Pork - is it a Sin to Eat?

DON'T Make Excuses To Eat Pork!

THE expression “to eat the fat” is sometimes used in the Bible (cf. Genesis 45:18; Nehemiah 8:10). It has a figurative meaning. It means to enjoy the best of something good. This statement DOES NOT counter God’s instructions in other places of Scripture.

Many Bible critics cite Mark 7:1-15 as a license from Jesus the Christ (Christ being His title) that all meats are allowed to be eaten. Did our Lord Jesus do away with the prohibition of unclean meats!? Did He say that He had “purged all meats”?

The children of Israel’s dietary law was well known by the Jews in the time of Jesus. The self-righteous Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples for eating bread without first washing their hands – vs. 2. Our Lord Jesus’ response was to severely reprimand those self-righteous Pharisees for their rejection of God’s Commandments – vs. 6-13.

He then summoned the crowd to hear what He was about to say (vs. 14). He told them that whatever goes into a man (into mankind) from the outside cannot defile the man, but what comes out of a man can (vs. 15-23).

Now, many read verse 19 and conclude that a person can eat any kind of meat because our Lord Jesus has “purged all meats.”

Sadly, most people neither carefully study and read verse 19, or they read past it (as they should) – and thereby completely miss the entire point of Jesus’ instruction! Even our Lord Jesus’ own disciples did not immediately understand His teaching – vs. 17, and 18).

The apostle Matthew’s account shows that apostle Peter asked Him to explain it – Matthew 15:15.

Our Lord Jesus clearly was emphasizing that it is the evil things that come out of people – from within, out of the mouth and heart – that defiles a man.

And He went on to explain that to eat with unwashed hands does not spiritually defile anyone (Matthew 15:20; Mark 7:20-23).

This entire account was written to address the futility of the Pharisees’ elaborate handwashing before meals!

Privately He explained this parable to His disciples, He gave a frank description of the human body’s normal elimination of any accidentally ingested dirt.

He said that such dirt “goes out into the draught” – in other words, the sewer. There was NEVER any Old Testament command to avoid eating food with dirty hands!

Our Lord Jesus used this occasion to condemn a man-made tradition that had been elevated above the importance of getting rid of evil and rotten attitudes and thoughts that are INSIDE all human beings – thus defiling them!

Notice that in Luke 11:38, the Pharisee was astonished that our Lord Jesus sat down to dine without first washing His hands. Our Lord showed that it is much more important to control what words come out of your mouth, and what thoughts come out of your mind, than to worry about dirty hands – Mark 7:20-23.

Now Mark 7 and Matthew 15 accounts of this event have been misrepresented. A great many false ministers and teachers over the last 19 centuries have convinced their followers that our Lord Jesus annulled the long-understood distinction between “clean” and “unclean” meats!

Let us examine more closely just how they have done this.

The New English Bible inserted six extra words after “drain” – the added words are not even printed in italics. The revisers also changed the punctuation at this point, thereby producing a completely different statement altogether! They ALTERED God’s living word to read: “ … and so passes out into the drain?’ Thus he declared all foods clean.”

The blasphemous rendering of this verse is a perversion of our Lord Jesus Christ’s words to His disciples! It changed them into a categorical statement, presented, almost casually, in this and even later versions, as if it was an explanatory remark by the apostle Mark. It is a deceptive attempt to establish a completely new understanding of what Almighty God has made clean and unclean.

The addition of these six words changes the entire meaning of what our Lord Jesus actually said. This account is twisted into a license to eat anything – from rats to elephants!

This does not appear to be an innocent error in translation, but rather an outright blatant, dishonest forgery!

Now, a great many post-1885 versions of the New Testament perpetuate this blasphemous addition, with several even adding their own elaborations into Mark 7:19!! Be careful with modern versions and translations, especially any that are primarily paraphrases designed for “Easy Reading.”

We highly suggest that any true Christian use the New English Translation of the Faithful Version with Commentary by Fred R. Coulter. It is by far one of the best Bible versions to have!

Now, the apostle Peter’s version in Acts 10 contains another account that is often used to support the authorization by God to eat and consume any animal flesh. It has been misrepresented and misunderstood by careless readers.

The setting is that the apostle Peter was praying on a housetop around midday, and fell into a trance, during which he experienced a vision by God.

