Thursday: The Jerusalem Decree
Early success of the mission to the Gentiles raised some crucial questions for the early church regarding what requirements should be expected of Gentile converts, those grafted into the faith (Rom. 11:17). Tensions always appear when people from other religions and cultures join an established believing community. In this case, Jewish Christians, with their high regard for the requirements of the Old Testament laws and rituals, assumed that Gentile converts would accept and obey these laws and rituals.
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
The main focus was circumcision, the fundamental indication of entry into the Jewish community for males, symbolizing compliance with all the requirements of Judaism. Should Gentile converts to Christianity be required to undergo circumcision? Some Jewish Christians in Judea certainly thought so and stated their conviction in stark theological language: to them it was essential for salvation.
What happened at the Jerusalem Council that helped settle this important issue? Acts 15:1-35.
Although the question of circumcision was the main reason for the Jerusalem Council, it dealt with a range of cultural practices that the gospel did not require of its converts. The decree of the council (Acts 15:23-29) provided a common platform where Jewish and Gentile Christians could coexist in fellowship. Jewish core values were respected, but Gentiles were allowed to avoid circumcision. The council’s decision was both practical and theological. It set a pattern for the church to deal with issues and problems before they became too divisive. Experienced missionaries learn to identify core Christian belief issues and keep the focus on them as opposed to getting bogged down with things that are not essential to the faith.
What lesson can we take away from the Jerusalem Council that could help the church today as it deals with controversial issues? What did they do that can serve as a model for us?
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Notwithstanding the light shining from scripture and supported by spirit of prophecy there are those among the remnant people who sincerely believe the health message has nothing to do with salvation and is an optional feature of the church. Perhaps some see it as merely a tool to pry open the door to the heart of unbelievers.
The Jerusalem council having prayed and discussed the matter and ultimately led by the Holy Spirit came to the conclusion that the health message was necessary for all to comply with.
Likely identifying particular issues which were known to be problems with the gentiles they concluded, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” Acts 15:28, 29.
Observing among the people the mistreatment of God’s temple, the body (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) the Jerusalem council understood it to be an essential that both God’s moral and natural laws be complied with. As we have come to learn today health has an effect on our spiritual condition.
When the faithful honor God’s temple they are also brought into the best position to rightly relate to God, and the relationship grows. O how the Redeemer longs to draw closer to His own.
If one's health has a significant effect on one's spiritual condition, does that imply that the physically healthiest will be the most spiritual? Is someone dying of cancer at spiritual risk?
"Bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1Tim 4:8
"There is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him, but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man." Mark 7:15
Kenny,
Thanks for your question. There is not a direct/matching/exact relationship between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The statement actually said, “...an effect...” So does it have no effect? Some things one may consider:
Experience: When sick or in pain most people tend to be more miserable and less inclined to do anything, including active service, Bible study or prayer, the building blocks of a relationship with God.
Psychology: ‘People are what they eat.’ is an old saying.
Modern Science: Studies and experts have suggested a body-mind connection. The mind is the faculty through which mankind relates to God.
SOP: “Eating has much to do with religion. The spiritual experience is greatly affected by the way in which the stomach is treated. Eating and drinking in accordance with the laws of health promote virtuous actions. But if the stomach is abused by habits that have no foundation in nature, Satan takes advantage of the wrong that has been done and uses the stomach as an enemy of righteousness, creating a disturbance which affects the entire being. Sacred things are not appreciated. Spiritual zeal diminishes. Peace of mind is lost. There is dissension, strife, and discord. Impatient words are spoken and unkind deeds are done; dishonest practices are followed and anger is manifested—and all because the nerves of the brain are disturbed by the abuse heaped on the stomach. (Counsels on Health p. 578)
Bible: Jesus in the Old Testament (Leviticus 11) and in the New Testament (John 5:14) made a connection of conscious health choices to sin.
We are all in a pathetic condition, whatever our issue, inherited or cultivated. Our choices can make things worse or better. The Lord sheds light to help us have a better experience with Him until the day when it is perfect in Heaven.
