Summary

Outside the restrictions noted above, the New Testament does not forbid certain types of vegetables or meat to Christians. We should keep this teaching in mind, as well as the following observations, when deciding to eat or not to eat.

1. “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he allopath. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:22-23).
2. “But meat commendeth us not to God, for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the word” (1 Corinthians 8:8).
3. “I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean” (Romans 14:14).
4. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

We can easily summarize these four guidelines as follows: (1) We are to eat with faith, believing that we are right. (2) We are not better or worse off in the eyes of God if we eat or do not eat meat. (3) If we esteem something unclean, it becomes that to us. (4) Our food, regardless of what we eat, should be sanctified (blessed) by prayer (Luke 24:30; Acts 2:35).

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).