The apostle Peter was a Jew and was regarding uncircumcised Gentiles as defiled and unclean. This vision forever altered the way Peter and all true Christians were to view Gentiles.

The vision began with a sheet that descended from heaven containing all kinds of animals and birds.

Then God’s voice called to Peter and commanded him THREE TIMES to “’ Rise, Peter; kill and eat. What God has cleansed you must not call common.’” – vs 14.

Though many theologians try to assert that God cleansed all forms of meat through this vision, Peter was the one who saw the vision. By verse 17, two verses later, he still did not know what it meant! He was certainly sure what it did NOT mean, and said so – “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” – vs 14.

To Note: If Mark 7’s account had actually cleansed all meats, understand that it had occurred over 10-years later! By the time of this vision, Peter would have eaten unclean meats many times.

The account continues with Peter entering the house of a devout Italian man – a Gentile! God had sent three Gentile messengers from Cornelius (a Roman commander) to summon Peter to Cornelius’ house. God had told Peter to go with them, doubting nothing.

God enlightened Peter during the next two days’ events. This vision had been preparing him for an important new understanding of Gentiles, which would otherwise have been too difficult for his Jewish upbringing to accept.

Notice verse 28 – from this point forward, God wanted him to understand that he must NEVER regard any HUMAN BEING as common or unclean. The vision was not talking about “clean” or “unclean” meats!

This represented a staggering shift in understanding and practice for a Jewish fisherman who had once gasped that our Lord Jesus would even talk with a Samaritan (a Gentile) woman – see John 4:27. In verse 9 of the Book of John, it says, “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” This was the understanding that the apostle Peter had.

The true understanding of this account – God was opening the Way for non-Israelites to be converted – it is well understood by theologians and Bible scholars! Nevertheless, many professing Christians attempt to justify the eating of unclean meats today by misunderstanding the true meaning of the apostle Peter’s vision. In his own words, we read, “ … But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” – Acts 10:28. Can anything be clearer!?

This account was not to demonstrate that God had cleansed crustaceans, rats, cockroaches, snakes, or alligators! It was to show that He was calling, granting repentance, baptizing, and gifting His Holy Spirit, to Gentiles as well – vs. 44 and 48!

Well, there’s another Scripture that is frequently used to support the misunderstanding that all meats are clean for food.

Romans 14:14 – says, “I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”

This verse is rendered this way in almost every version of Romans 14:14!

Now, on the surface, this appears to make the entire concept of unclean meats little more than a personal viewpoint. But, God’s clear command in Leviticus 11:46-47, which He calls “the law,” would be set aside. And this idea would make any commands in His living word concerning unclean meats irrelevant.

Again, on the surface, this appears as if to say that this is what the apostle Paul has become convinced of – by “the Lord Jesus” Himself. Now, does this verse really say what it appears to be saying!?

Let us examine the apostle Paul’s words closely –

The whole chapter is a lesson to those strong in the faith – Romans 15:1 – not to offend the one who is weak in the faith – Romans 14:1, especially by eating and drinking anything that would trouble the weak brethren’s conscience.

Such brethren might be a vegetarian or one who abstains from drinking wine – vs. 2 and 21. It could also be a reference to those described in 1st Corinthians 8:10. There were some who were upset seeing fellow Christians eating in an idol’s temple, and presumed that what was being eaten had been offered to idols. That chapter similarly warns the “strong” not to cause the “weak” to stumble as a result of the liberty the “strong” enjoy because of knowledge they possess – vs. 1-4, 7, 11.

In both cases, the subject has absolutely NOTHING to do with the distinction between clean and unclean meats. But doesn’t Romans 14:14 plainly say that ’there is nothing unclean of itself”?

The English translations do. But the Greek, in which it was originally written DOES NOT! The Greek word used here is koinos. And it appears three times within this one verse and it does not mean unclean. It means “common.”

This is an often-used biblical term that means defiled. Recall Matthew 15 and Mark 7. In those accounts, the same similar word koinoō is used – meaning defile.

This is also one of the two words used in Acts 10:14 to relate what the apostle Peter said during his vision.

There it is correctly translated to show that he had never eaten anything common (unclean). The Greek word for unclean is akathartos – meaning unclean, evil, foul. Those two words do not have the same meaning. Akathartos means unclean and is used to distinguish clean from unclean meats. Koinos means common and should have been so translated.

