Lobster is considered a delicacy around the world prized for its sweet and tender meat. However some Christians debate whether eating lobster is allowed according to biblical principles. This article will examine what the Bible says about eating lobster and provide clarity on this issue.
Old Testament Dietary Laws
In the Old Testament, God provided many dietary restrictions for the Israelites to follow. These included prohibitions against eating pork, shellfish like lobster and crab, and certain birds (Leviticus 11). The intention was to set apart Israel as God’s holy nation and prevent them from following the practices of nearby pagan nations.
However, when Jesus came, he declared that no food can defile a person (Mark 7:19). The dietary restrictions were designed to teach spiritual truths, not prohibit certain foods forever.
New Testament Freedom
When questioned about hand washing before meals, Jesus responded:
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Matthew 15:11)
The apostle Peter was also given a vision in Acts 10 where God declared all foods clean and instructed him to “kill and eat” without distinction. This signified that the Old Testament food laws were no longer binding for Christians.
The New Testament makes it clear that Christians are free to eat foods previously prohibited under the Law of Moses As Paul wrote
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.” (Romans 14:14)
Principles for Christian Living
While Christians are not bound by Old Testament dietary restrictions, three principles can help guide our food choices:
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Love for others: Being considerate of believers with sensitive consciences and not causing them to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13).
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Stewardship: Honoring God with our bodies and resources (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
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Thankfulness: Receiving all foods gratefully as gifts from God (1 Timothy 4:3-5).
Is Eating Lobster Sinful?
Based on the freedom we have in Christ, eating lobster is not an inherently sinful act. Lobster is considered clean food along with all other meats.
However, some Christians may choose to abstain from lobster for cultural, health or personal reasons. If eating lobster violates your conscience or causes others to stumble, then it would be considered sinful for you personally.
Paul writes:
“Whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
The main biblical principle is to act in faith according to your personal convictions. Eating lobster can glorify God when done in a spirit of thankfulness and love for others. Avoid causing division over disputable matters of food and drink.
Overall, lobster is permitted under the New Covenant but individuals must prayerfully consider any reasons for abstaining. Evaluate your motives and act in accordance with your conscience, guided by wisdom and a desire to honor the Lord.
Frequency of Entities:
Old Testament: 3
New Testament: 3
Jesus: 2
Lobster: 9
Sin: 5
Dietary Laws: 2
Shellfish: 1
Crab: 1
Pork: 1
Mark 7:19: 1
Matthew 15:11: 1
Acts 10: 1
1 Corinthians 8:9-13: 1
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: 1
1 Timothy 4:3-5: 1
Romans 14:14: 1
Romans 14:23: 1
Leviticus 11: 1
Is Eating Shrimp a SIN? || What does the Bible say?
What does the Bible say about eating shrimp crab and lobster?
78 Bible Verses about Eating Shrimp Crab And Lobster Leviticus 11:9-12ESV / 16 helpful votes HelpfulNot Helpful “These you may eat, of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat.
Is it sinful to eat a lobster?
Similarly, it cannot be sin in and of itself to eat a lobster. But what can be even gravely sinful is directly disobeying God who said (for reasons other than that it intrinsically offends him) you are not to eat this thing. God made it sinful to eat lobster not because He doesn’t like lobsters, nor did God want the life of Isaac.
Why did God make it sinful to eat lobster?
God made it sinful to eat lobster not because He doesn’t like lobsters, nor did God want the life of Isaac. (‘Killing Isaacs’ isn’t a way to be justified, for example). He wants obedience in those things He asks, no matter what they are: even seemingly arbitrary things.
Does Jesus want us to eat a lobster?
Jesus wants us to avoid have such a heinous, even instantaneous, desire. Which in His eyes, because He sees it for what it is, it is murder. Similarly, it cannot be sin in and of itself to eat a lobster.