Do You Really Want to Eat That?
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By Douglas S. Winnail
or many, the dietary laws in Leviticus are among the Bible’s most puzzling instructions. These laws have for millennia set those who follow them apart from the wider world, and in doing so have been a cause for controversy. Why did God prohibit people from eating certain foods? Should you follow those same instructions today? Over the centuries, critics have regarded the Levitical dietary guidelines as arbitrary and irrational, originating in primitive superstitions rather than coming from God. Yet many others—especially those who have experienced the benefit of those laws—consider them wise and reasonable, as one would expect laws given by God to be. Whatever detractors may claim, God proclaimed that His laws are for our good, prolonging our lives (Deuteronomy 5:29, 33; 10:13). His dietary ordinances were not arbitrary; their purpose was to benefit us. That being so, why would God later inspire New
Testament scriptures that seem to do away with them? Would an all-wise Creator contradict Himself? If you have ever pondered such questions, you should look into the subject to determine the truth for yourself. Almighty God challenges you to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV). The answers could change your life and benefit your health! The Bible reveals several important reasons for its dietary laws. In Exodus, we learn that God chose the nation of Israel for a special purpose (Exodus 19:5–6). God designed the dietary laws to make the Israelites distinct from other nations, but why? God told Moses, “I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean.… And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine” (Leviticus 20:24–26). God chose Israel to become a model nation—a light and example to the world of right and wrong, holy and profane (Deuteronomy 4:6–8).
July-August 2019 | Tomorrow’s World 5
