What New Testament passages relate to dietary laws in Leviticus 11:10? Leviticus 11:10 at a Glance “But anything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales—of all the swarming creatures and living things in the water—they are to be detestable to you.” (Leviticus 11:10) Why This Matters for Believers Today • The command was part of Israel’s ceremonial law, separating God’s people from surrounding nations. • Scripture’s accuracy is unchanged, yet Christ’s finished work brings a new covenant relationship that reshapes how food laws are lived out (cf. Hebrews 8:6-13). Key New Testament Passages Addressing Food Laws “Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into his stomach and is eliminated.” Thus all foods are clean. – Jesus declares that ceremonial distinctions about food cannot defile the heart. • Acts 10:9-16; 11:8-9 “ ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat!’ … ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ ” – God uses the vision of clean/unclean animals to show both the inclusion of the Gentiles and the setting aside of food restrictions. “I am convinced of the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself… All things indeed are clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating cause another to stumble.” – Liberty to eat is affirmed; love governs how that liberty is exercised. • 1 Corinthians 8:8; 10:23-26, 31 “Food does not bring us closer to God… Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” – Food is morally neutral; believers steward their liberty for God’s glory and others’ good. “Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink… These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.” – Dietary laws were a shadow pointing to Christ, now fulfilled in Him. “For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” – False teachers who forbid foods oppose God’s declared goodness of His creation. Putting It All Together • The Old Testament food laws, including Leviticus 11:10, were literal commands for Israel’s covenant life. • Jesus’ teaching, the apostles’ practice, and direct revelation demonstrate that in the new covenant all foods are declared clean. • Freedom to eat or abstain is exercised under the greater law of love and concern for conscience. Practical Takeaways • Give thanks for God’s provision; no food is inherently unclean under the new covenant. • Avoid judging fellow believers over food choices; unity in Christ is paramount. • Exercise liberty responsibly—never use freedom to wound another’s conscience. • Remember that Old Testament dietary laws still teach God’s holiness and His call to be distinct, now fulfilled in a lifestyle set apart for Christ. |
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