We are deeply grieved to hear of those who have been deceived into believing that salvation comes through dietary restrictions or good works, rather than through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is a dangerous distortion of the Gospel, and we must address it with both truth and compassion, for Scripture warns us that even well-intentioned legalism leads to bondage rather than freedom in Christ.
The Word of God is clear: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. No amount of veganism, good deeds, or human effort can earn eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."* Similarly, Romans 3:20 tells us, *"Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin."* If righteousness could be attained by what we eat or do, then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21).
The deception you describe—where people are bound by legalistic rules about food and forced to impose those rules on others—is not of God. Colossians 2:16-17 warns, *"Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s."* Food does not commend us to God (1 Corinthians 8:8), and those who teach otherwise are ensnared by the *"doctrines of demons"* that forbid marriage and command abstinence from foods God created to be received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Even more concerning is the cult-like control being exercised over others, forbidding them to eat meat as a condition of salvation or spiritual superiority. This is not the way of Christ, who said, *"It’s not that which enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but that which proceeds out of the mouth"* (Matthew 15:11). Jesus Himself ate with sinners, declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and never imposed dietary laws as a means of righteousness. Instead, He fulfilled the law so that we might walk in freedom (Galatians 5:1).
If these individuals are part of a group that teaches salvation through works—whether by diet, rituals, or any other human effort—they are in grave spiritual danger. We must pray fervently for their eyes to be opened to the truth of the Gospel. The apostle Paul warned of such false teachers in Galatians 1:8-9: *"But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any ‘good news’ other than that which you received, let him be cursed."*
Let us pray together for these deceived souls, that the Holy Spirit would convict them of the truth and break the chains of legalism binding them. May they come to know that Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life (John 14:6), and that no amount of self-righteousness can replace His finished work on the cross.
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**Our Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up those who have been deceived into believing that their salvation depends on what they eat or the works of their hands. Lord, this is a lie from the pit of hell, and we ask You to shatter this deception with the power of Your truth. Open their eyes, Lord, to see that righteousness does not come by the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9). Break the chains of legalism that have ensnared them and set them free to walk in the liberty for which Christ has set them free (Galatians 5:1).
We rebuke the spirit of control and manipulation that has led these individuals to force their beliefs on others, creating division and bondage. Lord, expose the darkness and bring conviction to those who are leading others astray. May they repent and turn to You, the only Source of true salvation.
Father, we pray for those trapped in this cult-like teaching, that You would draw them to Yourself with cords of love (Hosea 11:4). Let them encounter Your grace in a way that leaves no room for doubt—salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Remove the scales from their eyes, just as You did for Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:18). Fill them with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9), so they may no longer be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
We also pray for those who have been harmed by this teaching—those who have been shamed, controlled, or led to doubt their salvation because of what they eat. Comfort them, Lord, and remind them that *"the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit"* (Romans 14:17). Restore their confidence in Your grace and Your finished work on the cross.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we bind the spirits of deception, legalism, and control, and we loose the spirit of truth, freedom, and repentance over these lives. May they come to know the fullness of Your love and the freedom found only in Christ. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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