Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?

8 Replies

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:16

Is Ash Wednesday Biblical? Many Christians around the world and from many denominations will practice the ritual of “Ash Wednesday”, where they will put ashes on their forehead, but is this really Biblical?

Jesus taught us when we fast, not to let anyone know about it. Don’t neglect your appearance or put on a gloomy face so people will recognize you. Christianity always comes down to the heart, are you doing this to please God or to please man?

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face Matthew 6:17

Jesus goes on to teach us to wash your face and anoint your head with oil not ashes.. Most importantly “Ash Wednesday” or even “Lent” is nowhere mentioned in The Bible and are man-made traditions. Should Christians follow these practices? We must remember the root of Jesus teachings. Praying and Fasting are not to be public spectacles to prove our righteousness. They should be done in private with your personal relationship with God

so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:18

God knows everything we do, in public or secret. If your participating in customs like “Ash Wednesday” make sure it’s not to be noticed or prove your holiness. So is “Ash Wednesday” Biblical? No. Although I respect everyone’s proclamation to display their faith in Christ, I think we need to be careful not to be hypocrites and doing it for the wrong reasons. Ultimately its everyone personal decision between them and God to make.

 

8 thoughts on “Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?”

  3. Roland Ledoux

    “I think we need to be careful not to be hypocrites and doing it for the wrong reasons. Ultimately its everyone personal decision between them and God to make.”

    Being careful to celebrate the Lord with the proper motive. I stated on another Brother’s site that it is a shame that human nature hasn’t changed in millenia and that with all of our history we haven’t learned and yet with God, nothing is impossible. False motives and a show were the very things that caused our Lord Jesus to display such wrath towards the Pharisees. Sadly today, Pharisees are all around us and yet, there ARE those whose hearts are pure before the Lord and that gives us hope! The Church of God, the Body and Bride of Christ, IS alive and well! Let’s continue to Worship the Lord in Spirit AND in truth! Amen!

    Great post! God bless!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  4. Pingback: Matthew 6- Heart Exam | Unashamed of Jesus

Leave a comment