“My beloved, I wish you health and well-being in all things, just as your soul prospers!” 3 John 2
Answer: Yes, in fact, the Bible mentions the importance of health almost first and foremost. Our mind and our spiritual life and the body are closely related. What affects one part also affects the others. If our body is overtaxed, our mind and our spiritual life cannot develop according to God's plan.
Answer: God gave health laws because he knows what is best for the human body. Car manufacturers put an “instruction manual” in the glove compartment of every new car because they know how their product works best. God, who created our body, also has an “instruction manual” for it. These instructions are called the Holy Bible. Disregarding this instruction manual results in illness, confused thinking and a burnt-out life, just as mishandling a car results in serious difficulties. Those who follow God's instructions preserve their health and enjoy a fulfilled life. God's great health laws can be compared to a protective wall that protects us from diseases through which Satan wants to inflict suffering on us. God has given us these laws so that we can avoid the traps of the devil.
“Listen to me, and you will eat good things,” Isaiah 55:2 “Whether you eat or drink or do anything else, do everything to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Answer: Yes, a Christian will even eat and drink differently from others - and all to God's honour - by only eating what is “good”. If God says that certain things are not suitable as food for us, he must have a good reason for this. He does not speak as a dictator, but as a loving Father. All his advice is always for our good. The biblical promise is: “...he that walketh uprightly shall not fail of any good thing.” Psalms 84:12 If God withholds something from us, it is for the one reason that it would harm us.
Note: No one can earn heaven by eating. Even eating the food of angels will not enable people to enter paradise. Only the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour can do this. However, disregarding God's laws of health can lead to a person being lost because it destroys their ability to discern and causes them to sin.
“Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant, ... and every tree on which there is seed-bearing fruit. They shall be your food.” “Of every tree of the garden you may eat as you please, but...” Genesis 1:29; 2:16
Answer: In the beginning, God gave people fruit, seeds and nuts to eat. Vegetables were added a little later (Genesis 3:18).
Answer: In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God clearly indicates which animals are unclean. Read both chapters in full.
A. All animals that do not split their hooves and do not chew the cud (Deuteronomy 14:6).
B. All fish and aquatic animals that do not have scales or raft feathers. Almost all fish are clean (Deuteronomy 14:9).
C. All birds of prey, scavengers and fish eaters (Genesis 11:13-20).
D. Most “crawling” (invertebrate) animals are also unclean (Genesis 11:21-47).
Remark: These chapters make it clear that most animals, birds and aquatic animals that are eaten are pure. However, there are some notable exceptions. According to God's instructions, the following animals are unclean and must not be eaten: Pigs, squirrels, rabbits, sea wolves, eels, lobsters, clams, crabs, prawns, oysters, frogs and many others.
“For the LORD will judge by fire and by his sword all flesh; and the slain of the LORD will be many. Those who sanctify and purify themselves ... and eat swine's flesh, abominations and mice, shall be taken away together, says the LORD.” Isaiah 66:16.17
Answer: It may be shocking, but it is true and must be said: The Bible declares that all who eat “swine's flesh”, “mice” and other unclean things, which are an “abomination”, will be destroyed with fire at the coming of the Lord. If God says that we should avoid certain things, then we should definitely obey Him. Consider that eating a single piece of the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve, a previously sinless couple, brought sin and death into this world. How dare anyone say that this is unimportant when God so clearly points out the consequences involved? God says that people will be destroyed because they “did what was evil in my sight and chose what was not pleasing to me.” Isaiah 66:4
“And the LORD said to Noah: ... Of all the clean livestock, take to you seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the unclean livestock, one pair each, the male and his female.” Genesis 7:1.2
Answer: No, really not! The Bible contains sufficient evidence that there were clean and unclean animals from the beginning of creation. Noah lived long before there were any Jews, and yet he knew about clean and unclean, because he took “seven” pairs of the clean animals and only “one” of the unclean ones into the ark. In Revelation 18:2, certain unclean birds are mentioned at the time shortly before the second coming of Christ. The death of Jesus did not invalidate these health laws, because the Bible says that all who transgress these laws will be wiped out at Jesus' return. (Isaiah 66:15-17). Neither the stomach nor the digestive system of the Jews is different from that of the Gentiles. These health laws apply to all people of all times.
