Question 14: Is It Biblical to Follow Lent Before Easter?

 

Lent is not directly commanded in the Bible.

But the practices associated with Lent (fasting, repentance, prayer, self-examination) are deeply Biblical.

So the real question is not “Is Lent commanded?” but

“Is it Biblically permissible and spiritually beneficial?”

Let’s examine this carefully and give balanced, convincing points for the Church.

1) What Is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance observed by many Christians before Easter, commemorating Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

It is traditionally observed in churches like:

• Roman Catholic Church
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Anglican Communion
• Lutheran Church

Many evangelical churches do not formally observe it.

2) Is Lent Commanded in the Bible?

No direct command says:

“Thou shalt observe 40 days before Easter.”

However, the Bible DOES command:

• Fasting (Matthew 6:16)
• Repentance (Acts 3:19)
• Self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)
• Preparing our hearts (1 Corinthians 11:28)

So while the structure is traditional, the principles are Biblical.

3) Biblical Framework for Evaluating Traditions

The Bible gives us categories for traditions.

Jesus Warned Against:

Human traditions that override God’s Word

(Mark 7:8–13)

Paul Allowed:

Non-sinful practices done unto the Lord

Romans 14:5 – “One person esteems one day above another…”

This verse is key. It allows liberty in observing special days — if done unto the Lord and not as a means of salvation.

4) Pros of Observing Lent

A) Spiritual Discipline

Lent can cultivate:

• Fasting discipline
• Prayer life
• Self-control
• Repentance

Biblical principle: 1 Timothy 4:7–8 – “Train yourself in godliness.”

B) Focus on Christ’s Suffering

It helps believers meditate on:

• The Cross
• Christ’s sacrifice
• The seriousness of sin

Without intentional focus, Easter can become culturally commercial.

C) Corporate Unity

A unified season of repentance strengthens congregational humility.

D) Teaches Self-Denial

Luke 9:23 — “Deny yourself.”

Modern Christianity lacks discipline. Lent can restore it.

5) Cons / Dangers of Lent

Now we must be honest.

A) Legalism Risk

If people think:

“God loves me more because I fasted.”

“I am more spiritual because I kept Lent.”

This contradicts justification by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

B) Ritual Without Heart

Isaiah 58 warns about empty fasting.

You can fast 40 days and remain spiritually cold.

C) Adding Burdens to Conscience

Colossians 2:16–23 warns against man-made religious regulations presented as spiritually superior.

If Lent becomes:

“True Christians must observe this…”

Then it becomes dangerous.

D) Confusion About Grace

If children grow up thinking: “Christianity requires seasonal rituals for forgiveness,”

it distorts the gospel.

6) Theological Balance for the Church

Here is a wise pastoral position:

Lent is Permissible

Lent is Profitable (if practiced Biblically)

❌ Lent is Not Mandatory

❌ Lent is Not a Means of Grace in Itself

The power is not in 40 days.

The power is in Christ.

7) How to Practice Lent Biblically (If a Church Chooses To)

If your church observes Lent, teach clearly:

• It does NOT earn salvation.
• It does NOT increase justification.
• It is voluntary.
• It must focus on heart repentance.
• It must lead to deeper love for Christ.

8) A Strong Convincing Conclusion for the Church

You may say this to the congregation:

“The Bible does not command Lent, but it commands repentance.

It does not require a 40-day fast, but it calls us to deny ourselves.

The danger is not in observing Lent —

The danger is in trusting Lent instead of Christ.”

The real question is not: “Should we keep Lent?”

The deeper question is: “Are we living repentant lives all year?”

If Lent helps — use it.

If it harms — avoid it.

But never replace the Gospel with tradition.