Kenny, was Daniel in error to think the food supplied by Nebuchadnezzar would defile him? Did God bless Daniel's choice over those who didn't choose it? What do we read in the account of Daniel 1? What does the Holy Spirit reveal on this through Ellen?
Jesus was speaking of the ceremonial "washing" imposed on the people by the leaders of His day, and was not speaking of defiling foods that are deleterious to our bodies and minds. We know too much today to remain ignorant on this.
Acts 15, 28-29 doesn't talk about health message as Seventh Adventist understand this today. It asks people to:
1. Not to eat foods offered to idols.
2. Not to eat blood.
3. Not to eat meat of strangled animals.
4. And to abstain from sexual immorality.
Health message as presented by EGW has way more details than the above list. And the above list doesn't reflect those details. She requires more of people.
Sarah, are you saying Ellen is her own authority? I'm not certain what you mean in your comment concerning her work of giving to the church messages from Christ Himself. She is not the Author and makes it clear.
Agreed, the health message is important and promotes better function of the body, however plain and simple it doesn't mean if you're not vegetarian that you will be going straight to hell. That is not found anywhere in the Bible.
The Jerusalem Council gives an interesting model for working out differences of views in the church. They (1) listened to the experiences of the missionaries on the field (2) disputed their points of view (3) referred to Scripture for a final solution.
Despite all the miracles that occurred among the Gentiles, the final authority seems to have been given to SCRIPTURE. Can we do any differently today?
The health message cannot save anyone. We push a lot of people away , we need to teach them bible facts and most of all love. We don't even show love to members in our congregations. We are no better than in Peters daysl we have substitute circumcision with other thing.
There's a perfect parallel between the ritual of circumcision and strict vegetarian diet as an evolved SDA culture in Acts 15. I totally agree that we should keep our body clean like temple but at the same time Acts 15 allows us to consume clean meats provided that they were not strangled nor eat the blood like many countries do. It irks me when I hear or see someone or when I read an article that puts vegetarianism equal or above as a necessary part of salvation. Even in this week's lesson in Acts 2:21, those who believe and call on His name will be saved. Why do you put a yoke on us who can't be a total vegetarian? I don't remember Jesus saying that.
God accepts us as individuals. He knows us inside out. Health message is wonderful for a healthy lifestyle. We need to make sure that we are getting the right balance of nutrition for our bodies so we don't have to find alternative forms of nutrition to make sure our diet is well balanced. For example vitamins.
Still not a salvation issue. "from blood and things strangled"- hardly the same as what we teach today (although, of course, included). Better, yes. Salvation issue, no.
What we learn from Acts 15 is that when the appointed leaders of the church make a decision, it should remain settled and not be brought up a 2nd or 3rd time. Lack of compliance with the church's decisions made properly is lack of faith in God who leads.
Nevertheless, unbelief prevails to this day and many of our congregations are beset with continuing divisions through the open teaching of heresies already settled and rejection of vital truths such as (yes Hugh) health reform. Doesn't Daniel 1 make this point vitally clear? However, as with all truth, it is for those who will receive it and it's attendant blessings. (Notice in Daniel 3 and 6 that only those who follow the reform demonstrated in Daniel 1 remain faithful under severe trials and temptations to compromise their faith in God. The Faithful Four simply followed the Divine Statute of Gen 1:29 and 3:18 through faith in God's establish Word, from which not one jot or tittle will pass.)
Why is it assumed that health reform must always = "strict vegetarian"? However, I would add that the secular world recognizes that the optimal diet for the human body is plants. Healthy body = healthy mind.
Paul writes "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do to the Glory of God". How many eat things that destroy health even if "strict vegetarian"? Over-eating, poor quality food, lack of following true temperance in all things, many ways to defile the temple of God. Notice each step in Peter's ladder: 2 Peter 1:5-8.
I would ask: does God tell us what His ideal diet is for mankind?
