The season of Lent is often presented as a time of solemn reflection, fasting, and spiritual preparation for Easter. Millions of professing Christians willingly participate, marking their foreheads with ashes, giving up certain foods or habits, and engaging in ritualistic observances. But the real question is: Is Lent biblical? And more importantly, does it honor God, or does it fall into the category of man-made traditions that Christ condemned?
To answer this, we must examine its origins, its theological implications, and whether Scripture upholds or refutes the practice.
The Pagan and Roman Catholic Roots of Lent
Many assume that Lent was practiced by the early church and instituted by the apostles. Nothing could be further from the truth. The observance of a 40-day fasting period before Easter does not appear in Scripture. Instead, its origins can be traced back to the early centuries of Roman Catholicism, heavily influenced by pagan customs.
The concept of a 40-day fast existed in various pagan religions long before Christianity. The Babylonians, for example, observed a mourning period for Tammuz, a false deity, which included fasting and self-affliction (Ezekiel 8:14). Similarly, the Egyptians and Greeks had religious observances that involved fasting for their gods. When the Roman Catholic Church sought to integrate and Christianize pagan practices, many of these customs were absorbed into church traditions.
The first official mention of a Lenten fast comes from the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where a 40-day period of fasting was discussed. However, even then, it was not universally observed, and its length and practices varied. Over time, popes and church councils further cemented the practice, making it a requirement for Catholics.
But here lies the issue—nowhere in the Bible is Lent commanded or even hinted at. It is a purely human tradition with no foundation in God’s Word.
Does the Bible Teach Lenten Fasting?
Many proponents of Lent point to the 40-day fast of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) as their justification. But this argument collapses under scrutiny.
Jesus’ fast was unique and not prescriptive. Nowhere does Scripture instruct believers to replicate His fast. Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast as a direct confrontation with Satan. He did not fast to “prepare for Easter” or for any ritualistic purpose.
Fasting is a personal act of devotion, not a public display. Jesus explicitly warned against performative fasting: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:16). Yet, what do we see every Ash Wednesday? People walking around with cross-shaped ashes on their foreheads as a public declaration of their participation in Lent. This is exactly the kind of outward show of piety that Christ condemned.
Fasting does not make one holier or more worthy of God’s favor. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any system that promotes fasting, self-denial, or works as a means to draw closer to God inherently contradicts the gospel. The believer’s nearness to God is through Christ alone, not through ritual observance (Hebrews 10:19-22).
System of Works-Righteousness
Lent is deeply tied to the Roman Catholic system of penance and works-righteousness. The idea that one must “give up” something to be more spiritually prepared for Easter reinforces the false notion that human effort plays a role in one’s sanctification. But Scripture makes it clear:
“For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14) – Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient; no further acts of deprivation are required.
“These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism… but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:23) – Religious self-denial does not make one holier; only Christ does.
“It is finished.” (John 19:30) – The work of salvation is complete. Any attempt to add to it diminishes Christ’s finished work.
Lent, therefore, is nothing more than a religious performance—an exercise in self-righteousness cloaked in piety. And the most tragic part? Many believe their participation makes them closer to God, when in reality, they are clinging to a system He never instituted.
A Life of Daily Devotion
Christ did not call His followers to a temporary, annual season of self-denial. He called for a daily life of taking up the cross (Luke 9:23). The believer’s devotion is not measured by a seasonal fast but by a life completely surrendered to Christ.
Instead of partaking in Lent, believers should:
Live in the power of Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 10:10-14).
Practice genuine, private fasting when led by the Spirit (Matthew 6:16-18).
Reject man-made traditions that are not found in Scripture (Colossians 2:8).
Rejoice in the gospel daily, not just in preparation for Easter (Philippians 4:4).
Let Go of the Religious Shackles
Lent is a man-made invention, rooted in pagan tradition and enforced by a false religious system. It is not commanded by God, nor does it bring one closer to Him. If anything, it leads people away from the sufficiency of Christ’s work and towards a mindset of works-righteousness.
Jesus did not command His followers to observe a 40-day fast before celebrating His resurrection. He commanded them to live a life of obedience, to worship in spirit and truth, and to rest in His finished work.
The gospel teaches that our righteousness is not in what we do but in what Christ has done. The idea that giving up chocolate, social media, or meat for forty days somehow makes one holier is absurd. Our holiness comes from Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we choose to fast, it should be out of a sincere heart longing for deeper communion with God, not as a public spectacle or a religious obligation.
Let go of the ritual. Let go of the tradition. And instead, cling to Christ, who alone is our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Jeremiah Knight
The Reformation Resurgence
