You need to have a plant-based diet to be saved?

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I recently came across a video in which a pastor stated that in order for people to be saved they need to have a plant-based diet.

Here is the video. (Go to 24:31 to see the statement up until 24:50)

I’ve never heard that belief before and I was wondering if any of the members here might share that too. If so I’d like to know why. I posted a comment on the video to understand how someone can come to that conclusion but it was deleted.

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

Here is a potion of my comment here:

let’s look at a potion of Romans 14:

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” — Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)

Here the Apostle Paul is speaking to the church members in Rome. Apparently, some of the members ate meat were looking down on those that did not eat meat and vice versa. Paul identities the believers that are “weak” in faith as those who are unable to eat meat and only consumed vegetables. Paul isn’t using the term “weak” as a negative term but rather a descriptive one. He refers to people that are “weak” as those that were unable to give up certain practices they held before when coming to Christ. And was likely referring to the Jewish Christians in Rome. In other words, some of the”strong” thought that their “weak” brothers and sisters were overly sensitive and scrupulous. Paul’s point here was that the “strong” Christians should not look at their “weak” brothers and sisters with contempt because they only ate vegetables. And that the “weak” believers should not look down on the “strong” for being too libertarian.

If we go onward to chapter 15 we see that the “weak” are contrasted with the “strong”. And based on the wording, the goal is actually for the “weak” to become like the “strong” (being able to exercise their new found freedom in Christ). He tells the members they have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak (KJV uses word infirmities). Paul also identifies himself with the strong noticed how he uses the word “we” at the start of the verse:

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” — Romans 15:1 (ESV)

Ultimately, Paul did not want division in the church over matters that weren’t central to one’s salvation. In verse 20 of chapter 14 he writes, “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.”

I find it very hard to see how a plant-based diet is required for one’s salvation when the Apostle Paul’s view on eating or not eating meat seems to be so nonchalant. Are there suddenly some “new” requires for salvation today that weren’t in place 2000 years ago? To quote a popular phrase by Paul, “By no means”.

I think this quotation best sums up what Paul is saying in Romans chapters 14 & 15:

“The old taboos on certain ceremonial foods were no longer in force. Jesus taught that it is not what goes into the mouth that makes a person unclean but what comes out (Matt 15:10–11, 16–20). Nevertheless, Paul was concerned with the affect of this new freedom on the lives of those Christians who still felt that in some way the regulations of Judaism were not totally obsolete. Although no food is unclean in itself, if someone regards it as unclean, then for that person it is. We must be careful not to generalize on the principle expressed in this teaching. Paul was not saying that sin is a matter of personal opinion. He was not teaching that as long as we think something is okay it is okay for us. Scripture clearly teaches that certain things are wrong. There are, however, other matters about which there may be legitimate differences of opinion. They are secondary issues about which Christians may be of differing persuasions. In such cases “strong” believers are to be willing, as an expression of Christian love, to allow the sensitivities of the “weak” to condition how they live.
If a Christian brother, unable to enjoy the freedom that is yours, is troubled by your “unrestricted diet” (Phillips) and you persist in eating whatever you wish, you are no longer acting in the spirit of love (v. 15).” — Mounce, R. H. (1995). Romans (Vol. 27, pp. 255–256). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

grasping the after wind · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I recently came across a video in which a pastor stated that in order for people to be saved they need to have a plant-based diet.

This like will take you to the portion of the video.

I’ve never heard that belief before and I was wondering if any of the members here might share that too. If so I’d like to know why. I posted a comment on the video to understand how someone can come to that conclusion but it was deleted.

The Pastor was most likely a looney. There is simply no reason to say such a ridiculous thing. Would Jesus have fed a multitude with fish if it meant they were all condemned to hell for eating it?

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

grasping the after wind said:
The Pastor was most likely a looney. There is simply no reason to say such a ridiculous thing. Would Jesus have fed a multitude with fish if it meant they were all condemned to hell for eating it?