How did Daniel decide what to choose for his diet instead of the food that would defile him? Where in scripture is this ideal diet defined? What is the meaning of Prov 30:8?
To Robert Whiteman. I understand your dedication to remain strict vegetarian. Your point is well taken. I do have 2 points for you to consider.
1. Why didn't Jesus ask for an apple or nuts when he was given a fish and yet He remained faithful in His mission till death to save us.
2. I feel like you have placed a judgment to those that are not vegetarians like they have no will to make proper decision at the end when the rough gets going.
I still want to follow the Bible principles and guidelines on diet. None of the apostles if I recall was a vegetarian. This is your choice and your personal conviction but not part of salvation like you suggest.
Raphael, do you know personally the dietary choices of the Apostles after they received the Holy Spirit or are you referring to the record prior to that? More importantly, how does it reflect in anyway what you or I do today given the greater information we have compared to them? What has Jesus, the Head of the Church, brought to His remnant people on this subject? Has there been a voice calling us to a higher state of faith for this hour? Is our food supply as safe as it was 2000 years ago? Does even the worldly person know better now? Do you recall what the Pen wrote about 100 years ago regarding the dietary choices of those who are preparing for translation when Jesus comes?
How have I placed any judgment when it is Jesus who gave us the both the Scriptures and the Testimonies for the church? Perhaps you should reckon with Him and not with someone who is nobody significant. My opinions are only that, but if true, what then? Only the Holy Spirit can convict and when He does, we do well to heed those convictions and share the testimony He compels us to share with any who will receive it. Do you know our specific instructions on this subject of health reform and why we have them? If you are feeling judgment, it's not from me or anything I say. But I will be faithful to God's counsel regardless of the objections of those who would reject His entreaties.
We have a calling no other generation has ever had. Will we heed it? Have you considered Prov 30:8? It is not my word, but His.
Robert,
The corridor of courage may feel lonely, but like Elijah and John, the baptizer, those who stand by the Word are not alone. No, not because of the 7,000 (1 Kings 19:18), but because of the One (Daniel 3:25).
Praise to the Holy Spirit who by you brings to mind the timely and refreshing reminder,
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man." (Education p. 57)
Yes Hugh, never alone!
I wish all would prayerfully try Daniel's 10-day test and see how wonderful the results of the blessing from the Lord. The efforts to share this precious and needed advantage is better received by those outside, which is perplexing to realize. I believe the rocks are crying out.
Dan 3:25 & 6:22 was the sure result of Dan 1.
So we are more informed today than the resurrected Lord Jesus! who asked if his apostles had anything to eat and they gave him a piece of broiled fish which He ate heartily. Did He eat because it had no mercury? Lk 24:41-43. Jesus later prepared a charcoal fire and laid fish and bread on it and invited his apostles “Come and have breakfast” John 21:9-13. This is the resurrected Lord and Creator who was given all authority and power over everything except His Father!
Remember that Law came in that sin might abound and be a teacher until Christ. Israel according to the flesh were given rules regarding clean and unclean foods. Those unclean (wild) animals represented the surrounding nations with whom they were not to associate because these nations would lead them into the abominations that defiled the land. Peter’s vision confirmed this. Israelites would defile themselves, physically of course, even if they touched the carcass of those unclean animals(Lev 11). They would be unclean until cleansed with time or perform some cleansing procedure.
When Jesus declared “whatever goes into a man...cannot defile him” (Mk 7:18-23), Mark commented, “thus He declared all foods clean” v19. Paul says “I know and am convinced of the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean....for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit....All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense”. Rom 14:14-20. Paul said before “one person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables” v2. Neither one is supposed to judge the other.
In Col 2 Paul countered the factional teaching that stressed the way to holiness was through asceticism - don’t taste, don’t handle, don’t touch etc. He emphasized that spirituality is not achieved by self-centered efforts to control the passions, but by putting on Christ, “setting one’s affections on Him”, and in so doing removing all that is contrary to His will. Once we admit the inferior powers to share supplication with God, the inferior powers(diet etc) gradually engrosses all our serious worship, almost to the exclusion of Christ; because the one from whom I expect happiness(veganism etc) or misery, becomes the uppermost object in my mind.
