Yes, it is true that it is okay to eat pork.  Let us see from the Scriptures why this is true.  In Leviticus 11:4-7, we read instruction from the Lord for the children of Israel to follow as part of the Law of Moses.  These verses state, “Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.  And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.  And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.  And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.”  The swine in verse 7 is the same as a pig, from which we get pork, ham, bacon, and other similar types of food.

When we come to the New Testament, a significant change takes place.  We read in John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”  The Lord Jesus brought in a new order of grace that replaced the Law of Moses.  As we read in Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  As we also read in Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

In Acts 10:9-15, the Lord showed the Apostle Peter that it is okay to eat animals that were considered unclean under the Law of Moses.  The Lord was teaching Peter that, just as it is okay to eat previously unclean animals, it is also perfectly fine for Peter to share the gospel with Gentiles or non-Jews.  This helped Peter to realize that it was fine for him to share the gospel with Cornelius and other Gentiles.  Let us read this passage together.  “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”

How thankful we should be that the gospel has been sent out to more than just Jews.  Now “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life,” as we read in John 3:15.  We can also be thankful that we are no longer under the Law but under grace with every area of our lives, including the eating of pork.  (187.8)  (DJ)