What Is Food?

This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the often-debated topic of biblical food laws, exploring their foundations in the Old Testament and their relevance for believers in the New Testament. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of why certain food laws were given, how they relate to the concept of holiness, and to address common interpretations of New Testament scriptures that suggest these laws have been abolished.

The Foundation of Food Laws and Holiness

The teaching begins by establishing the context of food laws within the broader framework of God’s call for his people to be holy. Drawing from Leviticus, specifically the Code of Holiness, it highlights God’s statement, “‘Thus you are to be holy to me, for I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the peoples to be mine.'” This verse underscores that holiness, while often translated from the Hebrew word ‘kadosh’ as ‘to be set apart,’ encompasses more than just separation. It signifies a state of being that allows for a deeper relationship with a holy God.

The speaker points out that in the Old Testament, holiness was not typically ascribed to individuals but to groups, such as the entire nation of Israel, who were called “set-apart.” Within Israel, there were different levels of holiness, exemplified by the Levites, priests, and the high priest, often associated with increased restrictions. However, the teaching emphasizes that being set apart should not merely equate to isolation but should manifest in showing love, justice, righteousness, and mercy to the world.

For believers in Jesus (Yeshua), the New Testament writings, such as Galatians 3:29, Romans 11, and Ephesians 2, indicate that they are grafted into Israel, becoming part of God’s holy kingdom. This inclusion brings with it an identity of holiness, separating believers from the world. The speaker uses a visual analogy of a distinct inner circle of holy people within the larger world to illustrate this concept. Practices like observing Shabbat and feast days are presented as ways for this holy people to enter into holy spaces, qualified by their set-apart status.

The Torah and God’s commandments are described as the means through which followers of God can live out their holiness. The teaching posits that God cares about various aspects of a believer’s life – their actions, speech, thoughts, and even dress – reflecting their identity as a holy and set-apart people. Deuteronomy 6:7 is cited to show God’s concern for what we teach our children, emphasizing instruction in the ways of the covenant and Torah. Following this line of thought, the speaker suggests that it is not far-fetched to believe that God also cares about what we eat.

Old Testament Food Laws: Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14

The core of the Old Testament food laws is found in Leviticus 11 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 14. These chapters detail which animals are considered “clean” (kosher) and which are “unclean” or an “abomination.” For land animals, the criteria are having a completely split hoof and chewing the cud. Animals like pigs, rabbits, and rock badgers are explicitly mentioned as unclean because they do not meet both criteria. Carnivorous animals are generally excluded as they do not chew the cud.

Regarding sea creatures, the rule is that they must have both fins and scales to be considered clean. Shrimp, catfish, eels, sharks, and dolphins are cited as examples of unclean seafood. For birds, the list of unclean animals is longer than the clean ones, generally including birds of prey and carrion eaters like eagles and vultures. Most insects are also deemed unclean, except for those with large hind legs for hopping, such as locusts and grasshoppers, which were permissible to eat. Animals that slither on their bellies, like snakes and lizards, are also prohibited.

The teaching emphasizes that these food laws were given to the nation of Israel after God brought them out of slavery in Egypt, as a way for them to consecrate themselves and identify with Him as a holy people. The speaker draws a parallel to the New Testament concept of being brought out of the slavery of sin through the blood of Jesus, suggesting that adhering to these food laws can be a way for believers to identify with God’s kingdom. It is clarified that this adherence is not presented as a requirement for salvation but as an act of obedience and a reflection of being set apart.

New Testament Interpretations: Mark 7, Paul’s Writings, and Peter’s Vision

The teaching addresses the common New Testament passages used to argue that food laws are no longer applicable. The first is Mark chapter 7, where Jesus discusses eating with unwashed hands. The speaker argues that the Pharisees’ criticism was about a tradition of the elders regarding ritual handwashing, not about eating unclean foods. Jesus’ response, stating that what goes into a person does not defile them but what comes out of the heart does, is interpreted as addressing the Pharisees’ heart issues and misplaced priorities regarding external rituals versus inner righteousness.

Next, the teaching tackles Paul’s statements, particularly in 1 Timothy 4:4-5, where it says, “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.” The speaker argues that the context of 1 Timothy 4 involves refuting false teachings about abstaining from marriage and certain foods, likely referring to specific ascetic practices rather than the biblical distinction between clean and unclean meats. The interpretation offered is that the “word of God” that consecrates food refers back to the Old Testament designations of clean animals. Therefore, foods deemed clean according to the Bible can be received with thanksgiving and prayer.

Finally, the teaching addresses Peter’s vision in Acts chapter 10, where a sheet containing all kinds of animals descends from heaven, and a voice commands Peter to “Kill and eat.” Peter’s initial refusal, stating he had never eaten anything common or unclean, is highlighted. The voice responds, “‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.'” The common interpretation is that this vision signifies the cleansing of all foods. However, this teaching presents an alternative interpretation based on Peter’s own understanding of the vision later in the chapter. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’s house, a Gentile, he states, “‘You know how it is unlawful for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.'” The speaker emphasizes that Peter’s conclusion connects the vision not to food, but to people – specifically, that God was revealing that Gentiles, previously considered outside the covenant, were now included in God’s plan of salvation and should not be considered “common” or “unclean.”

Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize that food choices can be an expression of your identity in God’s kingdom, reflecting a desire to be set apart and obedient to God’s word.
• Understand that holiness encompasses all aspects of life, including actions, speech, thoughts, and how we treat others.
• Be discerning about interpretations of scripture, especially those that seem to contradict clear commands in the Bible.
• Embrace the inclusive nature of the gospel, recognizing that God’s love and salvation are for all people, regardless of their background.
• Focus on sharing the gospel with those considered “unclean” or “common” by the world, following the true message of Peter’s vision.
• Strive for obedience as children of God, walking in grace and truth as we learn and grow in our understanding of His ways.

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