Is Lent in the Bible? - Isaac Khalil

Lent is a 40-day period observed by some Christian denominations before Easter, involving fasting, prayer, and acts of repentance. While commonly associated with Catholicism, it is also practiced in various forms by Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and some Presbyterian churches. Despite its widespread observance, Lent is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible.

Historically, early Christians did not observe a 40-day fast. Prior to the fourth century, fasting practices varied widely, with no standardized length. Church historians, including statements from the Catholic Encyclopedia, acknowledge that no apostolic tradition of a 40-day Lenten fast existed before the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. The formal development of Lent emerged centuries after the New Testament era.

Over time, additional traditions formed, including Ash Wednesday and abstaining from certain foods. These customs lack biblical instruction and developed through church tradition. Some aspects of the broader Easter season also reflect adaptations of earlier pagan spring festivals.

Scripture warns against adopting religious practices rooted in human tradition rather than God’s commands (Deuteronomy 12:30). The early Church observed biblical practices such as the Sabbath, Passover, and God’s annual festivals. These observances, established by God and practiced by Jesus and the apostles, provide a more meaningful foundation for worship than man-made traditions like Lent.

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