This article contains information most news reports do not talk about.

Three weeks after it was first identified, the global community is still frantic at trying to control the rapidly spreading new strain of virus which has recently developed out of the once largely unheard-of city of Wuhan, in mainland China. But what is the most primary cause of it?

Widening Attempts at Quarantine

Sadly, transport system into and out of Wuhan’s 11 million population has been largely stopped shortly after the Chinese New Year of January 25, when the identity of this virulent deadly virus began to be recognized. Owing to the suspected great danger and deadly impact of this new viral discovery, travel outside Wuhan into other Chinese cities (and even countries) has been controlled and monitored at train stations, bus terminals, and various airports. But as of this writing, this travel-ban and restriction has now been expanded to include all travel to and from mainland China’s key cities by land, sea, or air. This shows just how serious the threat of this new virus is, based on the evaluation of experts from various nations of this world.

Secret Panic During Early Stages

At its early stages, the fear of the fatal capability of this epidemic manifested itself into two secret scenarios. The first was the secretly spreading rumor, fear, and panic among residents in the city caused the mass exodus of about 300,000 residents out of Wuhan before the government officially clamped down on all travel. But fearing the negative impact of this bad news, the Chinese government would not officially confirm this massive exodus. The second is that fearing the possibility of promoting greater chaos and panic, the Chinese government initially denied reports about the existence of this epidemic, until finally it had no choice but to honestly admit the truth and began to ask for outside help from the international community.

Medical Crisis in Wuhan

Anyone exhibiting some of its common flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough has become suspect and immediately quarantined at airports and similar facilities for further observation and treatment. Not only that, but right in Wuhan itself, people had been crowding into all the available hospitals, frantically demanding medical attention; thereby straining the capacities of the medical facilities and personnel to attend to every case. As a result, the Chinese government launched into an unprecedented rush program under extreme emergency measures to ambitiously build a 1,000-bed-capacity hospital, with the hope that it can be completed within two weeks!

Words and Talk Does Not Solve the Problem

Volumes have been written on this topic; uncountable hours have been spent discussing this problem in the broadcast industry and the social media; scores of videos have been produced; and much drastic actions have been undertaken by authorities concerning this epidemic, but…

What Is the Bottom Cause of This Disease?

Specialized medical personnel (pathologists, virologists, and microbiologists) working with the World Health Organization (WHO) studying this disease tell us that the cause of this epidemic is a virus which they named “Novel coronavirus” (abbreviated as: 2019-nCoV). This is because of its ball-shaped structure with spikes all around—somewhat resembling an unusually spiked crown. We are told that the spikes around the virus can conveniently and effectively attach itself like a hook or as a suction device to any cell and cause the virus in that cell to rapidly multiply and even to mutate itself into more deadly forms.

But the big and sad problem is that until this writing, there is still no medicine or vaccine developed to treat such a deadly disease. Medical scientists are still frantically working to discover a possible cure while some people are just dropping dead. Others are rapidly being infected because of its delayed—seemingly innocuous 14-day incubation period where no symptoms are yet manifested, but the person is most likely already a carrier of the virus. Thus, the likelihood of infecting many more is much greater, resulting into an even greater mortality rate. Comparing this with the last two other major viral diseases alone which swept thru our world more recently; below is the latest comparative data from the World Health Organization, as of January 31, 2020.

Comparative Data From the World Health Organization (WHO)

SARS identified in 2002, had 8,096 infections, resulting to 774 deaths, in 29 countries.

MERS identified in 2012, had 2,494 infections, resulting to 854 deaths, in 28 countries.

This latest 2019-nCoV, with 9,812 infections, resulted to 213 deaths already, and has as of this writing affected 23 countries.

NOTE: In just one month alone, this 2019-nCoV has already surpassed the infection figures of the two other deadly diseases which started even many years earlier! This rapid trend of infection and death is indeed very alarming! But here is even the latest update:

THE LATEST DATA FROM WORLDOMETERS.INFO (as of February 6, 2020)

Coronavirus Cases: 28,276 (of which 3,863 are in critical condition); with 565 deaths; while 1,173 cases have recovered. [More detailed statistics are in their website: (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/)

Identifying the REAL CAUSE of This Disease

In medical science, we have what we call a “Primary Cause” and a “Secondary Cause.” What medical scientists have recently identified (and named) is just considered the “secondary cause” of that disease which is the Novel Coronavirus, officially designated as 2019-nCoV.