It is interesting to note that every translator and reviser, almost without exception – see the New English Translation of the Faithful Version with Commentary by Fred R. Coulter, from AD 1611 forward, mistranslated this word as “unclean” in Romans 14:14.

Yet, they managed to translate it correctly everywhere else in the New Testament! The context has nothing at all to do with the distinction between clean and unclean meats.

Why be concerned about something being common if it is already unclean!? What would be the difference!?

Now, even before the Israelites were forbidden to eat any unclean meats, they were prohibited from eating any animal that was torn by beasts in the field – Exodus 22:31.

If an Israelite ate the flesh of any clean animal – which had died of itself (this was not permissible – Deuteronomy 14:21), that person was “unclean” until evening (Leviticus 11:40). It means that he was defiled. This was the sort of defiling which does not come about by eating with unwashed hands!

No priest was permitted to defile himself by eating animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts – Leviticus 22:7.

So, what the apostle Paul was teaching in Romans 14:14 was that the “Jewish” concept of meats sometimes being common or defiled, was not an intrinsic property of the meat itself, but was a matter of perception and conscience.

As well as being vital to all who were in Rome (Romans 1:7), this vital teaching was also important to the Church at Corinth. There, some of the newly converted Gentiles were content to eat meat that may have been offered to idols.

Others, not fully understanding that an idol is nothing (1st Corinthians 8:4), would defile their own conscience, if they were to eat such meat, because they perceived it to be defiled.

Both examples strongly emphasize the importance of NOT violating one’s own conscience, and not causing brethren to stumble by inconsiderate behavior.

What About 1st Timothy 4:4-5?

There is another Scripture about meats that is commonly misunderstood. 1st Timothy 4:4-5 says, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5) for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

Does this verse actually authorize the eating of leeches, maggots, tapeworms, and every other imaginable creature – even insects and parasites!?

Sadly, a great many people believe so – because they DO NOT continue reading past the first phrase!

Let us consider! If this verse was literally meaning this, it would mean that human beings are also good for food!

“Every creature of God is good” – and Genesis 1:31 says, “it was very good.” This includes every kind of parasite and poisonous creature that exists. Remember, all creatures are wonderful in their own way when used for their proper intended use!

But God our CREATOR Himself calls some of His creatures abominable and detestable when misused as food by human beings.

To properly understand this verse, we must read the previous verses more carefully. Context is the key to correct understanding.

In 1st Timothy 4:1-3, the apostle Paul speaks about a prophesied end-time defection from the truth when some true Christians would become sidetracked or even abandon correct teaching to follow after “doctrines of demons.” Some would teach vegetarianism, and he also warned that these teachings would include celibacy and abstinence from “meats.” Certainly, demons understand that clean meat contains certain proteins vital for the proper development of the mind. They know that mental deficiency makes it easier for their influence and possession.

What kinds of meats would be forbidden!? In verse 3, Paul explains, those “which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” Note the two key phrases – “which God created to be received” and “by those who believe and know the truth.”

What is “the truth”!? The apostle John wrote, “Your word is truth” – John 17:17. People who know God’s living word and what it properly teaches will know the truth about what kinds of animals God says that He “created to be received” – as distinct from what He has not created to be received! They will know what God’s word sanctifies (meaning set apart, distinguishes by separation) as good for food – 1st Timothy 4:5. And what it does not sanctify.

True Christians know what meats God expressly forbids and calls unclean. Yet false ministers and teachers continue to attempt to forbid clean meat as well as unclean meat – hence teaching vegetarianism.

Would God “Sanctify” Unclean Meats?

Let us recall the last two words of verse 5 – “and prayer.” The apostle Paul shows that food, already sanctified by the word of God and received by believers with thanksgiving, is to be further sanctified by prayer.

This occurs when we properly follow Jesus Christ’s example of giving thanks for the food we eat – asking God to bless it – to set it apart – to make it holy – since it is about to be used for a holy purpose.

Our Creator has specially created certain creatures to be good for the daily nourishment and upbuilding of our bodies.

God refers to our physical bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians, “which temple we are, if God’s Spirit dwells within us” – 1st Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19.

And we are NOT TO DEFILE this temple by polluting it with anything not sanctified by the word of God.

Is Avoiding Unclean Meats Necessary For Salvation!?

