Yes, Christians Can Eat Pork | Here’s Exactly Why

Can Christians today eat pork? Is it a sin to eat bacon or ribs? 

The Old Testament Law forbids the eating of pork, however; Christians today are free to eat pork. The dietary laws and regulations outlined in the Old Testament were specific to the ancient Israelites and do not apply to Christians today.

Why are there Christians today who believe they shouldn’t eat pork? This belief comes from the Bible. 

One of the most well-known references to the consumption of pork can be found in the Old Testament book of Leviticus, which lists a number of laws and regulations that were given to the ancient Israelites. 

In Leviticus 11:7-8, it is written: 

“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”

This verse not only forbade the Israelites from consuming pork, but they were not to even to touch the dead body of a pig. 

Why Did God’s Law Forbid the Eating of Pork? 

The Old Testament in the Bible forbids the eating of pork for the Jewish people. Pigs and other animals were declared to be unclean, and forbidden to be eaten. 

Many people have speculated that the reason the Lord forbid eating these animals was for the people’s health; but that’s never actually stated in scripture. 

The only reason given for these laws is in Colossians 2:16-17, which says that all the dietary laws were shadows of things to come.

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

This verse says that the dietary laws of the Old Testament were only shadows of New Testament realities we have in Christ. 

A shadow’s only value is that it represents the real object. Those who cling to the shadows are missing the real person of Jesus and the rest that we now have in Him.

Was God Protecting the Israelites’ Health? 

It is interesting to note that the Bible has long been regarded by doctors, nutritionists and scientists as accurate concerning its knowledge about proper foods to eat and avoid for human health. 

There are several potential negative health effects associated with eating pork, including the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses and an increased risk of certain chronic diseases. 

Pork is also often processed with additives and preservatives, which can contribute to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as cancer and inflammation.

Some people may be allergic to pork or have sensitivities to it, which can cause a range of symptoms. 

Perhaps God was lovingly protecting His people from these ailments; but the Bible never makes that clear enough to state it as fact. 

What Animals Were Forbidden to Eat in the Old Testament? 

According to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament book of Leviticus, there are a number of animals that are considered unclean or impure and are therefore forbidden to be eaten. These include:

• • Any animal that does not have a split hoof and does not chew the cud, such as pigs, camels, and rabbits
  • Any animal that does not have a split hoof and does not chew the cud, such as pigs, camels, and rabbits
  • Any seafood that does not have fins and scales, such as shellfish and eels
  • Any bird of prey, such as vultures, eagles, and owls
  • Any carnivorous or scavenging animals, such as dogs, cats, and rats

Peter’s Vision of Unclean Animals

In the book of Acts, the apostle Peter has a vision in which he is told to eat a variety of animals, including those that are considered unclean or impure according to Jewish dietary laws, such as pigs. 

I have heard people use this passage in Acts to support the consumption of pork, but this vision is later interpreted as a symbol of the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) in the Christian faith, rather than as a literal command to eat pork.

Here’s Why Christians Today Can Eat Pork

First of all, the Mosaic law was given to the Israelites. 

Why do people who are not Jews think that they need to obey these laws? These rules were never given to the Gentiles. They were given specifically to the Israelites. 

Beyond that, Christians today can eat any food they want because God has declared all food to be good in 1 Timothy 4:4-5:

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 

Food is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. 

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continually emphasized the importance of spiritual purity rather than physical cleanliness. 

In Mark 7: 18 – 23, Jesus said that what goes in your body is not what defiles you; it’s what comes out of your heart!

18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 

19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 

20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 

22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 

23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

As Christians today, we should be much more concerned with what’s in our heart than what we put in our mouth!

All Foods Are Clean for Christians

The Apostle Paul also made this point very clear for the New Testament Christians. In fact, he spoke strongly against those who forbid certain types of food in 1 Timothy 4:1-6:

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. 

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Jesus Fulfilled the Old Covenant Law 

As New Testament Christians, we have been liberated from the requirements of the Old Testament’s legal system, including the dietary laws. 

Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf and brought it to completion. 

Romans 10:4, reads: 

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” 

This verse is saying that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are able to attain righteousness, or right standing with God, and are no longer bound by the requirements of the law.

Today we can enjoy total freedom, including the freedom to eat pork if we so desire. Don’t allow any teachings to put you in bondage to rules and regulations. We are free to serve God in a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20).  

Galatians 5:1 says:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

While the Old Testament’s legal system was important for the ancient Israelites, the New Testament teaches that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are able to have a personal relationship with God and are no longer bound by the requirements of the law.