Vegetarians

There appears to be a controversy among some groups concerning whether one should eat meats or not. Once again let us answer this question from scripture.

In the beginning both humans and all creatures were to eat vegetation and to live in harmony together. 

Genesis 1:29-30 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so." 

Some feel that the above verse shows that we are to be Vegetarians as a matter of religious requirement, but according to scripture, that is considered to be spiritual weakness (Romans 14:2), and trying to impose that as a teaching to others is listed as a "doctrine of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

It wasn't until after Adam and Eve were forced from the garden that it changed.

Genesis 9:1-3 “ And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.“

Romans 14:1-3 “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believes that he may eat all things [Speaking of meats sold in the markets that may have been sacrificed to idols]: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” 

1 Corinthians 10:25 "Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience," 


Paul is saying not to worry about the meat's origin.

Romans 14:21 "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

A person is to be guided by his own conscience rather than causing strife.

Notice it says that if someone wants to be a vegetarian or eat meat [meats sold in markets that may or may not have been sacrificed to idols] we are not to despise or judge them, but are to accept them as brethren.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

The bottom line is that eating meats (Clean) or eating just vegetables because you prefer vegetables is ok with God.

 

The Church of God Proclaimed