My God and My Country

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:8

8 But meat maketh us not acceptable to God, for neither if we eat, have we the more: neither if we eat not, have we the less.

Related Scripture:

Romans 14:17; Acts 10:9-16; Matthew 15:11; Mark 7:21; Proverbs 3:5, 4:23

Brethren:

We are reminded herein of two scriptures. The first being in the Gospel of Mark and the other in the Book of Acts.

In the former, we read how our Savior defines what makes us acceptable to our Creator by making note that it is what comes out of our mouths, that issues that flow from the heart are what defines what types of persons we are.

In the latter, we see how in Peter's vision we learn that God has cleansed all things for our profit.

“ In this he tacitly acknowledges, that in the sight of God it matters not what kinds of food we partake of, because he allows us the free use of them, so far as conscience is concerned; but that this liberty, as to the external use of it, is made subject to love. The argument of the Corinthians, therefore, was defective, inasmuch as they inferred the whole from a part, for in the use of them a regard to the claims of love is included. It is, therefore, certain, that meat recommendeth us not to God; and Paul acknowledges this, but he states this exception, that love is recommended to us by God, which it were criminal to overlook.

He does not speak of improvement as to the stomach; for the man who has dined has a better filled stomach than the man who goes fasting; but he means, that we have neither more nor less of righteousness from eating or from abstaining. Besides, he does not speak of every kind of abstinence, or of every kind of eating. For excess and luxury are in themselves displeasing to God, while sobriety and moderation are well-pleasing to him. But let it be understood by us, that the kingdom of God, which is spiritual, does not consist in these outward observances, and therefore, that things indifferent are in themselves of no importance in the sight of God. While he brings this forward in the person of others by anthypophora , [aka hypopora], he at the same time admits that it is true, for it is taken from his own doctrine, which we touched upon a little ago.”
John Calvin - Theologian

Postscript - Read Matthew 4:4