I find it very interesting that someone can say that with some much evidence in the Bible that God doesn’t require a vegan diet.

grasping the after wind · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
I find it very interesting that someone can say that with some much evidence in the Bible that God doesn’t require a vegan diet.

And not a shred if evidence to support that God would require one.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

He is Seventh-day Adventist. He is advocating for the Seventh-day Adventist health message, based largely on the writings of Ellen White, but also appealing to some Scriptural passages.

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

tall73 said:
He is Seventh-day Adventist. He is advocating for the Seventh-day Adventist health message, based largely on the writings of Ellen White, but also appealing to some Scriptural passages.

Yes he is. I left out that detail because I didn’t want to assume that everyone that believes that was. I’m still wondering how one can come to that conclusion. That’s why I posted that comment on the channel. I wanted to have a discussion.

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

tall73 said:
but also appealing to some Scriptural passages.

What passages? I know some typically like to quote Daniel 1 but that’s not a good basis of support, in my opinion. Especially if you look at Daniel chapter 10.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
Yes he is. I left out that detail because I didn’t want to assume that everyone that believes that was. I’m still wondering how one can come to that conclusion. That’s why I posted that comment on the channel. I wanted to have a discussion.

Yes, they are not the only ones to have held such a view on diet. At the time Adventists were along side other health reformers and temperance reformers, such as Graham, inventor of the Graham cracker.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
What passages? I know some typically like to quote Daniel 1 but that’s not a good basis of support, in my opinion. Especially if you look at Daniel chapter 10.

Usually reference to the garden, before animals were given for food after the flood.

They also tie certain foods to "animal passions", so they would see some foods as hurting spiritual vitality.

mmksparbud · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I recently came across a video in which a pastor stated that in order for people to be saved they need to have a plant-based diet.

Here is the video. (Go to 24:31 to see the statement up until 24:50)

I’ve never heard that belief before and I was wondering if any of the members here might share that too. If so I’d like to know why. I posted a comment on the video to understand how someone can come to that conclusion but it was deleted.

I could get no audio on this and I do not know what denomination he is. There is no such biblical statement. As a church, we, (the SDA) have espoused a vegetarian diet for over 150 years---but has never been a way to salvation and was never demanded of any member. We do say that if you do eat meat, to stick to the clean meats as stated in the bible. This is a health message only and not a means to salvation. A vegan diet is recommended by most health experts nowadays as the best for minimalizing cancers and diabetes and other illnesses. The research they have done shows that those who do follow vegan live longer and healthier lives and we do believe that God wants us as healthy, physically and mentally, as possible and that He knows what is best for our health.

ViaCrucis · Aug 28, 2019

Christ is Lord said:
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I recently came across a video in which a pastor stated that in order for people to be saved they need to have a plant-based diet.

Here is the video. (Go to 24:31 to see the statement up until 24:50)

I’ve never heard that belief before and I was wondering if any of the members here might share that too. If so I’d like to know why. I posted a comment on the video to understand how someone can come to that conclusion but it was deleted.

I don't need to watch the video to know that it's a load of horse poopy.

I frankly don't consider the claim that one needs to eat a plant-based diet in order to be saved worthy of serious consideration and rebuttal. However this is bugging you, and in order that your conscience is clear and your faith and hope made strong, let's look at what St. Paul has written in his letter to the Romans,

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." - Romans 14:1-9

It's that simple. Eat whatever is acceptable to your conscience, and do no pass judgment on others whose conscience might be different on the subject. Eat or don't eat freely and without guilt or condemnation. Your conscience is free in Christ.

-CryptoLutheran

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

mmksparbud said:
I could get no audio on this and I do not know what denomination he is.

He quoted from Desire of Ages and the Great Controversy in the first few moments, and the three angels in the background is a clue as well.

He is Adventist, or an Adventist offshoot. But yes, it is important to note that Adventists promote vegetarianism, but do not require it for salvation by any means.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

Also, Adventists generally point to statements by Ellen White that food has become more corrupted and diseased over time, so that while eating flesh might not have been as bad in Jesus' time, it would be worse now.

