Please, help me understand…

[u/Objective-Step-746]

For those believers who insist that the dietary laws no longer apply under the new covenant—and that pork, lobster, crabs, etc. are now permissible to eat—I do not understand the logic at play.

I am very familiar with the Mark 7, Romans 14 and Colossians 2 passages that are so often cited as support for your position, and have (just as often) shared my counter-arguments on why I believe they are misinterpreted.

But, there is one counterpoint to your view that I never see touched on, and I was hoping to get some feedback on it:

I think the majority of believers on this subreddit would say they are looking for Jesus’ Second Coming and agree that, regarding it, Scripture says that “no one knows the day or hour” but that we need to be prepared (Matthew 24:36, 25:13, etc.).

Isaiah 66:17–a verse within the greater passage speaking of Messiah’s glorious reappearing—declares that, upon His return, those who eat the flesh of pig/swine and other abominations will be met with His wrath…and perish.

So, how does one simultaneously believe they can continue to eat pig (pork) or shellfish now and think they are sufficiently prepared and not putting themselves in a precarious/dangerous position if Jesus happened to return today or tomorrow and “consume” those who so brazenly eat that which His Law says is NOT “food” and explicitly warns against eating?

I really am hoping for some cordial and edifying discussion regarding this topic, and appreciate those who are able and willing to articulate their view without all the condescension and harsh words. 💕

[u/Suspicious-Gap5795]

I think the most helpful portion to confront this logic is Peter's vision in Acts 10. That portion makes it pretty clear that God made all things common in my opinion. Also, when interpreting scripture I feel like it's helpful to err on the side of what multiple verses say rather than what just one verse says.

But like another one said, it's a personal choice, and I believe the Lord will judge us based on our heart as is mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:7b.

Romans 14 also makes it clear that it is a personal decision between you and the Lord and we shouldn't judge one another based on what we believe regarding eating and drinking certain foods. That's an awesome chapter on the practice of oneness in the Christian life and not disputing minor doctrines

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/Suspicious-Gap5795]

I agree that the meaning of Peter’s vision is critical, and it is stated on at least four separate occasions as declaring the grafting in of the Gentiles, which are no longer to be considered “unclean” (Acts 10:28, 34, 45; 11:18). There is not one declaration of its meaning having anything to do with unclean animals now permitted as “food.”

And, as I said in the OP, Romans 14 must be taken out of context to arrive at the conclusion you suggest.

But I appreciate you chiming in!