The topic of consuming meat is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting both divine instruction and human practice. The permission to eat meat is rooted in the narrative of creation and the subsequent developments in human history as recorded in the Scriptures.

Creation and the Fall

Initially, God's provision for humanity's diet is found in Genesis 1:29, where He grants Adam and Eve every seed-bearing plant and tree with fruit as food. This vegetarian diet reflects the original harmony of creation. However, the fall of man introduces sin into the world, altering the dynamics of creation and human sustenance.

Post-Flood Permission

A significant shift occurs after the Flood, as recorded in Genesis 9:3-4. God explicitly grants Noah and his descendants the permission to eat meat: "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 divine allowance marks a new chapter in human dietary practices, with the stipulation that they must not consume blood, as it represents life.

Mosaic Law and Dietary Restrictions

Under the Mosaic Law, specific dietary regulations are introduced, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14). These laws serve both as a means of setting Israel apart as God's chosen people and as a guide for maintaining ritual purity. The consumption of clean animals is permitted, while unclean animals are prohibited, reflecting a broader theological and covenantal framework.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament brings further clarity and freedom regarding dietary practices. In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declares all foods clean, emphasizing that it is not what enters a person that defiles them, but what comes from the heart. This teaching is reinforced in Acts 10, where Peter receives a vision instructing him not to call any food impure that God has made clean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith.

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of eating meat in the context of Christian liberty and conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14, Paul discusses the consumption of meat offered to idols, advising believers to act in love and consideration for the consciences of others. He emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative on the permission to eat meat reflects a progression from the original vegetarian diet to a broader allowance post-Flood, with specific regulations under the Mosaic Law, and culminating in the New Testament's emphasis on freedom and conscience. This topic underscores the broader theological themes of God's provision, human responsibility, and the transformative work of Christ in redefining purity and community.