Some of her statements have led individuals and groups within Adventistm to advocate that you have to abandon eating meat altogether for spiritual development.

bèlla · Aug 28, 2019

I once followed a flexitarian diet and my body didn’t respond well. I developed a severe iron deficiency that began to affect my teeth (pain), required multiple B-12 injections due to dizzy spells (the levels were dangerously low), and needed prescription vitamin-d tablets.

I gave it up and follow a seasonal whole foods diet. I don’t consume modified or low-fat foods and my influences are largely French. I read a study by Weston Price about the impact of the Western diet on indigenous people around the world and tested the theory.

I grew up eating Creole dishes and expanded it to regional French foods and my body has never relapsed. I don’t consume enough protein on a daily basis to go vegan. I would need a supplement.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

LaBèlla said:
I once followed a flexitarian diet and my body didn’t respond well. I developed a severe iron deficiency that began to affect my teeth (pain), required multiple B-12 injections due to dizzy spells (the levels were dangerously low), and needed prescription vitamin-d tablets.

I gave it up and follow a seasonal whole foods diet. I don’t consume modified or low-fat foods and my influences are largely French. I read a study by Weston Price about the impact of the Western diet on indigenous people around the world and tested the theory.

I grew up eating Creole dishes and expanded it to regional French foods and my body has never relapsed. I don’t consume enough protein on a daily basis to go vegan. I would need a supplement.

It is possible to obtain the protein from plant-based sources. However, you have to use combinations to get the various amino-acids.

I was a vegetarian for many years, and a vegan for some as well.

On the other hand, I also found I do better with whole foods, avoiding low-fat. However, I still use vegetables, etc. as my only carbs.

Some folks seem to do better on different diets.

Christ is Lord · Aug 28, 2019

LaBèlla said:
I once followed a flexitarian diet and my body didn’t respond well. I developed a severe iron deficiency that began to affect my teeth (pain), required multiple B-12 injections due to dizzy spells (the levels were dangerously low), and needed prescription vitamin-d tablets.

That’s one of the reasons why I find it hard to see how people can believe that God require something like that in which some people can’t legitimately follow in order for salvation.

I’m glad you’re better now though.

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

Here are some of the quotes that lead some Adventists to believe you must give up meat. These are from Ellen White:

I am instructed to bear a message to all our people on the subject of health reform, for many have backslidden from their former loyalty to health reform principles. {9T 153.1}

God's purpose for His children is that they shall grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ. In order to do this, they must use aright every power of mind, soul, and body. They cannot afford to waste any mental or physical strength. {9T 153.2}

The question of how to preserve the health is one of primary importance. When we study this question in the fear of God we shall learn that it is best, for both our physical and our spiritual advancement, to observe simplicity in diet. Let us patiently study this question. We need knowledge and judgment in order to move wisely in this matter. Nature's laws are not to be resisted, but obeyed. {9T 153.3}

Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh foods, tea and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard
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to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people. {9T 153.4}
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Is it not time that all should aim to dispense with flesh foods? How can those who are seeking to become pure, refined, and holy, that they may have the companionship of heavenly angels, continue to use as food anything that has so harmful an effect on soul and body?

How can they take the life of God's creatures that they may consume the flesh as a luxury? Let them, rather, return to the wholesome and delicious food given to man in the beginning, and themselves practice, and teach their children to practice, mercy toward the dumb creatures that God has made and has placed under our dominion. {MH 317.2}
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468. O, if every one could discern these matters as they have been presented to me, those who are so careless, so indifferent in regard to their character building, those who plead for indulgence in a fleshmeat diet, would never open their lips in justification of an appetite for the flesh of dead animals.--U. T., Jan. 11, 1897. {HL 102.3}
469. A religious life can be more successfully attained and maintained if meat is discarded; for this diet stimulates into intense activity the lustful propensities, and enfeebles the moral and spiritual nature.--U. T., Nov. 5, 1896. {HL 102.4}
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God requires of His people continual advancement. We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. With all our profession of health reform, many of us eat improperly. Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies largely at the foundation of feebleness and premature death. Let the individual who is seeking to possess purity of spirit bear in mind that in Christ there is power to control the appetite. {9T 156.2}

