Messianic Apologetics

Addressing the Theological and Spiritual Issues of the Broad Messianic Movement

The discussion of the Apostle Paul in Romans 14, has been traditionally viewed from the perspective that he considers matters of the seventh-day Sabbath and kosher dietary laws, to be one entirely of opinion for Messiah followers. If a person keeps Shabbat or eats kosher, that is fine—but if a person does not keep Shabbat or does not eat kosher, that is fine as well.

Some controversial circumstances arose among the Roman Believers, involving sacred days and eating. But are these sacred days and eating, actually the appointed times and dietary laws? Or, might something else be in view? Is it possible to have a pro-Torah vantage point when approaching Romans 14?

The statements made by God in Genesis 9:3-7 are delivered after the Flood is completed, and humanity now has to rebuild itself. In most Messianic examinations of Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32), we often overlook what is being said here, for a variety of reasons. Vegetarian man is now told by the Creator that he is allowed to eat meat, something previously prohibited, with some specific stipulations on what to do with animal blood. Much of our avoidance of this section is likely because many Christians today use Genesis 9:3-7 as a proof text to show that while Noah and his family were allowed to eat meat, they seem to be told to eat the meat of any animal, which would presumably include those that would later be specifically classified “unclean.” It is thus asserted that the laws of kashrut given in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 were only temporary instructions for Ancient Israel that Noah did not have to follow.

Is this really what is asserted in Genesis 9:3-7, or is there more at work in the text that may be eluding us? What does this part of the early Genesis story tell us about animals for food, human beings, and the need to respect blood? Why did God extend permission for people to eat meat?

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