071 – Lent is not Biblical

Then why do so many Christians celebrate it every year in preparing for Easter? I guess it's because they find meaning in the Lenten season through contemplation, prayer, fasting, and other activities. It  helps them feel closer to Christ and follow him more sincerely.

But shouldn't we do that all year long?

The first time Lent is ever mentioned in Christian history is at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 where it was codified as a 40 day period of fasting, to mirror Jesus's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. The practice of fasting before Easter had evolved over centuries into what was adopted in 325.

The word "Lent" comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word which means "lengthen." It comes from the time of year in the spring when the daylight hours are lengthening. But it's also a metaphor for Christ lengthening the spiritual light in our lives because of the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Here's an article I found very helpful in explaining the history of Lent and goes into more detail: A Short History  of Lent

But Lent is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible

There is no place where Jesus asks us to observe the practice we call Lent. Nor does Paul or any other Biblical writer.

Again I ask, why then, do so many Christians observe Lent? I think it gives them an opportunity to remember Jesus, his crucifixion and resurrection.

But if you are going to fast, give up something that you shouldn't be doing for forty days, shouldn't you give it up for the whole year? Lent should not just be a spiritual crash diet to get closer to Jesus. It should be something deep down in the heart's desire to follow Jesus every day of the year.

Jesus and fasting

He said: Do it privately, alone with God, and not so others can see what you're doing. If you want to celebrate Lent and obey Jesus, at least don't make a big production of what you're giving up for Lent and post it all over social media. That is exactly what Jesus is saying not to do.

There are some very thoughtful and spiritually thought

Text me your questions or comments.

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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.

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