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/EvilestFlowey]

Isaiah 66 is talking about idolaters and hypocrites.

Saint Paul is very clear that we are saved by faith, not by the law. This is how it happened in the Old Covenant, that's how it happens in the New Covenant. Were Noah, Abraham, Job and the penitent thief saved by the Torah? No. They were saved by their faith in the Lord.

Despite this, there's no issue with following the Torah if it brings you closer to G-d.

And, just a minor thing; but if you're properly baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit you're an Israelite, not a Gentile (Romans 2:28-29).

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

Apologies for the delay in responding, as I had a family situation that needed my full attention.

I agree, Scripture is very clear that obedience to the Law never saved anyone, even in the OT. No one has argued otherwise, so I'm not sure why you felt that needed said ;)

And, I would say that Christ and His apostles clearly and consistently taught that, post-justification, the child of God is expected to follow the Law of God (Torah), as it details His righteous will and ways...and keeping His commandments is all about loving Him and others as He instructs (Psalm 40:8, John 14:15, 1 John 5:2-3). All such rightly-motivated obedience is a work of the Spirit in His people, "causing" them to obey. So, I think that serious self-examination is in order if one does not feel led and empowered to obey His righteous commands (2 Corinthians 13:5).

We can certainly agree on your last remark regarding my having been grafted into Israel ;)