I would 95 % agree, however, it does not match the very subject we are discussing, to say the least.
As far as "unclean foods" are concerned, keep in mind - Acts 10 is a great reference to both the man and the food having been made clean. Could Gentiles live in OT Israel? Of course. Enter the sanctuary? No.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. If I might be so bold, I which to share a perspective, and get your take.
Please consider that the Priest's in Israel had corrupted the Priesthood, according to Scriptures in my view. (Mal. 2) The Jews, according to the Jesus of the bible, were "Transgressing the commandments of God by their own traditions". According to actual Scriptures, "
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Both the Homeborn and the Stranger
would need cleansing to partake of the Sanctuary. This is true yes? And what has been cleansed by God, let no man call unclean. Remember that the Levites were separated by God to minister before Him in the Priest's Office. The Rest of Israel were not allowed to partake of the priesthood duties. Would this not include the "Homeborn" and the "stranger" that sojourned among them?
In fact, God's Law itself protected
anyone who would turn to Him in Faith. He wasn't a respecter of persons in this regard. A man's DNA was not to be the standard in which men were judged to be clean or unclean. God only used it as a standard for the Old Priesthood.
Leviticus 19:
33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Could Gentiles live in Israel? Rahab and her family did. There was a mixed multitude coming out of Egypt.
God even told us through Isaiah 56,
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Is this not Leviticus 19:33?
Where in the Bible is it written that God made "fornication" or "adultery" clean? Where has HE made the "blood" of animals " clean? or Idols. Where has HE made slugs, maggots or swine's flesh "clean"?
The lusts of man to disobey comes from within a man's heart, according to the Jesus of the Bible. God has commanded from the very beginning, that "ANYONE", as Paul teaches, (Rom. 6) that "Yields himself" a servant to obey God, is freed from Sin and becomes a servant of God's Righteousness.
Paul understood this.
2 Cor. 6:
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
In this world God placed me in, there are "many" religions who preach in His Name, who "Profess to know Him". (Titus 1:16) And for centuries these religions who call Jesus Lord, Lord, have transgressed God's commandments by their own traditions. They have pretty much rejected the Feasts of the Lord and have created their own high days and sabbath. They have rejected God's Judgments regarding clean and unclean and have created their own judgments. Not just regarding men, but behaviors and lusts as well. They have created their own images of God in the likeness of some random long haired handsome man.
This is not a judgment but a snapshot of the undeniable truth. As a result, I advocate that men study the scriptures themselves, as opposed to adopting the religious philosophies and traditions of this world God places us in.
Perhaps it doesn't matter. But it seems important enough to the Christ of the Bible, to warn His People over and over about being convinced of things regarding God which were not true, AKA, be "Deceived".
In my understanding, God forgave men of their sins, He didn't make Sins "clean".
I look forward to further discussions regarding why the Priesthood Changed.