The question of whether Christians should practice Lent is a loaded one, particularly because of how strongly for or against it people tend to feel.

Here are some equally loaded questions: Is Lent biblical? That is, what justification (or command) is there in Scripture that Christians should practice this? How did Lent develop historically? If Lent does have a historical heritage, how has this practice continued or perhaps transformed over the centuries? And why does anyone of this matter?

These are the questions that we, at The Art of Taleh, have been wresting with for a while now, and we want to share some of our reflections with you. This post is less an absolute claim on the validity (or lack thereof) of Lent, but rather a composition of thoughts based on our study thus far.

1. The Historicity of Lent

Perhaps this quote from Trevin Wax at The Gospel Coalition best sums up the history of the Lenten fast: “The truth is, history is on both sides and on neither side.”

On the one hand, some have argued that Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. The purpose of Lent, as summarized by this CT article, is thought to be self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Hence, the emphasis on a fast.

The early church father Irenaus of Lyons (c.130-c.200) wrote of such a season in the earliest days o the church, but back then the Lenten fast lasted only two or three days, not the 40 days that are observed today.

In 325, the Council of Nicea discussed a 40-day Lenten season of fasting, but it’s unclear whether its original intent was just for new Christians preparing for Baptism, but it soon encompassed the whole Church.

On the other hand, some have also argued that Lent was not a voluntary practice historically, but rather enforced – an issue that certain Reformers (and Reformed Christians today) find problematic. As one such reformed pastor has said, “If you tell me I have to observe Lent by only eating certain foods, I’m going with Zwingli to eat a nice round of sausages on Friday, thank you much” (emphasis ours).

2. Is Lent Biblical?

Clearly, it’s not just the historicity of this church practice that’s important, but also the biblical incentive behind it. For if it is mandated by God, then Christians should want to participate in it as opposed to being forced into it.

The Old Testament speaks a lot about fasting. There were many reasons why the Israelites fasted, and these included fasting during wartime (cf. Judg. 20:26; 1 Sam. 7:6), when loved ones were sick (cf. 2 Sam. 12:16-23), when loved ones died (cf. 1 Sam. 31:13; 1 Chron. 10:12), when they sought God’s forgiveness (cf. Deit. 9:15-18; 1 Ki. 21:17-29; Jon. 3:4-10; Dan. 9:3-5), and to commemorate certain calamites (cf. Jer. 52:12-13; 2 Kin. 25:1-4) among other things.

Interestingly, all of these fasts are voluntary.

The only required fast that is mentioned in the OT is the Day of Atonement (also called Yom Kippur; cf. Lev. 16:29-31; 23:26-32; and Num. 29:7). 

This was the only fast commanded by the Law and it was to be observed on the tenth day of the seventh month. The purpose of this fast was to prepare the soul (or to “afflict the soul”; cf. Ps. 69:10) for atonement.

It’s important to note that Yom Kipper and its correlating fast are no longer required in the New Testament because Jesus has cleansed us from our sins once and for all. (cf. Heb. 7:27).

There are certainly times in the NT that we see Jesus himself fasting and praying. But this is voluntary and personal. Not once do we see Jesus command his disciples or followers to have a set day for fasting, and there is certainly no command for fasting as part of the preparation or commemoration for his death.

Now, of course, there is really no precedent for the celebration of Easter as a holiday in Scripture either, and as such many of our protestant ancestors, including the Puritans, not only banned such practices as Lent, but also Christmas, Easter, and any other “special” Sunday.

3. Lent Today

So, with all this in mind, how should we approach the practice of Lent today?

While Lent does not have a direct biblical precedent, many Christians throughout church history have practiced this fast in preparation for Easter Sunday and have found great meaning in it.

As such, Lent appears to us as a useful, personal practice for the Christian.

If you feel so inclined to participate in the Lenten fast, then do so. Perhaps Christians would do well to fast more in general, especially as we better understand its intended effects in Scripture for the worshipper. There is nothing unbiblical about humbling our hearts before God and choosing to abstain from food to prompt spiritual reflections and personal piety. King David was known for doing this on more than one occasion.

However, do not judge those who refrain from Lent. We must caution ourselves from turning something with the potential for good into a legalistic practice (see Colossians 2:16), or from seeing those who do not participate as “lesser Christians”.

If you do not participate in the Lenten fast, as one TGC article states, “don’t impugn the motives of those who have found spiritual benefit in setting aside a time of the year for reflection on Christ’s passion.” We can also see from Scripture and from history, that Lent is not “just some Catholic thing”. To think that also misses out on the rich Protestant history connected to Lent.

We hope these reflections are useful for you as you consider Lent for yourself. May we all find ways to humble our hearts in preparation for Easter this year, regardless of whether you practice Lent or not.