True self-denial regards the spirit, and not the forms of abstinence in “meats which profit not those occupied therein”(Heb 13:9). Self-imposed ordinances gratify the flesh (namely, self-righteousness), though seeming to mortify it. In Colossae and Laodicea false teachers, influenced by Jewish beliefs, were insisting that Christians follow certain rules as a way of expressing their faith. Paul criticized this in light of faith in Christ. As the goal of all God’s plans and purposes, Christ is the center of all true piety. Nothing else is to be added. Paul had no problem with individual Christians imposing rules on themselves that they think are conducive to their own growth in Christ (Rom 14:5; 1 Cor 8). But they must not require others to obey these self-imposed rules. Divine “fullness” is in Christ and believers are “filled in Him”(Col 2:9,10). They have everything they need in Christ. They don’t need any other teaching to complete their spiritual well-being, to become like God. Believers no longer live in the sphere of the flesh and its influence (Gal 5:24) but have been transferred to the kingdom of Christ and live through and in Him, under His Lordship (Col 1:13).
Kenny, it's a simple choice and you have made yours. No one is forcing anything upon anyone. God calls us to reason together with Him, and some have seen a great blessing in the health message that has helped so many in wonderful ways. My personal experience has been very positive in every way.
Jesus' prayer was that we would be One with Him and His Father. In this world of sin, we need every advantage.
What choice is it that was offered that I have made, Robert? Is it vegetarianism and others? I am vegetarian! Read Col 2 carefully and see what the Lord says about the dangers of introducing teachings concerning foods and drinks etc.
Kenny, only you know the choice you have made, and I have not referred to anyone's personal choices, only the fact that God has brought a message for the remnant who will be sealed and translated to heaven without death. It came as a vital truth to be received and shared, but not forced. It's a simple choice. Some have made it more than it is, but that doesn't change it's importance or the fact that it is God's will for all who will follow Him. The teachings you refer to from Col 2 are speaking of a different thing, and does not refer to what God has given us in this day. God does not contradict Himself.
Again, there is a choice for all to make and all that God brings us is for our best interest and will prosper all who walk in faith.
It's also a side issue to the main discussion but relevant to us at this time.
Raphael,
Would it also be an act of judgment to suggest that another is judging? Could there be a difference between calling sin by its right name (as best as one understands it) like Jesus, the apostles and prophets did without apology, and judging? If so how would one tell the difference?
We sometimes take a really good idea and surround it with so much "guilt pressure" that it loses its effectiveness. I was involved with a group discussion with Christians about effective witnessing. One of the Seventh-day Adventists asked the question; What have Adventists got that is of interest to unchurched people. The group leader, not an Adventist, said immediately; "You can talk about lifestyle! You people are very credible when it comes to lifestyle. Others are willing to listen to you about that."
National Geographic, among others, have noted and published that Adventists live longer and more actively than the average population. This is one area where we have the opportunity to talk to others about improving their lifestyle. Programs like CHIP have an enormous potential to reach out to others.
My concern is that so often we are so negative to one another about health. We like to try and make other Adventists feel guilty because they are eating or doing things that we don't. Making people feel guilty is not really what healthy lifestyle is about.
Act 15:28-29 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things: (29) that you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which, if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Be prospered.
The Jerusalem Council said these are the things they must continue to do and that they didn't need to be circumcision.
But what else did they not have to do? Does anyone know?
Shirley, perhaps Romans 14, Colossians 2, much of Hebrews and Galatians give us an idea of the various issues settled in Acts 15.
