The Bible offers guidance and principles about what foods are good for us to eat. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches on this topic:
God Created Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, and Seeds for Food
In the creation account in Genesis 1, God provided plants yielding seed and fruit trees for food for humans and animals (Genesis 1:29-30). This indicates that vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts are part of God’s original perfect diet for mankind. Even after sin entered the world, these foods continued to be suitable for eating (Genesis 3:18).
Animal Products Allowed After the Flood
After the flood in Genesis 9, God allowed Noah and his family to start eating meat, indicating that meat can be eaten in moderation (Genesis 9:3). However, blood was forbidden, as blood represents life (Genesis 9:4). So while animal products like meat, milk and eggs can be eaten, the Bible cautions against consuming blood.
Kosher Food Laws for the Israelites
In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God gave the Israelites specific instructions about clean and unclean foods. Permitted land animals must chew their cud and have a divided hoof (Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6). Permitted seafood must have fins and scales (Leviticus 11:9; Deuteronomy 14:9). All birds of prey, scavengers and rodents were prohibited (Leviticus 11:13-19). Instructions were also given to cook meat thoroughly and avoid consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10-14). While Christians are not bound to observe all the kosher laws today, they do provide health insights for our benefit (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
Avoid Foods Offered to Idols
The New Testament warns believers to avoid consuming foods that have been offered to idols or false gods, as eating such foods indicates fellowship with those deities (1 Corinthians 10:14-22). This applies to foods involved in any religious ceremonies or rituals of false religions.
All Foods Can Be Eaten in Moderation with Thankfulness
While keeping the above biblical principles in mind, the New Testament makes it clear that no food is prohibited from being eaten. Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). Peter was told in a vision to not call any food unclean or defiled (Acts 10:15). Paul instructed that all foods are acceptable in moderation when received with thankfulness (1 Timothy 4:3-5). The key is partaking with a clear conscience and moderation, while giving thanks to God (Romans 14:1-6).
Focus on Godly Virtues Rather Than Strict Food Rules
The New Testament writers repeatedly emphasized that godly virtues like righteousness, faith, love and peace are far more important than disputes over food and strict dietary rules (Mark 7:14-23; Romans 14:13-19; 1 Corinthians 8:8). Believers should focus on glorifying God through upright conduct rather than just external regulations about foods.
Avoid Gluttony and Drunkenness
While enjoying God’s provision of food, believers must be careful to eat and drink in moderation and not to excess. Gluttony and drunkenness are strongly warned against in the Bible (Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:20-21; Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13). Self-control should be exercised in our eating habits.
Be Content Whether with Plain or Lavish Food
Scripture encourages being content whether we have a simple meal or a lavish feast (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Our attitude should be one of contentment and thanksgiving to God, rather than complaining or envy. Moderation and self-control again are key principles here.
Avoid Foods Harmful to the Body
While all foods may be permissible, some are not beneficial to our health according to modern knowledge. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should take reasonable care of them (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). So foods clearly associated with poor health like too much sugar and processed foods should be minimized.
Eat More Vegetables, Fruits and Whole Foods
The Bible points back to God’s original diet in Genesis 1 which emphasized vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds. Modern nutritional science confirms that predominantly plant-based diets are very healthy. So increasing our intake of fresh produce, whole grains and unprocessed plant foods aligns with biblical principles.
Shun Extreme Diets and Arguments over Food
The New Testament strongly warns against promoting extreme positions about food and dietary rules that go beyond God’s word (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Arguments and controversies over specific diets and foods should be avoided, focusing instead on godliness, moderation and contentment (Romans 14:1-6).
Eat with Gladness, Generosity and Hospitality
Meals in the Bible were joyful occasions of fellowship, hospitality and thanksgiving. Believers are encouraged to eat with gladness, be generous with food, and use meals to build relationships and show hospitality (Acts 2:46-47; Psalm 100:2; Ecclesiastes 9:7). Sharing meals together deepens love and community.
Ask God’s Blessing on Our Food
Scripture instructs us to offer thanksgiving and ask God’s blessing on our food. Jesus gave thanks before miraculously feeding the 5000 (John 6:11). Paul gave thanks for food in Acts 27:35. Asking God’s blessing acknowledges him as the giver of all good things (James 1:17). It’s a way we honor God at mealtimes (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Apply Biblical Values When Choosing Foods
In summary, the Bible provides the following values to guide our food choices: moderation, self-control, thanksgiving, stewardship of our bodies, godly virtues over food rules, avoidance of gluttony and drunkenness, contentment, hospitality, fellowship, and bringing glory to God. Seeking to apply these biblical values will lead to healthy, balanced eating habits.
The Bible does not prescribe rigid rules about specific foods and diets for Christians today. Rather, it provides timeless principles centered on moderation, thankfulness, stewardship of our health, and focus on godliness more than food regulations. When choosing foods, we should apply these biblical values in balance, while also using wisdom and current health knowledge.