When faced with the living truth of God in Scripture, most people are unwilling to “live by every word of God,” choosing instead to disregard certain doctrines as “minor” – “not essential for salvation.” Deciding for themselves which of God’s truths are important!

So, the question can be asked: Is avoiding unclean meats necessary for salvation? The answer to that question is the answer to this question: IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD NECESSARY FOR SALVATION!?

Mankind has rejected God’s Way of life. Romans 8:7 says that the carnal (the natural or meaty) mind is not subject to His LAW. Those who have submitted to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ obey Them! Our Lord Jesus said that there are many who call Him “’ Lord, Lord’” and yet do not the things which He says! – Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21. THAT IS SERIOUS!! Are you determined to always do what our Lord Jesus Christ says!?

Our Lord Jesus said of His apostles, “’ He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me’” – Matthew 10:40; John 13:20.

“If ANYONE defiles the temple of God, God will DESTROY HIM. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” – 1st Corinthians 3:17.

It may not be a spiritual sin to eat unclean meats. Yet, if one deliberately does it out of lust of appetite, that breaks the TENTH COMMANDMENT and becomes sin. In truth, unclean meats injure the body, which is the temple of God. It defiles the temple.

There are a multiple number of things that mankind does that go against the will of God so as to please their own fleshly lusts.

Such things as smoking, sex OUTSIDE of marriage, speaking vulgarity – Hebrews 13:4; 1st Corinthians 6:9, 18; Matthew 12:36.

People that eat pig meat are doing something that God clearly ABHORS!

In reality, partaking and consuming pig meat is as though one is spitting in God’s face! Because once His living truth has been given to someone and they turn around and reject that truth then that person is boastfully rebelling against God!

God’s living Word makes it crystal clear that swine is an abomination!

In His “Instruction Manual” God has pronounced pig – the swine – not only unfit for food (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14), but also as a great abomination unto Him to eat its flesh! – Isaiah 65:4.

The LORD our God says that He is going to come in anger and fury (Isaiah 66:15-17) to “rebuke with flames of fire, those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, EATING SWINE’S FLESH and the abomination and the MOUSE. 1 shall be consumed together,’ says the LORD.”

Yet, in spite of these instructions and WARNINGS, this world continues to disobey and either through ignorance or willful disobedience suffers degeneration, sicknesses, and physical depravity!! 2

There are many causes of diseases! However, the consumption of millions upon millions of “unclean” – unfit for food animals – such as pigs, plays a major role in human beings getting sick, degenerating, and developing a disease!

Have you ever noticed the habits of pigs!? They are most often found lying around in a self-created stink-hole all covered with feces and flies! They are so filthy that they are known to even eat their own young and feed on their own filth!

Yet, mankind insists on eating this creature, in outright defiance against God, from his snout to his tail – nothing is wasted! We season our food with what was his feces-covered hide and convince ourselves that we cannot do without that old “pork flavor” in a pot of beans!

This world has degenerated to the very point that even “ministers” approve of the eating of pigs and sanction HAM dinners in their own churches!

The LORD God tells us in Isaiah 65:4-5 that we are nations “ ’Who sit among graves, And spend the night in the tombs; [for the purpose of necromancy, as if to hold conversations with the dead] Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of abominable things in their vessels; … 5) These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day.’”

In every single instance where God refers to swine, it depicts a low state or the lowest state to which any person can stoop.

Eating pork is equally sinful in the eyes of the LORD our God! It’s vile! It's a sin!

And, it’s rather simple, we either deny ourselves and commit to God or we are NOT His! – cf. Matthew 5:48; 1st John 2:15; Romans 8:9; Galatians 2:20. □

Bibliography:

1) In biblical times plagues of mice were recorded and ancient Egyptians kept mice as pets believing they had supernatural powers. Throughout history, mice have been worshipped. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A.R., Brown, D., Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary of the Whole Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, pg. 594.

2) Pigs are infected by both roundworms and tapeworms. They ingest the eggs which are in feces, … The eggs hatch in the intestine of the pig and burrow into the intestinal wall. … When the pig is slaughtered for meat, these cysts are present in muscle tissue. If the pork is under-cooked the bladder worm survives and is ingested by the human. “Worms in Pigs” Fivet. http://www.fivetanimalhealth.com/management-articles/worms-pigs. Reviewed 4 April 2022.