passage. So, I did a little research.

This parenthetical clause does not appear in either the KJV or the Geneva. It was added later and there has been a debate as to when it was added or by whom.

            The second favorite passages are in Acts 10:9-19 and Acts 11:1-12 especially 10: 15, “And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” and 11:9, “But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”

            Contextually this cannot properly be applied to foods as both passages dealt with the Jewish prohibition to never associate with Gentiles who were considered unclean.

            Then we have Romans 14:20, “For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” This is about the continuing debate about eating meat that had been offered to idols.

Note, please, that it is the modern translations that use ‘food’ vs ‘things’ which the Greek does not support. The Greek ‘things’ is about ‘stuff’ that causes division.

            So, where does this leave us as Christians?

We are under Grace not (Mosaic/Torah) Law, it is clear that we cannot be saved any other way.

However, and I must make this point, we were never freed from God’s Moral Law expressed in the Ten Commandments.

            Why do we have the Mosaic Law about foods clean and unclean?

My thinking is to protect His People who had no true knowledge of food safety and, also to provide a framework to test and encourage obedience.

            You really can’t slough of that point even today, how many time a day do we bend God’s Rules of conduct taught both in Jesus’ Parables and in Our Father’s Ten Commandments.

Like the Israelites God has given us a framework, and while clean and unclean foods or meats offered to Idols is no longer relevant, we would do well to consider how well we are listening to The Holy Spirits Guidance.

            You might be wondering why the Biblical Scholars would emphasize Food and Meats?

Because it is still an issue used to bring God’s Free Citizens into bondage. Especially those unlearned on such matters. Call it pastoral editorial license that does not change or besmirch God’s character or guidance. (Though it can give power seeking leaders an opening.)

            Now that leaves food safety. I love fried shrimp. Just about anything they could carry is destroyed in boiling oil.

As for liking Clams, not so much, if they are harvested when the water temp is wrong, you can get hepatitis, especially when improperly prepared.

Same with pork, you could get both trichinosis and hepatitis.

And, most fish without scales are bottom feeders.

Lastly, then there is the Japanese delicacy of Fugu (Pufferfish) which will kill you if not prepared properly.

            God knew what he was doing by excluding whole classes of food from a new born nation of slaves. And, while I enjoy a large number of so-called unclean foods, with joy, I remain cognizant that my Heavenly Father never does anything without a reason. Food safety matters.

            Lastly, remember that even ‘clean’ foods can still be deadly if not prepared properly or eaten to excess. Let your moderation be known to all men!