However, what we really want to find out is the “Primary Cause” of this disease, which in effect caused or brought about the secondary cause, which is now known and named to be a virus?

Back-Tracking Directly to Wuhan

In a methodical and systematic manner of investigation, let us first back-track to the City of Wuhan itself where the disease is known to have originated.

Important question: What is the prevalent health-affecting feature in that city of Wuhan which was most popularly done by and among many if not most of the residents there?

Since our health is directly affected by our usual or regular intake of food, let us look into that aspect as an important determining factor in our investigation?

Exotic Food in the City of Wuhan

The most notable reputation and pride of the City of Wuhan when it comes to food is their large assortment of “exotic” food, sold in what is commonly called its Wholesale Seafood Market; which actually goes beyond “seafoods.” Located somewhere in the middle of the very large Chinese mainland, the term “seafood” seems ironical, but probably used as a “come on” to attract what they both lacked and desired most—sea creatures—obviously being very far from the sea. Rather, in a subtle substitution, they sell a large quantity and wide variety of land animals (both domesticated and wild) which you can see for yourself in this YouTube video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anMZ8dUTA0M)

As you can see from the video, they have a surprisingly large supply and wide array of “exotic” meats coming from creatures like: bats, cats, dogs, pythons, snakes, rats, wolves, etc.

“You Are What You Eat”

There is great truism in the statement, “You are what you eat.” Many noted authorities often quote this statement in their writings on the subject of health and nutrition. In other words, over time, one eventually accumulates into one’s body all the ingredients and substances which such person has been eating all along—whether good or bad. And in this particular Wuhan viral case; sadly, such bad eating practices is pin-pointed to have caused this virulent disease. While we don’t necessarily blame the poor victims, they became sick either due to simply following the popular eating customs in that locality or simply due to eating out of plain ignorance concerning the bad effects of certain meats, which is now known to have caused the development of the Wuhan Virus. The unrecognized effects of such bad eating practice is such that the virus has even produced the capacity to somewhat alter and weaken the genetic system of those affected individuals. Under such conditions, with a compromised or weakened immune system, their bodies can no longer naturally fight off the viral infection themselves. And with many others having the same compromised immune system, the disease spreads rapidly and develops into an epidemic!

The “Father of Medicine” Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocrates] is reputed to have said: “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” The big problem emanating from this astute and wise observation and statement of Hippocrates is that; what if your regular and common food is actually not your “medicine” but rather your “poison” because it is loaded with various toxins, plus biological and chemical substances which are incompatible with, and harmful to the cells of your body; making your immune system weak and abnormal?

WHO THEN DETERMINES WHAT WE SHOULD EAT?

Therefore, we need to truly and accurately determine which food (meat) products are good, and which are to be avoided because of their capacity to cause us sickness by weakening our natural immune system? But now the basic problem is to identify who is that ultimate infallible authority who knows exactly the true facts on this complicated matter of food? Is it your own taste-buds? Is it your fellowman? Is it the popular local trend or custom in your area?

BELIEVE IT OR NOT—AS THE CREATOR OF ALL CREATURES, GOD ALONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS BAD FOR MAN!

Admittedly, man is not capable of accurately determining what meat is truly good for man. Why? He can always cleverly or deceitfully fix any bad taste or unwelcome smell with some types of spices, but that does not remove any basic problem of such meat being inappropriate for or incompatible with our bodily composition. Man simply cannot see and does not have the capability to know the facts and the intricate biological and chemical interactions thereof. Or, in some cases, man can simply condition his sense of smell and taste to accept even the unacceptable!

Therefore, in His gracious kindness and mercy, God Who alone knows the exact genetic composition of the human flesh compared to that of all other creatures, revealed to mankind long ago this specialized knowledge. The obedient who knows the truths on this matter are blessed, while the disobedient or the ignorant concerning these matters eventually reap the negative results of poor health and death, or are sadly cursed by some crippling, debilitating, or horrible diseases.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF “CLEAN” AND “UNCLEAN” CREATURES

This knowledge of “Clean” [acceptable to be eaten] and “Unclean” [prohibited to be eaten by man] was revealed to mankind since ancient times. Because of human rebelliousness, this knowledge was largely ignored. But obviously, the obedient and righteous Noah (the man God used to perpetuate the human race after the great flood which destroyed all wicked and ungodly men) knew this law about “clean” and “unclean” creatures (Genesis 7:2,3). Such knowledge was passed on to obedient and god-fearing individuals, and later inspired by God to be written down by Moses, and now preserved in God’s Sacred Writings (found in both the Torah and the Bible).

