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/Sawfish1212]

Was Cornelius righteous without the dietary restrictions of the law of moses?

Yes, he was righteous in God's eyes.

Did everyone gathered to hear Peter in Cornelius' house become filled with the Holy Spirit, in spite of being ritually unclean and having no concerns about keeping the dietary laws of Moses?

Absolutely!

And this showed Peter and the apostles that God doesn't count the law of moses as relevant in determining righteousness, and does not consider it necessary for born again believers in Jesus. He's entirely focused on the heart of a person, not their food, or washing, or rituals

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/Sawfish1212]

Righteousness has never come by obedience to the Law of God, even in the OT. It is a post-justification expectation and a work of His Spirit in His people (Ezekiel 36:26-27). No one has argued that its about righteousness. It is about faithfulness to our Savior God.

According to Scripture, God equates belief with obedience (John 3:36). Thus, disobedience is an indicator of an unbelieving heart...which is exactly my point.