The concept of dietary changes in the Bible encompasses various shifts in dietary laws and practices as revealed through different covenants and periods in biblical history. These changes reflect God's evolving relationship with humanity and His specific instructions for His people.

1. Pre-Flood Diet:

In the beginning, God provided a plant-based diet for humanity. Genesis 1:29 states, "Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.'" This indicates that the original diet for humans was vegetarian, consisting of plants and fruits.

2. Post-Flood Dietary Expansion:

After the flood, God expanded the human diet to include meat. In Genesis 9:3 , God tells Noah, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things." This marked a significant change, allowing the consumption of animal flesh, but with the stipulation in Genesis 9:4 , "But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it."

3. Mosaic Law and Dietary Restrictions:

Under the Mosaic Law, God provided specific dietary laws to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 outline these regulations. For example, Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." These laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to promote health and holiness.

4. New Testament and Dietary Freedom:

With the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the dietary restrictions of the Mosaic Law were reevaluated. In Mark 7:18-19 , Jesus declares, "Are you still so dull? Do you not see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him? For it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated." This passage suggests a shift towards spiritual purity over ceremonial dietary laws.

The Apostle Paul further addresses dietary freedom in Romans 14:14 , "I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if someone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Paul emphasizes the importance of personal conviction and the principle of not causing others to stumble in their faith.

5. Dietary Practices in the Early Church:

The early church grappled with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers, leading to discussions on dietary practices. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed this issue, advising Gentile converts to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, and meat from strangled animals (Acts 15:29). This decision aimed to promote unity and sensitivity among believers of diverse backgrounds.

6. Eschatological Perspective:

In the eschatological vision of the new creation, dietary practices are not explicitly detailed. However, the imagery of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:9 suggests a future communal meal in the presence of God, symbolizing fellowship and celebration.

Throughout biblical history, dietary changes reflect God's unfolding plan and His desire for His people to live in obedience and holiness. These changes also highlight the transition from physical to spiritual purity, culminating in the freedom found in Christ.