by Dorcas Kulwa | 17 May 2023 08:46 am05
Answer:
In Acts 21:25 (ESV), the early Church gave a clear instruction to Gentile believers:
“But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
The phrase “food sacrificed to idols” refers to any food that has been offered as part of spiritual rituals not directed to the one true God, but to false gods, demons, or ancestral spirits. These are often tied to occult practices or traditional beliefs that do not align with the teachings of Christ.
Throughout Scripture, God warns His people to avoid participating in pagan worship, including consuming food offered in such contexts. In the Old Testament, God set Israel apart from the nations by forbidding them to eat sacrifices offered to idols (see Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:16–17).
This same principle carries into the New Testament. Paul, writing to the Corinthian church—a community surrounded by idol worship—warned them:
1 Corinthians 10:19–21 (ESV)
“What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
Paul makes it clear: while idols themselves are powerless, the act of sacrifice is spiritually significant because it involves demonic beings. To partake in such food is to enter into spiritual fellowship with demonic forces.
Even today, in many cultures, people may unknowingly (or knowingly) eat food offered to spirits or ancestors:
A traditional ritual may require someone to sacrifice a goat or chicken to ancestral spirits, then eat the meat as a sign of union with those spirits.
A witch doctor or spiritualist may request a food or animal offering to solve a problem or bring protection. This is often followed by the client eating part of the offering.
Grain or drink offerings may be presented to deities, and people may be invited to eat or drink from it as part of a ritual.
Whether animal or grain, the spiritual act of dedicating food to any being other than the Triune God makes it “sacrificed to idols.” Eating it brings spiritual consequences.
Participation in idol sacrifices is more than a physical act—it establishes spiritual alignment with that false altar. Scripture consistently portrays eating such food as entering into covenant or fellowship with demons. This is why Paul insists Christians must avoid it completely:
2 Corinthians 6:14–16 (ESV)
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? … What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God.”
If you were unknowingly served food that had been offered to idols—perhaps at a feast or in someone’s home—there is no condemnation:
Mark 16:17–18 (ESV)
“And these signs will accompany those who believe… if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them…”
As a believer, your faith and the name of Jesus protect you from unintended harm. However, if you knowingly eat such food, it is considered willful spiritual compromise and must be avoided:
Romans 14:23 (ESV)
“For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
If you knowingly or unknowingly participated in such rituals—whether in your family, community, or through a spiritual practitioner—know that it is possible you formed a spiritual tie with demonic powers. These connections may manifest in:
Unexplained oppression or spiritual attacks.Recurring misfortune or bondage.Difficulty in your walk with God.These are not mere superstitions but real spiritual entanglements.
Repent: Confess your involvement and renounce any connection with idolatry or ancestral spirits.
1 John 1:9 (ESV) – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Be Baptized Biblically: According to the New Testament pattern, baptism should be by full immersion and in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:38 (ESV) – “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Receive the Holy Spirit: Seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit for power, guidance, and sanctification.
Acts 1:8 (ESV) – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”
Through these steps, you break all spiritual ties and enter into full freedom in Christ.
John 8:36 (ESV) – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
May the Lord bless you and lead you into full spiritual freedom.
Please share this message with others who may need it.
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