Posted the following in another thread, where it was noted that, there appears to be no commandment for us to fast in The New Testament. The post grew to the point where it seemed fitting to add to this board as well.
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While fasting may not be specifically commanded in The New Testament, it is mentioned fairly often, and it appears to be alluded to in James as part of the instruction for our 'getting right' with God.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. <---> James 4:8-10
Fasting is a means of 'afflicting ourself' - 'chastening ourself' + 'humbling ourself'.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. <---> Ezra 8:21
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. <---> Psalm 69:10
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. <---> Psalm 35:13
Granted it is not the only means, for afflicting, chastening, + humbling ourselves, but it appears to be the standard method used throughout Scripture. Sometimes also described as 'sackcloth and ashes'.
The city of Nineveh successfully employed fasting + repentance - and were spared a declaration of being overthrown. ( Actually they were overthrown - but in a good way! Because they had humbled themself with fasting unto repentance.) Otherwise their overthrow would have been in an evil way. Jonah 1-4
Esther and her kinspersons utilized prayer + fasting so that they were spared destruction by an evil - plotting official.
Esther 1-10
Which reminds of the passage -
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. <---> 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6
One of our most powerful God - given spiritual tools / weapons is prayer and fasting.
After Christ's disciples failed in their efforts to cast out a deaf and dumb spirit they privately asked The Lord why they were unsuccessful, to which he said -
... This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. <---> Mark 9:29
Also see Matthew 17
Those of us who can fast + pray should, especially if / when other means fail.
It can truly make a tremendous difference. It also helps to study up on the subject beforehand.
And May The Lord Be Pleased to Bless !
************************************************************************************
While fasting may not be specifically commanded in The New Testament, it is mentioned fairly often, and it appears to be alluded to in James as part of the instruction for our 'getting right' with God.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. <---> James 4:8-10
Fasting is a means of 'afflicting ourself' - 'chastening ourself' + 'humbling ourself'.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. <---> Ezra 8:21
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. <---> Psalm 69:10
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. <---> Psalm 35:13
Granted it is not the only means, for afflicting, chastening, + humbling ourselves, but it appears to be the standard method used throughout Scripture. Sometimes also described as 'sackcloth and ashes'.
The city of Nineveh successfully employed fasting + repentance - and were spared a declaration of being overthrown. ( Actually they were overthrown - but in a good way! Because they had humbled themself with fasting unto repentance.) Otherwise their overthrow would have been in an evil way. Jonah 1-4
Esther and her kinspersons utilized prayer + fasting so that they were spared destruction by an evil - plotting official.
Esther 1-10
Which reminds of the passage -
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. <---> 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6
One of our most powerful God - given spiritual tools / weapons is prayer and fasting.
After Christ's disciples failed in their efforts to cast out a deaf and dumb spirit they privately asked The Lord why they were unsuccessful, to which he said -
... This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. <---> Mark 9:29
Also see Matthew 17
Those of us who can fast + pray should, especially if / when other means fail.
It can truly make a tremendous difference. It also helps to study up on the subject beforehand.
And May The Lord Be Pleased to Bless !