If we could be benefited by indulging the desire for flesh foods, I would not make this appeal to you; but I know we cannot. Flesh foods are injurious to the physical well-being, and we should learn to do without them. Those who are in a position where it is possible to secure a vegetarian diet, but who choose to follow their own preferences in this matter, eating and drinking as they please, will gradually grow careless of the instruction the Lord has given regarding other phases of the present
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truth and will lose their perception of what is truth; they will surely reap as they have sown. {9T 156.3}

I have been instructed that the students in our schools are not to be served with flesh foods or with food preparations that are known to be unhealthful. Nothing that will serve to encourage a desire for stimulants should be placed on the tables. I appeal to old and young and to middle-aged. Deny your appetite of those things that are doing you injury. Serve the Lord by sacrifice. {9T 157.1}

Let the children have an intelligent part in this work. We are all members of the Lord's family, and the Lord would have His children, young and old, determine to deny appetite and to save the means needed for the building of meetinghouses and the support of missionaries. {9T 157.2}

I am instructed to say to parents: Place yourselves, soul and spirit, on the Lord's side of this question. We need ever to bear in mind that in these days of probation we are on trial before the Lord of the universe. Will you not give up indulgences that are doing you injury? Words of profession are cheap; let your acts of self-denial testify that you will be obedient to the demands that God makes of His peculiar people. Then put into the treasury a portion of the means you save by your acts of self-denial, and there will be that with which to carry on the work of God. {9T 157.3}

There are many who feel that they cannot get along without flesh food; but if these would place themselves on the Lord's side, resolutely resolved to walk in the way of His guidance, they would receive strength and wisdom as did Daniel and his fellows. They would find that the Lord would give them sound judgment. Many would be surprised to see how much could be saved for the cause of God by acts of self-denial. The small sums
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saved by deeds of sacrifice will do more for the upbuilding of the cause of God than larger gifts will accomplish that have not called for denial of self. {9T 157.4}

Seventh-day Adventists are handling momentous truths. More than forty years ago the Lord gave us special light on health reform, but how are we walking in that light? How many have refused to live in harmony with the counsels of God! As a people, we should make advancement proportionate to the light received. It is our duty to understand and respect the principles of health reform. On the subject of temperance we should be in advance of all other people; and yet there are among us well-instructed members of the church, and even ministers of the gospel, who have little respect for the light that God has given upon this subject. They eat as they please and work as they please. {9T 158.1}

Let those who are teachers and leaders in our cause take their stand firmly on Bible ground in regard to health reform, and give a straight testimony to those who believe we are living in the last days of this earth's history. A line of distinction must be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve themselves. {9T 158.2}

I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then. There are some who have never followed the light given on the question of diet. It is now time to take the light from under the bushel and let it shine forth in clear, bright rays. {9T 158.3}
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We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over others. As God's messengers, shall we not say to the people: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God"? 1 Corinthians 10:31. Shall we not bear a decided testimony against the indulgence of perverted appetite? Will any who are ministers of the gospel, proclaiming the most solemn truth ever
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given to mortals, set an example in returning to the fleshpots of Egypt? Will those who are supported by the tithe from God's storehouse permit themselves by self-indulgence to poison the life-giving current flowing through their veins? Will they disregard the light and warnings that God has given them? The health of the body is to be regarded as essential for growth in grace and the acquirement of an even temper. If the stomach is not properly cared for, the formation of an upright, moral character will be hindered. The brain and nerves are in sympathy with the stomach. Erroneous eating and drinking result in erroneous thinking and acting. {9T 159.3}
All are now being tested and proved. We have been baptized into Christ, and if we will act our part by separating from everything that would drag us down and make us what we ought not to be, there will be given us strength to grow up into Christ, who is our living head, and we shall see the salvation of God. {9T 160.1}

