Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 8/5/2010

Question
I am 14 years old and I am just starting to read the bible. I am still in the
book of genesis and I came across this verse that I am a little confused about
and I am hoping you can offer some insight on:

Genesis 9:4-6

"But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your
lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from
every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life
of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of a man, by man shall his blood be
shed; for in the image of God has God made man"

Now, what I am getting from this verse is the age old saying "an eye for an
eye." But I know that is not what Christianity is all about, it's the opposite.
What exactly is God saying to Noah here? Or did God change his mind as to what
was acceptable behavior? Let me know


Answer
Dear Rachel,



In the Old Testament there were rules based on honor and justice. Not having the Holy Spirit and understanding of spiritual things these rules were exacted to make mankind understand an order based on justice.

Later Jesus came and gave us the Holy Spirit and understanding based upon grace and truth.

So all these rules disappeared. Because we understand the meaning of truth now.

All the rules of dietary nature are now discarded.


Hope this helps Rachel?


Willing to help you more, in Him