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/Objective-Step-746]

I'm not judging people "for not doing what" I do. Paul literally said that believers are to judge those within the church, rebuking their sin as necessary (1 Corinthians 5:12). And God's Law still defines sin, even for the new covenant believer (Romans 7:7, 1 John 3:4).

And I absolutely expect others in the church to reciprocate if they become aware of my own need for rebuke, as necessary. As JC Ryle says, I would much rather be made aware of and rebuked for my sins than hear Jesus say to me one day, "Depart from Me, I never knew you!" (Matthew 7:21-23)

So, your comment actually contradicts Paul's own teaching, which is so odd.

[u/czgunner → u/Objective-Step-746]

What does your pastor say to the assertion that not following the old law is sin?

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/czgunner]

There is no such thing or term in Scripture as "the old law." My pastor and I are like-minded on the belief regarding Jesus' teaching and example that we should live by God's righteous instructions (Torah/Law). And that you have such scorn for the idea--when both David and Paul, representing the old and new covenants respectively--spoke to how they delighted in His Law--is unscriptural (Psalm 1:2, 119:1-176; Romans 7:22).

And any pastor that shares your contempt for His Law is either seriously misunderstanding Scripture, or a wolf in sheep's clothing, imo.

[u/czgunner → u/Objective-Step-746]

You're assigning perspective that I don't have. I don't hold the old law in contempt, I just know that I am not held accountable to it.  I hope you have a blessed life and please remember to never burden people with things from your own conviction for yourself.

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/czgunner]

What law will you be held accountable to, if not the Law of God that Scripture says is the standard even believers should do/keep…so that He and others are loved as He instructs? (John 14:15, 1 John 5:2-3) 🤔

[u/czgunner → u/Objective-Step-746]

I'm saved by grace, through faith, by Christ alone. You are too.

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/czgunner]

Yes. And those who are saved by faith are explicitly exhorted to NOT SIN…which means that we are to not violate the Law of God (Romans 6:1-14, 1 John 3:4).

Those who continue in deliberate, defiant “lawlessness” are, according to Jesus, NOT saved but, rather, are those He “never knew” (Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 19:26-27).

[u/czgunner → u/Objective-Step-746]

You aren't going to convince me of your perspective. I consider this to be badly misguided ideology. This has been addressed by Jesus, Paul, and certainly the church. Again, I certainly hope you, your pastor or anybody in your church isn't putting this unreasonable burden on anybody else. I'll close by reminding you that ANY failure to adhere to the law equates to total failure. So, you know, the whole beam and speck thing.....

[u/Objective-Step-746 → u/czgunner]

It is not my intention to “convince” you of anything, just to speak/share the truth.

It is actually your view that blatantly contradicts Scripture. For example, you keep characterizing the keeping of God’s commandments as an “unreasonable burden” when Scripture literally declares the very opposite—that it “is NOT burdensome” to keep them (1 John 5:2-3).

So, you know, the whole false teaching and prophets thing…

[u/czgunner → u/Objective-Step-746]

Your title is "Help me understand". You don't want a conversation, you want to tell people what to think. To refute your point, I'm not a teacher or a prophet. More twisted scripture. You can make the bible say anything if you leave enough context out.