What Does The Bible Say About Eating Meat?

One of the physiological needs a person must fulfill in order to ensure the survival of their physical body is eating. According to studies posted in Medical News Today, a person may live without food for one to two months. However, food is required for a person to perform at their highest potential. The Bible provides a list of foods that are healthy for the body to consume and those that are not. Where does it stand on the consumption of meat? Is it healthy for the body, or does it cause harm?

Romans 14:21 says that it is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. The Bible prohibits us from eating meat if, in doing so, we become the reason others succumb to sin.

Whatever we do, whether good or bad, there will always be consequences, and we will always be accountable for our actions. We are reminded that we should never put others in a position where they might give in to temptation because of us. If eating meat causes us to become that source of temptation for whatever reason, then we should stop doing it, as it only makes things worse (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. Romans 14:21). It is necessary for us to conduct our lives in such a way that the glory of God is reflected in the way we live. As a result, we become a model for others to follow, and more people have the opportunity to come to know Christ. It is not something that we eat that can merit the approval of God. What we consume will not win the favor of God. Whether we eat or abstain from eating will not gain us anything. However, we should always be mindful of the freedom we have because we should not let that freedom cause others who are weaker to stumble (But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 1 Corinthians 8:8).

In all that we do, we must ensure that our sole reason is to bring glory to God. There should be no other purpose behind our efforts. Whatever we do, whether it be eating, drinking, or anything else, we must do it for the glory of God (Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.  1 Corinthians 10:21). After that, we are reminded that if there is any doubt in our eating, we will be condemned, since our act of eating does not come from a place of faith. Anything that does not come from faith is sin. (Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Romans 14:23). Therefore, let us keep the things we do in mind and ensure that we do not engage in sin.

Where in the Bible does it say not to eat meat?

The Pentateuch is the name given to the first five books of the Bible. This is regarded as the theological foundation of the Bible and is the source of the laws and/or instructions that God gave to Moses. The guidance of God is laid out for His people in the teachings contained in the book of Leviticus. This guidance was given to the Israelites through Moses. What does it have to say about avoiding eating meat?

According to Leviticus 11:2-3,8, the Israelites are forbidden to consume the meat or even come into contact with the carcasses of any animal that solely chews its cud or solely has a divided hoof. It is a violation of the ceremonial cleanliness standards for them.

The Book of Leviticus provides a comprehensive list of animals that are suitable for consumption because they are thought to be clean and those that are not suitable for consumption because they are not clean. The fact that the specific identification of some animals, birds, and insects cannot be established with absolute certainty does not change the fact that this information gives the features of the animals that are enumerated. The same has been reiterated in the Book of Deuteronomy 14:3-8.

Animals should also be drained of their blood before they can be consumed. Leviticus 19:26 expressly states, “Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.” In addition to the aforementioned qualifications of animals, Israelites were likewise prohibited from eating those animals that still had blood.

Should Christians eat meat? 

When making any choice, a Christian should give careful consideration to a number of factors, the most important of which is whether or not the option conforms with the Bible. Our ongoing desire to live in God’s will and obey His laws and commandments presents us with a challenge when deciding what kind of food we ought to eat. It must be from the precepts of the law whether we see it as clean or unclean and whether it should be eaten. The question of whether or not Christians are permitted to consume meat is addressed in the Bible. What does the Bible say about Christians? Are we allowed to eat meat?

Christians are free to follow their convictions on the eating of meat. We must be fully persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but if anyone regards something as unclean, then it is unclean for that person (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).

We must show respect for the decisions made by other people, and we cannot compel others to embrace what we feel to be the morally superior path for ourselves. It is not necessary to have contemptuous thoughts about them just because their decision differs from ours. It was never up to us and it is now up to God; we are not permitted to ever pass judgment on the decisions that they have made. If God chooses to accept them, then we can never claim to have the authority to dictate what we believe to be the correct path. Each one of us is responsible before God for our actions. The most important thing is to avoid being something that prevents growth for other people or becomes their stumbling block. It is not only about eating and drinking in the kingdom of God but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Jesus Christ in this way will be acceptable in God’s eyes, and people will like them (Romans 14:1–18). 

Everything that God has made is perfect in its design. Therefore, it is permissible for a Christian to consume meat, so long as he does it with thanksgiving from the perspective of those who believe. The power of God’s word and prayer was used to sanctify it in the first place, so it is something that must not be disregarded as unfit for consumption (1 Timothy 4:3-5). Therefore, there is no prohibition on Christians regarding the consumption of meat. 

Eating meat does not therefore become the parameter by which we identify a person as clean or unclean. It is clear that the kingdom of God doesn’t solely revolve around it. (Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Matthew 15:11) says that “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them; but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”