tall73 · Aug 28, 2019

When the God of Israel brought his people out of Egypt, he withheld flesh-meats from them in a great measure, but gave them bread from heaven, and water from the flinty rock. With this they were not satisfied. They loathed the food given them, and wished themselves back in Egypt, where they could sit by the flesh-pots. They preferred to endure slavery, and even death, rather than to be deprived of flesh. God granted their desire, giving them flesh, and leaving them to eat till their gluttony produced a plague, from which many of them died. {CTBH 44.1}

Example after example might be cited to show the effects of yielding to appetite. It seemed a small matter to our first parents to transgress the command of God in that one act, -- the eating from a tree that was so beautiful to the sight and so pleasant to the taste, -- but it broke their allegiance to God, and opened the gates to a flood of guilt and woe that has deluged the world {CTBH 44.2}

It is impossible for those who give the reins to appetite to attain to Christian perfection. The moral sensibilities of your children cannot be easily aroused, unless you are careful in the selection of their food. Many a mother sets a table that is a snare to her family. Flesh-meats, butter, cheese, rich pastry, spiced foods, and condiments are freely partaken of by both old and young. These things do their work in deranging the stomach, exciting the nerves, and enfeebling the intellect. The
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blood-making organs cannot convert such things into good blood. The grease cooked in the food renders it difficult of digestion. The effect of cheese is deleterious. Fine-flour bread does not impart to the system the nourishment that is to be found in unbolted wheat bread. Its common use will not keep the system in the best condition. Spices at first irritate the tender coating of the stomach, but finally destroy the natural sensitiveness of this delicate membrane. The blood becomes fevered, the animal propensities are aroused, while the moral and intellectual powers are weakened, and become servants to the baser passions. The mother should study to set a simple yet nutritious diet before her family. . . . {CTBH 46.3}

God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth, -- a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body, and give a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet. {CTBH 47.1}

Those who use flesh-meats freely, do not always have an unclouded brain and an active intellect, because the use of the flesh of animals tends to cause a grossness of body, and to benumb the finer sensibilities of the mind. The liability to disease is increased by flesh-eating. We do not hesitate to say that meat is not essential to the maintenance of health and strength. {CTBH 47.2}

Those who subsist largely upon meat, cannot avoid sometimes eating flesh which is more or less diseased. In many cases the process of fitting animals for market produces an unhealthy condition. Shut away from light and pure air, inhaling the atmosphere of filthy stables, the entire body soon becomes contaminated with foul matter; and when such flesh is received into the
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human body, it corrupts the blood, and disease is produced. If the person already has impure blood, this unhealthful condition will be greatly aggravated. But few can be made to believe that it is the meat they have eaten which has poisoned their blood and caused their suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat-eating, when the real cause is scarcely suspected by themselves or others. Some do not immediately feel its effects, but this is no evidence that it does not hurt them. It may be doing its work surely upon the system, yet for the time being the victim may realize nothing of it. {CTBH 47.3}

Pork, although one of the most common articles of diet, is one of the most injurious. God did not prohibit the Hebrews from eating swine's flesh merely to show his authority, but because it is not a proper article of food for man. God never created the swine to be eaten under any circumstances. It is impossible for the flesh of any living creature to be healthful when filth is its natural element, and when it feeds upon every detestable thing. {CTBH 48.1}

It is not the chief end of man to gratify his appetite. There are physical wants to be supplied; but because of this is it necessary that man shall be controlled by appetite? Will the people who are seeking to become holy, pure, refined, that they may be introduced into the society of heavenly angels, continue to take the life of God's creatures, and enjoy their flesh as a luxury? From what the Lord has shown me, this order of things will be changed, and God's peculiar people will exercise temperance in all things. {CTBH 48.2}