Through Moses, details on this subject was mostly recorded in the third book called Leviticus. Since that chapter is quite long (listing the name and categories of various creatures), may I just simply refer you to the summarized description of the approved land animals and also for the approved sea creatures. [An Internet Link which provides a more detailed listing which includes birds and insects, is provided at the end of this article.]

Description of land animals approved to be eaten:

“Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat” [among grass-eating mammals], (Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6).

Examples in this approved category: antelopes, buffalos, cows, deer, goats, sheep.

NOTE: All those creatures shown in the Wuhan Seafood Wholesale Market video, are among those strictly prohibited to be eaten!

Not shown in that particular video; but still prohibited to be eaten according to God’s command includes the Camel (Leviticus 11:4; Deuteronomy 14:7), which was known to have caused the MERS [Middle East Respiratory Syndrome] virus epidemic in 2012.

Also prohibited to be eaten is the Pig/Swine (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8), which also caused the massive “H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic” in 2009 which is estimated by the CDC [Center for Disease Control and Prevention] to have killed 579,000 people, mostly in Africa and Asia!

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic)

(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/2009-h1n1-pandemic.html)

Description of sea creatures approved to be eaten:

“These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has [both] fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers—that you may eat” (Leviticus 11:9; Deuteronomy 14:9).

Examples in this approved category: anchovy, carp, milkfish, tilapia, salmon.

NOTE: Because of the high industrial pollution in our modern waters, some of the bigger fish species (even if characterized with fins and scales) have begun to attain high concentrations of deadly mercury in their bodies, thus making them unfit for food; apart from their nature of also having become carnivorous (flesh-eating). Examples of such fish that have become unfit for food are: Grouper [Lapu-lapu]; and various species of Tuna, etc. [More on this modern pollution problem is discussed toward the end of this article.]

WHY A RE-STATEMENT OF THE LAW OF CLEAN AND UNCLEAN MEATS?

Many Bible readers are somewhat puzzled why there is a re-statement on the Law of Clean and Unclean Meats in the 5^th book of Moses called Deuteronomy, stated in Deuteronomy 14:3-21.

This second re-statement on what is also commonly called the “Food Laws” shows how serious God is concerning the importance of this law. Please remember that the statement of the Law of Clean and Unclean Meats in Leviticus 11:1-47 was for the Israelite generation who left Egypt as adults (20 years old and above). Due to their lack of faith and rebelliousness, that Israelite generation was punished with a 40-year wandering in the wilderness, until that older generation died out. Thus, after 40 years, the newer generation who left Egypt when they were still infants and below the age of 20 have by then become adults. Concerning this new generation, God saw the need and importance to re-iterate to them the earlier command concerning what creatures to eat and what to avoid. Now, if such was important to God, is it also important to you?

OBJECTIONS TO THE APPLICABILITY OF THE FOOD LAWS TODAY?

Contrary to the claims of some preachers and theologians, please remember that this doubly-stated Food Laws commanded by God during the time of Moses was never revoked even in the New Testament period, because the biological nature of all animal creatures have never changed also from the writing of those laws in the Bible, and extending even to our time today.

But rebellious humans have never stopped to find ways and means to oppose and contradict God’s clear commands, just as the stiff-necked ancient Israelites did and were punished for.

For a thorough explanation debunking all such objections to God’s commands; plus addressing the crucial question on whether Christ really “declared all foods ‘clean’”—please be sure to carefully read and study the APPENDIX at the end of this article. Your health is at stake!

FOR EVERY EFFECT, THERE IS A CAUSE

Since there is an irrevocably uncompromising natural law, called the “Law of Cause and Effect” the current concerns on various human illnesses all have a cause. The basic and primary cause can be traced back to breaking health laws—whether done in total ignorance, due lack of knowledge, or willful disregard for God’s inexorable Laws. Like the natural and universal law of gravity, everyone, at any place, and at any time is subject to that law of gravity. If we disregard, ignore, and break it; it breaks us back. It is as simple as that!

Would Sincere Ignorance Be Counted as an Excuse?