“Wine makes a mocker, strong drink makes one wild, and no one who gets drunk with it becomes wise.” Proverbs 20:1 “Look not at the reddish colour of the wine, how it sparkles in the cup. It goes down easily, but in the end it bites like a snake and stings like an adder.” Proverbs 23:31.32 “Do you not know that neither the immoral... nor the drunkard... will inherit the kingdom of God? 1 Corinthians 6:9.10
Answer: Yes, the Bible prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages.
Answer: Yes, the Bible gives six reasons why the use of tobacco displeases God:
A. The use of tobacco is harmful to health and pollutes the body.
”Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and you are holy.” 1 Corinthians 3:16.17
B. Nicotine is an addictive substance that enslaves people.
Romans 6:16 says that we become servants of the one to whom we adhere. Anyone who uses tobacco is a servant or addict of nicotine. Jesus says: “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him alone!” Matthew 4:10
C. Tobacco addiction is unclean.
“Therefore go out from them and separate yourselves, says the Lord, and do not touch anything unclean. And I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 It is unthinkable that Christ would have used tobacco in any form, isn't it?
D. The use of tobacco is a waste of money.
“Why do you weigh out money for that which is not bread?” Isaiah 55:2 We are God's stewards over the money given to us, and “(All) that is required of a steward is that he be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
E. The use of tobacco does not bring anyone closer to Christ.
“Abstain from fleshly desires that war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 The use of tobacco is a lust of the flesh.
F. The use of tobacco shortens life.
Scientific findings confirm the fact that the use of tobacco shortens life by up to a third. This is against the commandment of God, which says: Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13). Even if it is a slow killing, it is still killing. One of the best ways to postpone your burial is to give up the use of tobacco.
Answer: Here are 11 biblical health rules:
A. Eat your meals at regular intervals and do not use animal fat or blood.
“... eat in due season.” Ecclesiastes 10:17 “This is an everlasting statute for your [future] generations ... that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.” Genesis 3:17
Remark: New scientific studies have confirmed the fact that most heart attacks are due to high blood cholesterol levels, and that the use of “fats” causes this elevated level. It seems the Lord knows what he's talking about, doesn't he?
B. Don't overthink it.
“Put a knife to your throat when you are greedy.” Proverbs 23:2 In Luke 21:34, Christ explicitly warns against “gluttony” (overeating) in the last days. The habit of overeating is the cause of many diseases.
C. Harbour neither envy nor resentment.
These evils suppress bodily functions. The Bible says that envy is like “meat in the bones”. Proverbs 14:30 Christ even requires us that if others have something against us, we clean it up. (Matthew 5:23.24).
D. Hege has a happy, joyful attitude.
“A cheerful heart promotes recovery.” Proverbs 17:22 Many illnesses are caused by depression. A cheerful, joyful attitude to life, on the other hand, is conducive to health and prolongs life.
E. Trust the Lord completely.
“The fear of the LORD is for life ... and will be satisfied.” Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord strengthens health and life. “My son, heed my words. ... For they are life to them that find them, and health to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 Health is therefore the result of obedience to God's commandments and full trust in him.
F. Balance between work, exercise, sleep and rest.
“Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God; you shall do no work there.” Exodus 20:9.10 “Sweet is the sleep of the labourer.” Ecclesiastes 5:11 “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread. Genesis 3:19 “It is in vain that you rise early and stay up late.” Psalms 127:2 “For what does a man gain by all his labour and the striving of his heart with which he toils under the sun? For he labours every day with sorrow and trouble; even at night his heart has no rest. Even this is vain!” Ecclesiastes 2:22.23
G. Keep your body pure. “
... purify yourselves.” Isaiah 52:11
H. Be moderate in all things.
“But everyone who takes part in the competition abstains from everything.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 A Christian will avoid everything that is harmful and use everything that is good with moderation. Habits that are harmful to health are a transgression of the law: “Thou shalt not kill.” Such habits kill little by little and can be described as “suicide by instalment”.
I. Avoid all harmful stimulants.
This may come as a surprise to some. Medical science has confirmed the fact that black tea, coffee and sweet drinks, which contain the addictive drug caffeine and other harmful additives, are harmful to the human body.