In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary, -- temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking. Our heavenly Father sent the light of health reform to guard against the evils resulting from a debased appetite, that those who love purity and holiness may know how to use with discretion the good things he has provided for them, and that by exercising temperance in daily life, they may be sanctified through the truth. {CTBH 52.1}

At general meetings and camp-meetings we should have good, wholesome, nourishing food, prepared in a simple manner. We should not turn these seasons into occasions for feasting. If we appreciate the blessings of God, if we are feeding on the bread of life, we will not be much concerned about gratifying the appetite. The great burden of our thoughts will be, How is it with my soul? There will be such a longing for spiritual food, -- something which will impart spiritual strength, -- that we will not complain if the diet is plain and simple. {CTBH 52.2}

God requires the body to be rendered a living sacrifice to him, not a dead or a dying sacrifice. The offerings of the ancient Hebrews were to be without blemish, and will it be pleasing to God to accept a human offering that is filled with disease and corruption? He tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; and he requires us to take care of this temple, that it may be a fit habitation for his Spirit. The apostle
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Paul gives us this admonition: "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." [1 COR. 6:19, 20.] All should be very careful to preserve the body in the best condition of health, that they may render to God perfect service, and do their duty in the family and in society. {CTBH 52.3}

It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God's laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism, will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken from Sinai. {CTBH 53.1}

Our Saviour warned his disciples that just prior to his second coming a state of things would exist very similar to that which preceded the flood. Eating and drinking would be carried to excess, and the world would be given up to pleasure. This state of things does exist at the present time. The world is largely given up to the indulgence of appetite; and the disposition to follow worldly customs will bring us into bondage to perverted habits, -- habits that will make us more and more like the doomed inhabitants of Sodom. I have wondered that the inhabitants of the earth were not destroyed, like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. I see reason enough for the present state of degeneracy and mortality in the world. Blind passion controls reason, and every high consideration is, with many, sacrificed to lust. {CTBH 53.2}

To keep the body in a healthy condition, in order that all parts of the living machinery may act harmoniously, should be a study of our life. The children of God cannot glorify him with sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. Those who indulge in any species of intemperance, either in eating or drinking, waste their physical energies and weaken moral power. {CTBH 53.3}

The apostle Peter understood the relation between the mind and the body, and raised his voice in warning to his brethren: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against
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the soul." [1 PETER 2:11.] Many regard this text as a warning against licentiousness only; but it has a broader meaning. It forbids every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust. Appetite was given us for a good purpose, not to become the minister of death by being perverted, and thus degenerating into "lusts which war against the soul." Peter's admonition is a most direct and forcible warning against the use of all stimulants and narcotics. These indulgences may well be classed among the lusts that exert a pernicious influence upon moral character. {CTBH 53.4}

When Paul wrote, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly," [1 THESS. 5: 23.] he did not exhort his brethren to aim at a standard which it was impossible for them to reach; he did not pray that they might have blessings which it was not the will of God to give. He knew that all who would be fitted to meet Christ in peace, must possess a pure and holy character. {CTBH 54.1}

The strength of the temptation to indulge appetite can be measured only by the inexpressible anguish of our Redeemer in that long fast in the wilderness. He knew that the indulgence of perverted appetite would so deaden man's perceptions that sacred things could not be discerned. Adam fell by the indulgence of appetite; Christ overcame by the denial of appetite. And our only hope of regaining Eden is through firm self-control. If the power of indulged appetite was so strong upon the race, that, in order to break its hold, the divine Son of God, in man's behalf, had to endure a fast of nearly six weeks, what a work is before the Christian! Yet, however great the struggle, he may overcome. By the help of that divine power which withstood the fiercest temptations that Satan could invent, he too may be entirely successful in his warfare with evil, and at last may wear the victor's crown in the kingdom of God. {CTBH 54.2}

JackRT · Aug 28, 2019

Jesus himself ate fish, Lamb (at Passover at least) and most likely other meats as well, except pork.

You need to have a plant-based diet to be saved?

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Sophia7's husband

Sophia7's husband

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