The four prohibitions of the Synod of Jerusalem all have to do with Gentile Idol-Worship. The prohibition of fornication is moral, the other three (meat not handled in a way consistent with OT practice, i.e., not properly drained of blood, or strangled, and sacrificed to Idols) were temporary prohibitions having to do with Jewish sensibilities, and the break the gentiles were to make with their former lives. In other words, those dietary restrictions decreed by the Synod were all related to Idol-Worship. The prohibition of fornication, which is moral and abiding, was also given in that context, that of idol worship. The fourfold decree then amounts to telling the Gentiles to quit their former ways of worship as members of the Christian Church. While those dietary restrictions were not of themselves to continue in force, the idol worship, and practices related to it, were to stop.

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Rev. Todd Ruddell
Pastor, Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCGA)
Wylie, TX
www.christcovenantreformedpc.org

Our best marks can contribute nothing to our justification, ...that is proper to faith. Faith cannot lodge in the soul alone, and without other graces; yet faith alone justifies before God.--G. Gillespie