In the legal aspect of our society, we have heard the expression: “Ignorance of the law excuses no one.” In the same manner, ignorantly or accidentally ingesting poison does not excuse the person from the bad consequence of the poison. Or sincerely believing that a certain gun is not loaded with a bullet, does not prevent that gun from firing a bullet and causing damage or death.

Much insight can be gained from what the prophet Hosea wrote in Hosea 4:6:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” [In other words, even God’s chosen are not exempted from the consequential destruction for their lack of proper knowledge or information.]

“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” [It is therefore important not to reject knowledge from God, lest we also become rejected of Him for an important purpose.]

“Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” [There are laws of God which we should never forget, lest God will also forget our children; most likely by causing them to have a damaged or horrible life or even to perish in early death.]

Effects of Obedience and Consequences of Disobedience

For obedience, blessings are not only promised but commanded by God to “overtake” us (Deuteronomy 28:2, 8).

On the other hand, simply because God is kind, merciful, and very patient with us, and often delays punishment; this does not mean that the penalties have gone away for good; but rather are still on their way coming toward us and eventually the curses and punishment will “overtake” us (unless there is genuine repentance and change in our attitude and conduct). The promised punishment and curses which will “overtake” us is stated in Deuteronomy 28:15.

Effects of Pollution and Human Greed

Because of the various types of industrial pollution in our environment (stated earlier) and due to human greed in general, some animals which the Bible originally (thousands of years ago) indicated as approved for human food are now suspect to probably cause some health problems.

For example, cattle which have been raised in enclosed barns all their lives (never been exposed to sunlight, neither have ever eaten any fresh green grass) but rather been given artificially concocted feeds, plus pumped with an array of various antibiotics and hormones all their lives; their flesh and milk have become suspect to have caused some modern malady among humans.

Similarly, poultry which have been cooped in very small cages all their lives; given only artificial feeds with antibiotic-treated water; and injected with various hormones, which surprisingly cause them to attain adult weight in only 45 days, have also become suspect to have caused some problems in human health. Likewise, hens whose eggs have never been fertilized (thus containing only 23, instead of the normal 24 chromosomes) have also become suspect for causing various health problems.

Satan’s Role In Human Misery and Death

Let us remember that there is an invisible spiritual power which has evil control over this whole world of mankind (1 John 5:19). Not only that, but he is also considered to be the “god of this [present] world” and who has spiritually blinded humans from seeing the light of truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). Furthermore, Satan for a long time now (with his demons) has deceived this whole world with lies and deceptions (Revelation 12:9).

Christ Who completely knows Satan’s activities well, compared him to a thief and a robber. And He said that: “The thief does not come except to steal [in this case good health and happiness], and to kill [by the hundreds and thousands thru epidemics and calamities], and to destroy [the knowledge of truths, and all that is good].” [In contrast, Christ said;] “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Summary

The bottom-line CAUSE of the Wuhan Coronavirus can be traced directly to their habitual eating of biblically prohibited meats—which is a direct VIOLATION of God’s wisdom law. Sadly, medical authorities around the world are either blinded or afraid to pin-point the real cause, but simply dance around their “virus” story which is just the “secondary cause” of the disease.

Like most problems in this world, humans in general simply refuse to look at the “root cause” lest they will be forced to look up to the wisdom of God and thus, forced to obey Him. No wonder, there will be no lasting solution to the problems of this world until the Messiah comes!

Conclusion

The best that we as individuals can do is to personally obey the commands and follow the wisdom of the Most-High God in our own personal lives. Then, we can be assured that the promised blessings will “overtake” us, rather than curses. Because of this, we can be assured of His protection where even thousands will fall around us, no evil can come near us (Psalm 91:1-16)!

Appendix

New Testament Objections to Observing God’s Food Laws:

A. Doesn’t Matthew 15 and Mark 7 Teach That Christ Has Declared All Foods Clean?

Both accounts (Matthew 15:1-20) and (Mark 7:1-23) were NOT specifically addressing the subject of allowed and prohibited meats. In fact, Christ and His disciples were eating at a Pharisee’s house, which obviously did NOT serve nor allowed any biblically prohibited meats. The main topic was the accusation from the religious leaders condemning the disciples for their failure to observe the traditional washing of hands ceremony which Christ’s disciples simply ignored.