There is no nutritional value in it other than the sugar or the added coffee cream. Many of us already consume too much sugar. Stimulants give the body a dangerous, artificial boost. The popularity of these drinks is not due to their flavour or advertising, but to the dose of caffeine they contain. Many people are sickly because of their addiction to coffee, black tea and sweet drinks that contain caffeine. But the real tragedy is that men and women seeking peace and strength turn to black tea and coffee, which is merely a cheap substitute for prayer and Bible study. This pleases the devil and destroys human life.
J. Make mealtime a happy time.
“but if any man eats and drinks and enjoys good things with all his labour, it is also a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 Unpleasant scenes during meals disturb digestion. This should be avoided.
K. Help those who are in need.
“Is not this a fast, ... that you loose unjust bonds, ... that you set the oppressed free ... that you break your bread for the hungry and bring the poor persecuted into your house, that when you see one stripped of his clothes, you clothe him and do not deprive yourself of your own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6-8 This is too clear to be misunderstood. When we help the poor and needy, it promotes our own health.
“Make no mistake: God will not be mocked! For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7
Answer: The answer is too clear to be misunderstood. Anyone who breaks God's laws regarding caring for the body will reap a sick body and a burnt-out life, just like someone who gets into big trouble with their car if they treat it wrongly. Anyone who continues to violate God's health laws will ultimately be destroyed (1 Corinthians 3:16.17). God's health laws are not given to us arbitrarily. They are fixed natural laws of the universe, just like the law of gravity. Disregarding these laws always has devastating consequences. The Bible says: “... so is an undeserved curse: it does not come to pass.” Proverbs 26:2 Trouble comes from disobeying the laws of health. God in His grace informs us of these laws so that we are protected from the consequences of disobeying His instructions.
“You shall not eat it, so that it may go well with you and your children after you.” Deuteronomy 12:25 “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” Exodus 20:5
Answer: God clearly says that children and grandchildren (up to the fourth generation) pay for the foolishness of their parents who disregard God's health laws. When mothers and fathers reject God's health principles for their lives, their children and grandchildren inherit weakened, sickly bodies. Do you want to do that to your children and grandchildren?
“And there shall never enter into it anyone who defiles, nor anyone who commits abominations and lies.” Revelation 21:27 “But to those whose hearts walk after their abominations and their filthiness, I will recompense their behaviour on their heads, says the LORD GOD.” Ezekiel 11:21
Answer: Nothing impure or flawed will enter God's kingdom. All harmful habits defile a person. The consumption of unsuitable food defiles (Daniel 1:8). This is sobering, but true. Acting according to one's own judgement, according to “what pleases God”, will cost people their eternal salvation (Isaiah 66:3.4,15-17).
“let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He also is pure.” 1 John 3:3 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Answer: Sincere Christians will bring their lives into conformity with God's instructions without delay because they love Him. They are aware that His laws are given for their good and happiness and to protect them from diseases that Satan wants to bring upon them (Acts 10:38). God's advice and instructions are always for our good, just like the instructions of good parents for their children. And once we have recognised what is right in the eyes of God, he will hold us accountable for it. “Therefore if anyone knows to do good and does not do it, it is sin for him.” James 4:17
“But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me... Christ.” Philippians 4:13
Answer: Go to Christ with all these habits and lay them at his feet. He will gladly give you a new heart and the strength you need to break every bad habit and become a son or daughter of God (Ezekiel 11:18.19). How rejoicing is the certainty that “with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 Jesus says: “And whoever comes to me I will not cast out...” John 6:37 Jesus is ready to break the chains with which we are bound. He longs to set us free, provided we give our consent. Our fears, bad habits and nervous tensions will disappear if we keep his commandments. He says: “I have spoken these things to you so that ... your joy may be full.” John 15:11 The devil claims that true freedom is found in disobedience, but this is a fallacy (John 8:44).
“And no inhabitant shall say, I am weak.” Isaiah 33:24 “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Revelation 21:4 “But those who wait for the Lord will receive new strength, so that they will soar with wings like eagles, so that they will run and not grow weary, so that they will walk and not grow tired.” Isaiah 40:31
Answer: The inhabitants of God's new kingdom will live according to his health laws. There will be no sickness there. They will be blessed with never-ending strength and youth and live in communion with God in unspeakable joy and happiness for all eternity.
