Q. Science today has shown how important what we eat is to our health. Why then does the Bible claim that it doesn't matter what we eat?

A. I assume you are referring to such New Testament statements as, "Let not man, therefore judge you in meat, or in drink" (Col. 2:16); "And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise Peter; slay and eat. But I said, not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean has at anytime entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, what God has cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 11: 7-9); and "For one believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him" (Rom. 14: 2-3).

The Bible says that there are special dietary laws of health. In the garden of Eden we were given God 's best diet for mankind--fruits, grains, and nuts. Vegetables were added after sin, then, after the flood, God allowed man to eat clean meats which are clearly defined in Leviticus 11.

It is helpful to note that Colossians 2:16 is not dealing with normal dietary habits, but the use of various foods and drinks for the ceremonial sabbaths. In Colossians 2: 14-17, Paul states that these ceremonial and sacrificial ordinances pointing to the sacrifice of Christ were nailed to the cross. As for the experience of Peter with the Roman centurion in Acts 11, this is not dealing with dietary habits, but was a lesson to teach Peter that he was to be no respecter of persons; that the gospel was just as valid for the salvation of the Gentiles as for the Jews.

Paul clearly admonishes us, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10: 31).

Vol.5 No.1

Q. Which "meats" are being referred to in 1 Timothy 4:1-5?

A. The meats here referred to were such as God had approved in His Word.

This passage of Scripture warns us that in the latter times, "some will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer."

The Bible always explains itself. Here we see it is the Word of God which must approve it, and then the prayer of thanksgiving will sanctify it to be eaten. In Leviticus 11:20,47, God describes the "meats" which He created to be received with thanksgiving. Here God also distinguishes between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

Those "meats" which some would forbid in the last days were "meats" which God created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Those who believe and know that Word will know the difference between those things that are "sanctified" and "'created to be received with thanksgiving"' and those that are not.

Vol.5 No.1

Q. Health is necessary for our physical strength, but how does it relate to our spiritual life? When should we make health changes?

A. Isn't it wonderful that God's love for us is so deep that He wants above all things that we prosper and be in health (3 John 2)? Not only does He want us to be in health, but in His mercy He gives us instructions to follow that we might truly "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, unto God" (Romans 12:1).

As He gives us light-physical, mental, or spiritual light-we ought to walk in the light. "'For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). If we refuse to walk in the light we lose our relish of spiritual things. "And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil"' (John 3:19).

"'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1 Corinthians 3:16,17). When the Lord graciously gives us light and truth to help us live better lives to His glory we should gladly receive it.

"Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart" (Psalms 95:7,18).