“What God Has Cleansed You Must Not Call Common.”

 “I've often wondered how or why it is that most ( I think all ) religions only practice parts of what the bible states. And I know the same scriptures are always used as examples... usually from Leviticus.. like about not... eating pork or stoning to death adulterers etc... Why is it ok to not follow through with the orders in these scriptures but not others. I've always wondered about this but have never been able to get an answer from anyone.  Any thoughts?”

The above comments & questions were recently posted on my Face book page by a family member and below is my response as I understand it. 

First of all, please understand no church is perfect and people (many times, not the church as a whole) make decisions which scriptures they want to follow and which ones they don’t.  Doesn’t mean God didn’t speak against their decision throughout the bible; just that they “choose” not to obey.  And many times people tend to blame the church or pastor for not preaching God’s Word correctly.  In my opinion, unless a person can prove a pastor is actually preaching heresy, the pastor can’t be blamed that he encouraged the people in the congregation to make wrong choices; especially after the pastor preaches the Word of God uncompromised.   A pastor should always be able to prove what He says thru scripture; otherwise it is merely their opinion.   If in doubt…compare what is said with the scriptures.  But also respect your pastor enough to discuss your concerns with him; don’t just assume. (Hope this makes sense.)

I believe since the birth, death & resurrection of Jesus, we are no longer bound to the Old Testament laws unless it tells us we are in the New Testament.  Read the book of Acts 10:1-48 NIV.   Read the whole chapter to get a better understanding of what actually happened in regards to being clean versus unclean.  Don’t skip the part about Cornelius; it’s very important for you to get understanding on the whole picture.

Regarding not eating pork – 

Some folks still practice this; however, because of the new covenant we have with the Lord, I believe Acts 10:13-16 NIV gives us permission to eat pork if we want too.  Acts talks about when Peter had been praying; got hungry and wanted to eat.   Something like a sheet came down on all 4 corners of the earth and had all types of animals inside of it; wild beasts & 4 legged ones too.  (I believe that would include pigs.)   

A voice came to Peter (thru a vision) saying “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”  Peter’s response was “Not so, Lord!  For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And the voice responded by saying, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

I believe the sheet like object that came down on all corners of the earth was God’s way of saying His message was for everyone everywhere; not just the spot Peter was in. (I personally don’t believe eating pork is considered a sin any longer.)  But God wasn’t just talking about food.  He was talking about people too.  Back then, it was against the law for Jews and Gentiles to associate with each other.  However, because of the vision Peter experienced, He was convinced God had shown him not to call anyone impure or unclean.  (So it goes way beyond food.)   It’s also important to note that the Lord wasn’t talking about our outside appearance; rather the inside of us; our spiritual cleanliness. 

About stoning the adulterer to death –

Again, back in the Old Testament, Leviticus 20:10 NKJV, the people back then were under the old law.  And from what I understand, the Lord spoke to Moses and commanded adulterers & adulteress be stoned. He also commanded people to be stoned because of other sin as well.  However, once again, Jesus, our Redeemer, full of mercy & grace was sent to earth to set the sinner free. Doesn’t change the fact that adultery is STILL a sin; but with Jesus, stoning to death was no longer necessary.  He shed His own blood so that ours wouldn’t need to be.  When Jesus looked at her, helpless and doomed for death, He answered the scribes and Pharisees in a way that made them examine themselves before condemning someone else; in this case, the adulteress.  The scribes & Pharisees were trying to trip Jesus up to find fault with Him so that they can accuse Him of blasphemy.  Instead, they walked away with the guilt on themselves and Jesus forgave the adulteress and told her to go and “sin” no more.  

And just a reminder about Romans 5:8-11(NKJV)  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.    ^{And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.} Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Important to remember; all it takes is a true repentant heart to be forgiven. Doesn’t mean we are perfect; just willing to make changes as the Lord reveals them to us. We will never be perfect until we are with up in heaven with Jesus. But He loves us no matter what!

Be blessed my family & friends!

Walk in the Lord's total favor!

Love you all!

Cyndy