How Do Adventists Choose What to Eat?

Every day, parents go through the ritual of getting their kids to eat what is healthy and good while trying to steer them away from what can hinder the growth of their developing bodies. Nutritionists work with their clients to make better food choices.

Are parents and nutritionists trying to be mean and keep what’s good away from children and clients? Not at all! The opposite is true – they’re trying to give only that which is good.

Now, if a nutritionist wants you to make the best choice when it comes to food, how much more would God, who loves you infinitely, be willing to give you guidelines to help you live a healthy life?

But aren’t food laws confined to the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is essentially the foundation of the New Testament.  The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

God says not to eat unclean animals because we would be at risk for health challenges. “‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat” (Lev 11:2-3, NKJV).

Clean animals have both characteristics.  A cloven hoof and chew the cud. Pigs (swine) have a cloven hoof but do not chew the cud.  Pork includes any product from swine (porcine) animals. God declared them to be unclean and not to be eaten.

Isn’t the Leviticus 11 diet only for the Jews?

No; a diet given by God is for all of His children.

God wouldn’t give laws for one group of people to be healthy and leave the rest of the world to languish from poor health choices. The bodies of Jews are no different than the bodies of other people.

The health laws that are good for the Jew is also good for the Gentile. His people will be holy and healthy, obeying God in every aspect of their lives. Since Jesus is our example, we ought to do as He did. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NKJV).

Jesus steered clear from anything that would pose health challenges to His mind and body.  He obeyed the Father in every situation of life following the Bible totally.  “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him”  (John 8:29, NKJV).

The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), therefore we should seek to do all in our power and by God’s grace to keep our bodies healthy.

Are health principles a part of Bible religion?

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2, NKJV).

God speaks to us through our minds. If our minds are not clear through improper eating, God does not work a miracle to remove what we have done to ourselves.

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV).

Many of us would have more quality lives if we would deny ourselves certain foods and activities that are detrimental to our health. Body and mind are closely connected.  What a person does to one, affects the other. It is good religion to put self and taste aside and obey God.

Is God restricting our pleasure?

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Not at all! He wants to give us eternal pleasure.

“And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. Then it shall be our righteousness, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us”  (Deuteronomy 6:24-25, NKJV).

God loves us and wants what is best for us always.

“And you shall serve the LORD your God, and He shall bless your bread, and your water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of you” (Exodus 23:25, NKJV).

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place (John 3:16).

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). God isn’t trying to restrict pleasure. He wants to give us beyond what we believe to be pleasurable!

When we buy a product, it comes with an owner’s or operator’s manual.  Our operator’s manual is called the Bible. It is God’s instruction manual for our bodies.  If we desire a long healthy life, operate the product as the owner recommends!

Did the law of clean and unclean animals originate at Mt. Sinai?

No.

When the corruption of mankind necessitated their destruction by a flood, God told Noah to bring into the Ark each type of animal.

“You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female” (Genesis 7:2, NKJV).

Noah knew the difference between clean and unclean animals about 2000 years before Mt. Sinai.

If we are going to please God,  we must do things His way, despite what people say.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV).

The health laws have never been rescinded by God.

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16, NKJV).

What will happen if we disregard God’s counsel in His health laws?

Disregarding God’s laws brings terrible consequences. Breaking the sixth commandment results in violence, pain, and grief. When we lie, we hurt other people, and excessive work and a poor diet bring harm to our bodies and relationships. If we commit adultery, homes are broken up and lives are shattered. If we disregard God’s health laws, we bring sickness and death that could be avoided. Our minds become clouded and it becomes difficult to discern God’s will for our lives.

This doesn’t mean that if you follow a healthy diet you won’t get sick. Because we live in a sinful world, our bodies are deteriorating constantly. But we still have a choice about how we can live and whether we will make our bodies more susceptible to diseases.

We are not made righteous through eating habits. A person who follows a biblical diet isn’t “more holy” than one who doesn’t.  We are holy because of Christ’s righteousness and we should follow His commands out of love and obedience.

We are counseled that most people would be better off eating only two meals a day.  God is seeking to bring humanity back to the original diet composed of fruit, grains, and nuts. Science shows that following a diet closer to God’s ideal diet is a better, more healthy way to live.