Looking at the context of Acts 15:28-29, we find, in Acts 15:1-6, the reason that the council was convened. Since some were asserting that it was necessary for salvation that one keep the laws of Moses (including circumcision) but those were not required in the response of the council (Acts 15:28-29), performance of the laws of Moses in general is what I see as not required for salvation. Since consumption of blood and things strangled are still prohibited, we see that the health-related regulations are still pertinent for the Christian (as science now confirms). On the other hand the ceremonial and civil portions, though enlightening, are not necessary. This is consistent with Paul's writings to the churches.
This topic of the health message is beginning to sound like the old debate of keeping the commandment to be saved. As 7th day Adventists we all agree that we keep the 10 commandment because we are saved. Following the heath message is very much similar to that. We look after our bodies because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19. God wants us to perform at our optimum level it is for our benefit to feel great both physically and spiritually. Also with today's interest in healthy living, the health message will be used as a door way to share the gospel, especially in these last days. Healthy living is manifestation of our obedience to God. Notice I did not say being healthy, because those of us who are suffering ill health can still make healthy life style choices. God Bless.
I wonder: What is the basic issue at the council of Jerusalem. I have come to the conclusion that the real bone of contention is justification by works over against justification by faith. The terminology, Peter is using, reveals a similarity with Paul (compare the statements of Peter at the council with the letters of Paul in Romans and Galatians).
Comparing Acts 15:1 with Acts 15:5, it becomes obvious that the circumcision party is claiming salvation to be dependent on circumcision and keeping the law of Moses. Peter is contering this teaching with statements revealing salvation by faith. He is reminding the audience that God has purified Gentiles and Jews by faith at the house of Cornelius (Acts 15:9). He goes on to call justification by works a temptation against God as they are trying to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neiter our fathers nor we were able to bear (Acts 15:10). He is summing up his speech with the confession: But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
When Peter by his example at Antioch was tearing down what God has built up, the apostle Paul was addressing the same issue in his stern rebuke to Peter argueing strongly in favor of justification by faith against justification by works (Galstians 2:16.18). The same issue came up with Luther and the Reformaion time and to a certain extent in our own history at the General Conference in 1888.
As to which parts of the law of Moses are still valid and which are not, seems to be another issue, which is not considered in this paragraph.
Winfried Stolpmann
I think you are right on Winfried. To me the issue was deeper than circumcision; it was the essence of Paul’s letters concerning righteousness by grace through faith.
As for the decision of the council, James was trying to keep the church together and part of that included a compromise measure for the sake of the legalistic Jews who were having enough of a problem over circumcision. I think also we need to understand that what was discussed in that council was not an easy issue to resolve since circumcision is spoken of as an “everlasting covenant” (Gen 17:13)
Tyler, I sometimes wonder why the language of Scripture sometimes appear almost unfortunate, as in the text you quoted (Gen 17: 13). It might well have been a primary source of a whole nation's religious and cultural identity along with their misunderstanding of its enduring nature. I wonder, however, if those forcefully advocating circumcision had a balanced "line upon line" (Isaiah 28: 13) view of OT Scripture? The common Judeo-Christian teaching of humanity's fall and redemption is intimately bound to the object lesson of circumcision ( Deut 10: 16; Deut 30:6). Circumcision wasn't itself the "everlasting covenant" but foreshadowed the Creator's everlasting commitment to the permanent removal of sin from the human heart or mind! It was God's message to Moses (afore quoted), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 36: 26-27), Jeremiah (Jer 31: 31-33), John (John 1: 29) and the Apostles (Acts 2:38; Rom 2: 28-29). The new covenant (Heb 10: 16-18, 22) is the actual fulfillment of ritual circumcision. I think it might be more fruitful to analyze Peter's discourse during the council session. According to Peter, God knows that the heart/mind of Jew and Gentile alike is in need of purification (Acts 15: 9; Jer 17: 9; Prov 4: 23). So God GIVES the same solution, the Holy Spirit, to each group (Acts 15: 8). Note that he points out that the solution for the cleansing, or salvaging, of the human mind is an act of God's grace or kindness (Acts 15: 11), accessed by believing (faith) God's given solution. This is ALWAYS the ONLY means to resolving humanity's dilemma. However, to our stricken minds, God's truth, sounds about as inviting as manna to Israel (Num 21: 5; Jn 6: 31-33) or as logical as healing from a brass serpent on a pole (John 3:14-15). If we're going to survive the wilderness of this life though, there really is ONLY One solution--permanent separation from our nature through faith in Christ (Ex 4:25; 1 John 3: 5,8-9).