B. Has There Been An Unauthorized Phrase Added to to the Gospel Account?

Apart from not only misunderstanding the main topic of those two passages previously mentioned above, some modern Bible translators took the dubious opportunity to insert an unauthorized phrase to one of the accounts. Added at the end of Mark 7:19 is the statement: “(In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”)

This spurious additional statement cannot be found in the parallel account in Matthew’s Gospel. It is also not found in the original Aramaic version, nor in any of the Greek translations, nor in the Hebraic Roots Bible version, nor in “The Scriptures” Bible version. And of course, it is not in the KJV or NKJ versions; which tried to strictly adhere to the original manuscript translations. This unauthorized addition can be seen only in versions long after the publication of the KJV.

NOTE: This unauthorized additional statement defies the simple logic and truth concerning the command on Kosher Meats traditionally observed in the Israelite/Jewish nation which has been faithfully kept by them for thousands of years. It is inconceivable that the very Being (Christ) Who gave such commands in His capacity as the God of Israel will simply and totally abrogate it without any basis or elaboration with that just one sweeping statement.

On the face value of that one statement, we are led to ask if such can really be proven to be true that “all foods are [now] ‘clean’”? Let us take that statement to several crucial tests:

1. About ten years after Christ was supposed to have “declared all foods ‘clean’” the leading apostle Peter was shown a vision of a great sheet containing various creatures, and he heard a voice which told him, “kill and eat.” This was done three times! But Peter answered and said, “…I have never eaten anything common [Gk. koinos] or unclean” [Gk. akathartos] (Acts 10:11-16). [More details on this on Peter’s vision later.]

[NOTE: “koinos” (G2839) means to become ceremonially unclean, or become externally defiled (like meat which came from a strangled goat which died of itself.)

In contrast, “akathartos” (G169) means intrinsically evil of itself, or unclean by its very nature. Thus, by this definition, all “unclean” animals fit in this category, and so with the demons and Satan.]

Question: IF it is indeed true that Christ has declared all foods “clean” how could Peter have refused to obey that command, and instead affirmed that until then (10 years later), he has never eaten anything that was common or unclean?

Otherwise, he could have said, “Thank you for this latest super-abundant offer, my Lord. Actually, I have enjoyed eating all kinds of creatures for the past 10 years now. And I am familiar with the eating of those creatures you have just shown me like: hyenas, lizards, snakes, vultures…” [Of course, these words are fake and used as a sarcasm to underscore the gross falsity of such beliefs.]

2. Much later than Peter’s vision, was an event during the Jerusalem Conference involving the original apostles and other church leaders then. The issue was brought up concerning Gentiles who were being converted. In this regard, the topic was brought up concerning the traditional Gentile practice of eating blood, and also eating of animals which have been strangled. Notice that all the original apostles were unanimous in still upholding God’s ancient commands prohibiting such practices (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17; 17:10-16). Therefore, thru James, they collectively issued a statement that all the believers should “abstain from … things strangled, and from blood” (Acts 15:20, 29).

Question: IF it is indeed true that Christ has already declared all foods “clean” many years previously, how come that all the apostles still unanimously issued a command to all the church congregations instructing all believers (Jews and Gentiles) to abstain from blood and from things strangled?

3. IF it is indeed true that Christ has already declared all foods “clean” how come that the Prophet Isaiah in a vision for the future; he stated that when the Messiah returns, He will condemn all who were eating “swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse” (Isaiah 66:17)? Isn’t it that He has already “declared all foods clean” while still on earth?

4. IF it is indeed true that Christ has already declared all foods “clean” how come that the apostle John, in a vision depicting the future, talking about the Fall of Babylon the Great, he wrote that there is still such a category of “unclean and hated bird” (Revelation 18:2)?

C. Does Peter’s Vision in Acts 10 Prove That All Creatures Have Now Been Cleansed?

A careful reading of Luke’s account of Peter’s vision in the Book of Acts chapters 10 and 11; it shows a false interpretation of that vision by most preachers. They believe and teach that the vision was meant to usher in a new doctrinal teaching that it is now acceptable to eat any kind of creature—which actually is contrary to God’s very clear commands in the Scriptures. Rather, the true intent of that vision was to prepare Peter’s mind and attitude not to consider or call repentant Gentiles as “unclean” similar to referring to unclean animals or creatures.

As a staunch and doctrinally solid apostle, Peter knew that the vision cannot be taken literally. That is why he had the strong guts to oppose three times that voice commanding him to “kill and eat” (Acts 10:13-16).