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into making choices that will help you be healthier. When we are healthy in mind and body, we are able to serve God and others better.

More Answers

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission from the beginning has been to share God’s truth in the Bible. And as times have changed, we’ve explored new ways of doing this—one of those being movies.

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.

Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior To be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This means to recognize that Jesus alone can save you from sin and death (Savior), and to give Him full...

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

Although camp meetings didn’t begin with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they’re as much an Adventist thing as haystacks.
Camp meeting is an extended event for Adventists (and non-Adventists) of all ages to gather and participate in spiritual seminars and activities. During the event, attendees often camp in tents, campers, or RVs.

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchWhether you heard about the Seventh-day Adventist Church through a traveling evangelist, during your online searches, or through a loved one or relative, you might be considering joining yourself. There are a few steps...

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

For Christians, dedication ceremonies for babies, also for older children, are an important time for parents and the church. It’s a special part of the worship service when parents present their young children to God and the church family. Both parents, along with the congregation, regard this as a solemn promise to be a Christ-like example to the child.

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Like many Christian denominations, Adventists regularly participate in communion, also referred to as the “Lord’s Supper” or the “Last Supper.” They also practice foot washing (John 13:1-20), or the “ordinance of humility,” during the service—which isn’t as common.

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Yes, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate birthdays because we see them as excellent reminders of the life God has blessed us with. And we celebrate them the same way everyone else does—with friends, family, presents, and a special meal.

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola scriptura is a term that originated during the Protestant Reformation. It represents the way many Christians view the Bible and its authority. While the idea is simple enough, there is so much more to sola scriptura than its basic definition.

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

In recent years, the age group often classified as “young adults” has been trickier to engage. It’s been a significant concern for Christian churches around the world. Though interestingly enough, similar observations regarding young adults have been coming up in conversations about the economy, the entertainment industry, politics, and more.

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

The answer to this question is simply, “no.”

When it comes to salvation in Jesus Christ, all that is required of a person is to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for us, believe that He has saved us, and claim the free gift of salvation that is always available to us. Salvation is not based on denomination.

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Of course not. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church has never included any dietary requirements. However, there might be some reasons people might think that. So many Adventists are vegetarians or even vegan, and a plant-based lifestyle has many health benefits.

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

The Seventh-day Adventist Church uses a variety of methods to spread the hope of the gospel to the world. One of these ways is through colporteuring, also called “canvassing” or “literature evangelism.”

What Is an Adventist Book Center (ABC)?

What Is an Adventist Book Center (ABC)?

When you walk into any one of the many Adventist Book Center (ABC) locations, chances are you’ll be greeted by pleasant gospel music in the background, friendly employees, and row after row of Christian books, movies, Bibles, study guides, kids’ games, and more.

Do Seventh-day Adventists Celebrate Holidays?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Celebrate Holidays?

Wondering whether your Adventist classmate or coworker keeps the same holidays you do? Perhaps you want to include them in some festivities, but you also want to respect their beliefs. Thus, you’re unsure of how to navigate the holiday question. Will they accept your invitation to the office Christmas party?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe in Medical Care?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe in Medical Care?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in and supports evidence-based medical care. In fact, medicine has played a significant part in our history, and today we run a major health system with hospitals, medical schools, and clinics throughout the world.

Why do Adventists Emphasize Religious Liberty?

Why do Adventists Emphasize Religious Liberty?

Adventists see religious liberty as an essential human right. After all, God endowed humanity with freedom of choice from the very beginning. So we believe it’s best for governments to also support their citizens’ rights to worship based on their convictions.

All about Adventist Elementary Schools

All about Adventist Elementary Schools

The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates the largest Protestant education system in the world. A big part of this system is our K-8 elementary schools, or primary schools, as they’re known in other parts of the world.

What Are Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs?

What Are Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs?

Like the boy or girl scouts, Pathfinders and Adventurers learn about nature and life skills. But what makes these clubs special is their purpose to bring young people closer to Jesus.

13th Sabbath Offering: What It Is and Why It Matters

13th Sabbath Offering: What It Is and Why It Matters

13th Sabbath Offering: What It Is and Why It MattersThe Seventh-day Adventist Church has emphasized service and mission work from its earliest days. That’s why there’s a collective “offering calendar” most Adventist congregations follow to support these efforts. Each...