Everything a child of God does should be done under the broad umbrella of faith in Jesus. Whether it is dressing or eating or working or marrying. It should be done because it will give Christ better & longer service, it will represent him better. There are many foods, many jobs, many marriages, many clothes, many decisions that are taken outside of the broad umbrella of faith in Jesus. So the question of diet has more to do with faith than most realise. when the light that lighteth every man....... shines into the dark corner of the soul, many will adopt and conform to Christ glorifying practises, health & others.
"For I AM the LORD, I dot change" Mal 3:6". How can God bless or condone those things He cursed aforetime and declared unclean and an abomination?
Whether you are a vegetarian of any pursuasion, or a meat eater; you can overindulge and abuse your body either way. Moderation is the key. we should not judge others by what eat or drink but rather observe their behaviour.
Having been given instruction on the aspect of diet, let everyone make their own decision with respect to this question. However it is true that we are what we eat or drink and it will either strengthen or weaken or minds.
Man was created to subsist on a meatless diet, and you who practice vegetarianism, well done! and you who eat "clean" meat, well done to you also, for most of the people in the bible (POST FALL) were omnivores.
Were the laws of clean and unclean foods part of Moses law or they apply to us as well. Take for example pork, I personally do not eat it but how do I explain to someone during mission work, that the Jerusalem council did excuse jewish customs like circumcision but it still does not excuse jewish customs like not eating pork.
We sometimes try too hard to see detail in the Biblical health laws to justify our unhealthy living. Bear in mind that the Bible says nothing about eating "fast food" from MacDonalds, or Burger King and so on, but we know that such foods typically contain sugar, fat and salt in quantities that are dangerously unhealthy. The Jerusalem Council statement was not a guide to healthy living. It was simply saying to gentiles who wanted to become Christians that they did not need to become Jewish.
The Bible layed down some sound principles, but God expects us to live healthily according to the best information that is available to us.
When we become fanatics and major in the minors then guilt trips happen all the time. Our salvation happens because of the gift of God and sometimes those who have rotten lifestyles get to go to Heaven before the "righteous" saints (Matt 8:11-12).
HOWEVER,if we really want to fit into Heaven then we should consider other things as well but not to make them the priority.
Perhaps we need to understand what is a major in God's eyes so we don't make anything a minor and overlook it. If we count the wrong thing as "minor", don't we place ourselves at great risk? (Keep in mind that something only becomes a major if overlooked or ignored)
Some questions:
What was the only test of faith given to the sinless Adam and Eve?
What was the point of failure that opened this world up to Satan's full access?
What was the first temptation Satan brought to the very weakened Jesus after 40 days in the wilderness? Why did Satan bring this test first?
What was the only difference shown which led Daniel and the 3 others to be found 10 times wiser than their fellows from Jerusalem and all the king's advisors?
How influential is diet in bringing a land to receive woe or being blessed according to Solomon?(Eccl 10:16, 17)
When listing the things we should do to the glory of God, what are the only specifics Paul mentioned(1 Cor 10:31)?
What is the leading cause of suffering and most deaths in the United States annually when no other person is involved(as in murder, drunk drivers, etc)?
What specific subject was shown to Ellen to be the "right hand" of the Gospel to be given to the world, which can have the greatest effect on our physical, mental and spiritual condition? Would this "right hand" be a minor or major consideration for those wanting to bring the Gospel to the world? (This "right arm" has yet to be fully accepted by the church, and we are still here. Could there be a connection?)
What do we understand from these questions and the answers?