Many years after Christ had supposedly declared “all foods clean” he still declared that he has “never eaten anything common [Gk. koinos] or unclean [Gk. akathartos]” (Acts 10:14).

While Peter still doubted in his mind what the vision meant, the Holy Spirit told him to go down, doubting nothing, for three Gentile men were looking for him and that he was to go with them. Since the command to “kill and eat” was done three times; that referred to the three Gentile men sent by Cornelius who were looking for him then. (Acts 10:17-21).

Upon arriving at Cornelio’s house, Peter declared to them his initial hesitancy of going into a Gentile house because it was against ancient Israelite traditional law (John 4:9). But then, because of the vision, he began to understand that “God is not a respecter of persons…” (Acts 10:28, 34)

CONCLUSION: The only apostle shown that vision was Peter, who was appointed by Christ to open the calling into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 16:19) of both Jews (thru his preaching on the day of Pentecost, described in Acts chapter 2), and also to the Gentiles (through the visit into the household of Cornelius.) (Acts 10 and 11). But never in all his preaching or writing of his letters did he ever declare that it is now permissible to eat unclean creatures.

D. Does Romans 14 Teach That There Is Nothing Inherently Unclean?

This is the apostle Paul’s letter concerning those believers who are “weak in the faith” (Romans 14:1), and how to treat them properly. Some of them having come from pagan backgrounds have become sensitive to eating meats (even approved meats but which was usually offered to idols) which Paul described in greater detail in 1 Corinthians 8:1 and succeeding verses. To avoid offending their own conscience, they preferred to eat vegetables only. Paul taught that they should still be respected rather than being condemned (Romans 14:10-13).

Romans 14:14 is the crucial point here. The problem centers on misunderstanding the word “unclean.” Strong’s Concordance shows that the word “unclean” (G2839) [repeated three times in this verse] is the Greek word “koinos” which should have been translated as “common” or “defiled.” In what way can a meat be considered “defiled” by the conscience of weak believers? They believe that when an acceptable meat (beef or lamb) is sacrificed to idols, it is already “defiled” in their own conscience.

Please note that the Greek word for “unclean” akathartos (G169) which means intrinsically evil or unclean by its original nature (as when referring to pigs), was never used in the stated verse.

E. FALSE INTERPRETATION OF 1 TIMOTHY 4:4 “Nothing to be refused”?

Before going into any premature false conclusion, it is important to read the entire context of what Paul wrote about first. Copied below is the entirety of 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

1. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2. speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3. forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
5. for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

Verse 1 describes the great apostasy in our end time, inspired by deceiving spirits and demons.

Verse 2 speaks of hypocritical liars, whose conscience have become insensitive, as when metaphorically seared by a hot iron.

Verse 3 talks about those who forbid marriages and abstention from food which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. [Of course, we know of religions which forbid marriages among their clergy, and which also commands abstentions even from approved meats on Lenten season].

The important guiding phrase in this verse is “those who believe and know the truth.” The “truth” here refers to the Word of God. And when talking about food or meat, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 is intended to be meant here, which defines what food/meats are acceptable to eat and which are to be refused.

Verse 4’s interpretation should be guided by the context of verses 3 and 5. Wildly interpreting verse 4 alone in isolation from the preceding and the succeeding verses will create bizarre concepts and conclusions which will go contrary to the rest of Scriptures. Yet we know that Scriptures cannot be in contradiction with one another (John 10:35).

Because common sense and biological knowledge tells us that NOT “every creature of God” is designed or meant to be eaten; like hyenas, vultures, worms, flies, and other detestable creatures. Some of these were purposely designed by God to be scavengers to clean-up our environment and maintain ecological balance.

Verse 5 is therefore needed to guide the understanding of verse 4. The word “sanctified” also means to “set apart” by the Word of God. Which means, we need to look into the Bible to find out which food (meats) have been “sanctified” or “set apart” for the believer’s food.

Conclusion to Appendix

We have analyzed all the Bible passages being used by some to show that the biblical food laws no longer apply in our day. But we have debunked all of those false claims by the use of simple Exegesis and proper application of Scriptures.

Additional Reference:

For more detailed information on this subject, which includes a list of land animals, sea creatures, birds, and insect which are acceptable to be eaten and which are not; these can be accessed at: info@ucg.org (please specify the booklet title “Clean and Unclean Meats”)