In the Bible there are two distinct diet plans the Lord provided to us. The first and the best was the original diet in Eden. This similar diet was also for all land creatures as well. (Gen. 1:29,30)
God identifies our bodies as His holy temples. (1 Cor. 6:19) They do not really belong to us but are on loan to us. His overall diet plan for both plans is for us to enjoy the very best benefits of taste, best color, best nutritional value and for us to get it firsthand whenever possible.
We know the years prior to the flood provided the agricultural world with the best growing conditions it has ever had. The perfect growing conditions 12 months of the year with perfect temperatures, moisture, daylight and soil conditions. It was a worldwide greenhouse of perfection.
After the flood no longer did we have the best agricultural conditions of moisture; no longer the best sun light conditions and no longer the best soil conditions. Everything had been destroyed. The growing season was reduced from 12 months to a few months in most regions of the world. Also, floods, drought, heat and cold were now affecting agriculture What was mankind to do under such strenuous agriculture growing conditions? By His grace God gave us directions for the next second-best diet by substituting specific types of the cleanliest meat to our diet out of necessity. (Lev. 11:3) Jesus followed this diet plan and ate the best diet that was available during His time on earth.
Today, in most first and second world countries we can basically have all the foods as outlined in the original diet of Eden any time of the year.
There are always fruits, vegetables, nuts in grocery stores. In fact, probably 95% of all grocery store products are non-meat products. There is no reason to eat the second-best diet God gave to us. The former necessity has become unnecessary. We can once again always enjoy the benefits of the original Eden diet.
The same theme
One could argue it is easier today to eat the Eden diet than it was at creation time since all we have to do is pay a little money. No hard work at farming by most of us. I believe we can agree that God only advises and directs us on things that are best for us.
The Lord only wants the best for His holy temples. Is there anyone better to trust for what is best for us? We must respect the advice from our creator who is the most intelligent dietitian and nutritionist in the universe.
As we study the Bible, we can see some common themes of what God expects. After Adam and Eve sinned, He directed them to sacrifice a lamb—but not just any lamb but a perfect lamb or the best lamb without blemish as it was a symbol of the future sacrifice Christ would make for us. (Ex. 12:5)
When you read 1 Chron. 28:11-19 you see the great details and the most beautiful items to be used for building the temple, as only the best is acceptable to God.
So, what is this common theme? Both diet plans have a common theme for His holy temples just like the examples shared. That theme is to eat the best and most nutritional food that is available to us at the time and place where we live.
We are His holiest temples on earth because we were made in His image and He died for us. Only the very best available should enter into them. God has shown us that He dearly loves us and has provided guidance on health on regard to proper rest, exercise and diet.
The Eden diet is one for eternity. If we can’t enjoy it for a few years on earth, how can we enjoy it for eternity?
Tom Taylor is a former General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists employee and a member of the Spencerville Adventist Church in Maryland.