True guilt can only come from ourselves and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Satan cannot bring guilt to anyone who has faith in Christ.
Well it's the right arm of "our gospel", "Adventist gospel"; because the power, the right arm of THE GOSPEL is CHRIST.
No Kenny, Jesus is not the "right arm" of the Gospel, Jesus IS the Gospel, and healing/feeding, etc (making people physically whole again) was the "right arm" He used while living on this earth.
I respectfully disagree with a lot you are saying Robert but will not argue extensively with you over it. There is a time and place for everything but you don't put the cart before the horse.
There are priorities and faith in God is at the top in my opinion.
Tyler, we are carefully counseled that the health message/medical ministry will open more doors for presenting the Gospel. People who will respond to the health message will as a result be drawn to the Gospel, who otherwise would have no attraction to the gospel.
This is a very important factor if giving the gospel is our main goal. Anything that will bring more to the light of truth is worth implementing. Health reform was given by God to purify the church and relieve the suffering of many in the world. (paraphrased quote)
It's not a minor issue with God.
Friends, I still need help with my question. what do I say to people during my mission work, when they ask that since the listing of unclean meats was given to jews (like circumcision), does that mean the issue of eating unclean meats had the same final conclusion as the question of circumcision during the meeting in jerusalem. Coz unlike the sabbath which was there long before there was jew or gentile, the issue of unclean meats seems to have come about at the time of moses leading the jews.
Ndaba,
More study advisable, but a few short responses are:
1. The separation between clean and unclean animals was in effect at Noah's day (Genesis 7:2).
2. If the purpose of the health laws was to promote health (a universal issue) this would unlikely be unique to Jews; as opposed to circumcision which was family and nation based.
3. The Jerusalem council while setting aside circumcision referenced health laws from Leviticus as still binding on gentiles (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 12:16)
4. 1 Corinthians 6:20 takes the matter beyond clean versus unclean, which is probably a starting point from which to grow.
Hopefully this helps a little to get the study started.
If you had ever experience REAL hunger, like, truly starving yourself like I have experienced at some point in my life. Believe me any thing which seems edible or moves, looks appetising. Thanks be to God that I will not be judged for what I have eaten during those hard times. For this and many other shortcomings I need a Saviour who paid for my sins. Now, because I can afford a better lifestyle and better food I'll go for the vegetarian, for I know it better for my body and mind. Yet, still it doesn't save me. If that was the case, many people would be lost and the cross is pointless. On the other hand, I have know many vegetarians which have done incredible damage to the body of Christ with what has came out of their mouth. They also need the same grace I need to be saved.
Ariel, so you've known some bad vegetarians, are there no good vegetarians? Any bad non-vegetarians?
Our Creator gave us the best food for our bodies and minds, and we do our best when following this plan as did Daniel and his 3 Jewish companions. I've never known anyone who understands and follows health reform think it was going to save them. We are saved by grace through the blood of the Lamb. Once saved, what will we do? Will we eat and drink to the glory of God or do something different?
God has sent us messages to follow health reform for our own good. It's purpose is to purify the church and lessen the suffering in the world. These are worthy goals that would lead us to follow God's appointment and share it with others for their benefit as well.
Robert, I agree with you, the LORD has shown us what is best for body.
However I do know a person who stated: "breaking the laws of health is the same as breaking the ten commandments"
But you are right, we are saved by grace only, I praise the LORD he saves us from things that are bad for us physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Shirley, the Bible tells us "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) It also tells us not to judge others about what they eat or what days they observe. We follow our convictions and leave others to theirs. God will judge each soul according to the knowledge they had or could have had if not neglecting to learn it. Willful ignorance will not clear any of their duty as God has made it known. We do well to understand these things as far as God wishes to lead us.
Thanks Ariel in sharing your experience. I too had the same experience. Hunger pain is different from any type of pain. No pain medicine can alleviate hunger pain nor physical therapy other than food.
My sins in the past, present, and my future sins have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb who loves me unconditionally. I abide in Him only.