Final Comments
( page 8 of 8 )
Up until now we have discovered the health benefits and some emotional benefits of eating a vegetarian diet; but these are just secondary reasons.
We will now focus on the spiritual aspect which is the primary reason to adopt the original diet.
What the Bible says about the original diet for mankind:
Gen 1 (v. 29) And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed....on the face of....the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed, to you it shall be for food.
God’s original plan for human kind was a vegetarian diet, even the animals were given a vegetarian diet in the beginning.
(verse 30) Also, to every beast of the earth....I have given every green herb for food....
( English word = Herb )
Gen 1: 29 hebrew [ 6212 ] Eseb (eh’-seb) = from an unused root meaning to glisten or be green; any tender shoot.[1]
Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God's original purpose in the creation of man.[2]
Why did God give us this original kind of diet without flesh meat?
Oh, if everyone could discern these matters as they have been presented to me, those who are now so careless,…in regard to their character building; those who plead for indulgence….of an appetite for the flesh of dead animals. Such a diet contaminates the blood in their veins, and stimulates the lower animal passions. It enfeebles keen perception and vigor of thought to the understanding of God and the truth, and a knowledge of themselves.[3]
So, a flesh meat diet weakens your ability to understand the truth of God’s word and his purpose for your life.
The word of God plainly warns us that unless we abstain from fleshly lusts, the physical nature will be brought into conflict with the spiritual nature. Lustful eating wars against health and peace. Thus a warfare is instituted between the higher and the lower attributes of the man. The lower propensities, strong and active, oppress the soul. The highest interests of the being are imperiled by the indulgence of appetites unsanctioned by Heaven.[4]
Why would we want to understand God and the truth?
John 17 (v. 3) And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
So, if your brain is enfeebled and imperiled, by eating the flesh of dead animals, how are you going to know Him?
Phil 3 (v. 20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do we also, claim to be eagerly waiting for the coming of the Lord?
Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it.[5]
I cannot think that in the practice of flesh eating we are in harmony with the light which God has been pleased to give us. All who are connected with our health institutions, especially should be educating themselves to subsist on fruits, grains, and vegetables. If we move from principle in these things, if we as Christian reformers educate our own taste, and bring our diet to God's plan, then we may exert an influence upon others in this matter, which will be pleasing to God.[6]
Titus 2 (v. 11) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (v. 13) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Are we really looking for the appearing of our savior Jesus Christ?
Greater reforms should be seen among the people who claim to be looking for the soon appearing of Christ. Health reform is to do among our people a work which it has not yet done. There are those who ought to be awake to the danger of meat eating, who are still eating the flesh of animals, thus endangering the physical, mental, and spiritual health. Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat eating will go from God's people to walk no more with them.[7]
This bible commentary says that many, who are “right now” still deciding on whether to continue meat eating or not, will turn away from God’s people!! (what does this really mean?)
And this is not anything new, it happened in the past when people were told the council of truth and it offended them; and it will happen in the future as well.
John 6 (v. 61) When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you?" (v. 63) It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing.... (v. 64) But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were.... (v. 66) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
If you "walk with Christ no more," then who are you walking with? Just by yourself?
Matt 12 (v. 25) But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them....every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (v. 30) He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
If you "go from God's people to walk no more with them," then which people are you walking with?
I Jn 5 (v. 19) ....and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
Some people say that: "they are on their own team" and don't need to worry about the two sides that the world is divided over.
Here is the great issue. Here are the two great powers confronting each other,--the Prince of God, Jesus Christ; and the prince of darkness, Satan.[8] Here comes the open conflict. There are but two classes in the world, and every human being will range under one of these two banners,--the banner of the prince of darkness, or the banner of Jesus Christ.[8]
You are either on one team or the other team, there is no third team for you to hide under, while you are sitting on the fence of indecision.
Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he is in the most abject slavery. He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of satan. While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness.[9]
So I plead with you, to make your decision today for Christ, while there is still time left; and realize that your choices in your diet does have a profound effect on who's team you will finally be on, in the end.
References:
1. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Hendrickson Publishers.
2. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p.380, par.2
3. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p.384, par.1
4. Counsels on Health, p.576, par.2
5. Counsels on Health, p.450, par.1
6. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p.381, par.1
7. Counsels on Health, p.575, par.2
8. The General Conference Bulletin. (4 Mar 1895), p.445, par.3
9. The Desire of Ages, p.466, par.3
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