Ellen White's writings consistently highlight the connection between health reform and spiritual readiness, particularly in the context of end-time events. In her counsel found in Manuscript Releases, Volume 18, page 354 (18MR 354), she provides a solemn warning:
"The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch nor taste the flesh of dead animals. Then let not these things be prescribed by any physician who has a knowledge of the truth for this time. There is no safety in eating the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cow will also be excluded from the diet of God's commandment-keeping people. In a short time, it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation. Those who take God at His word and obey His commandments with the whole heart will be blessed. He will be their shield of protection. But the Lord will not be trifled with. Distrust, disobedience, and alienation from God's will and way will place the sinner in a position where the Lord cannot give him His divine favor."
This statement emphasizes the importance of aligning with the original diet given in Eden and moving away from animal products as part of God’s preparatory work for His people.
Health Reform and End-Time Preparation: A Biblical and Prophetic Call
The Bible establishes the ideal human diet in the very beginning:
"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat" (Genesis 1:29).
This plant-based diet was designed to promote health, vitality, and spiritual clarity. It was free from the death and corruption introduced by sin (Genesis 3:17-19) and reflected the harmony of God's creation.
When sin entered the world, the introduction of animal consumption became a concession, not the ideal. The permission given in Genesis 9:3-4 after the flood was temporary and pragmatic, but even then, restrictions were placed, such as abstaining from blood.
Daniel's Example of Faithful Living
Daniel and his companions demonstrated the benefits of adhering to a plant-based diet in Babylon:
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:8).
Instead, they requested a diet of vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12). The result?
"At the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat" (Daniel 1:15).
This account underscores the physical and spiritual advantages of dietary faithfulness, particularly in a world filled with corrupt practices.
Health Risks and Spiritual Implications of Animal Products
Ellen White’s warnings about the dangers of consuming meat and dairy are supported by scripture and modern understanding of disease:
Diseased Flesh: In Leviticus 11, God provides dietary laws distinguishing clean and unclean meats. These restrictions were given for health and hygiene purposes, as consuming certain animals poses a higher risk of disease.
Defilement of the Body: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Obedience Brings Blessings: "And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Exodus 15:26).
Scientific research today confirms the health risks associated with consuming animal products:
Increased Disease Risk: Studies show that high consumption of red and processed meats is linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Antibiotics and Hormones: Modern animal farming often involves antibiotics and hormones, which can disrupt human health.
Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases such as mad cow disease, bird flu, and others highlight the dangers of consuming animal products.
Milk Intolerance: A significant percentage of the global population is lactose intolerant, and dairy consumption has been linked to inflammation and other health issues.
Obedience and Divine Protection
The relationship between obedience and God’s protection is a consistent biblical theme:
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" (Psalm 34:7).
"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day" (Psalm 91:5).
Ellen White’s counsel links dietary obedience with receiving God’s shield of protection. Those who knowingly reject these principles place themselves outside the sphere of divine favour, especially during the perilous last days.
Practical Steps for Transitioning
To align with God’s ideal, here are some practical steps:
Study God’s Word: Explore passages like Genesis 1:29, Leviticus 11, and Daniel 1 to understand His dietary principles.
Adopt a Plant-Based Diet: Begin incorporating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts into your meals.
Avoid Harmful Substances: Abstain from meat, dairy, and other products from the animal kingdom as you transition.
Pray for Strength: Ask God for the wisdom and willpower to make these changes.
Trust in God’s Promises: Remember His assurance in Psalm 84:11: *"No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Conclusion
God’s call to health reform is not merely about physical well-being but about preparing a people for His soon return. By embracing the Eden diet, we honour our Creator, protect our bodies, and position ourselves to receive His blessings and protection in the last days. Let us take God at His word and, with whole hearts, obey His commandments, trusting that He will be our shield and deliverer (Psalm 18:2).
Discover the biblical connection between health reform and spiritual readiness in 'Health Reform and End-Time Preparation: A Biblical and Prophetic Call' get yourself a copy of "The Ministry of Healing" and start your journey.
May we, like Daniel, stand faithful and undefiled in a world of corruption, shining as examples of God’s sustaining grace.
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