Do Christians still fast?

Question

Can you find any scripture to say one way or the other for or against fasting?

Answer 1

yes

Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

Answer 2

Jesus Christ never commanded his disciples to fast.

The scriptures show that he and his followers fasted on Atonement Day because they were under the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law ended when “the Christ was offered once for all time to bear the sins of many.” (Hebrews 9:24-28) So, when the law ended, the command to fast on Atonement Day ended and the only obligatory fast mentioned in the Bible was removed.

On the other hand, Jesus did not direct his followers to avoid fasting. Some of them fasted voluntarily on various occasions (See Acts 13:2, 3; 14:23) They were warned to not be hypocritical in fasting to make an outward show of piety and that type of fasting God did not approve of. (Matthew 6:16-18)

When Jesus spoke of his followers fasting at the time of his death, it was just an indication of their sorrow at that time rather than instituting a ritual fast. Instead, he was indicating a reaction to the deep sorrow they would experience. Luke 5:34, 35. Once resurrected, there would be no more sadness and the reason they had felt the need to fast would be lifted.

If a Christian chooses to fast in certain circumstances, that is an individual decision. But, the Bible shows that God does not require it, nor does he prohibit us from fasting.

Answer 3

Yes, many Christians still fast. It is traditional to fast before a mass so that the body and blood of Christ can be the first thing in your mouth that day. There are a variety of kinds of fasts. It is traditional to abstain from meat on all Fridays to remember the death of our Lord and some folks fast or abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent or all the time. Protestants may fast when there is a particular problem or concern that they are lifting up to the Lord in prayer. It helps to put aside all the ordinary things of life and concentrate on the prayer life for a time. Also some Christians feel that by giving up dessert or chocolate or fatty foods or some other favorite, they can demonstrate to the Lord and themselves and others how deeply concerned they are about a matter they are lifting up to the Lord in prayer. Fasting is an ancient discipline, that began long before the birth of Christ and it is personal as well as something that Christians do in groups. Of course, if you are thinking of fasting, you should also consult your doctor if you are in a period of physical growth like adolescence or if you have a special diet or physical problem. God does not want us to harm our bodies. If you are diabetic or have other problems where you would pass out if you fasted, then you may be able to give up something else to get that effect, or you can just give up a favorite food, or something like meat, and still get the sustainance that you need to maintain your health.

Answer 4

It is mentioned in the Bible. Above give some scripture. Just start reading the Bible and you will find.
It can actually be good for a person. Some buddies and me tried a 3 day fast once and I thought I was going to starve to death. Though the longer a person go the easier it gets. We did drink water. I not sure I will try it again, but, never know what we may do in the future.

Answer 5

Jesus spoke of how to do it in Matthew 6, and Matthew 9, Mark 2 and Luke 5 all record Jesus saying that after he had gone away (back to heaven) that his disciples would fast.

Fasting was a common practice in the early Christian church. Acts 10 tells how Peter was fasting when he has vision of the "unclean beast" that told him to go preach to Cornelius. And that Cornelius was fasting when he had the matching vision to send for Peter.

Acts 14 tells us that the church leaders fasted before deciding who to appoint as elders

In 1 Corinthians Paul says for husbands and wives not to deny each other "intimacy" except when they are in times of prayer and fasting.

In 2 Corinthians 6 and 11, Paul talks about how he was often "in fasting" for the church.

So it would appear that "fasting" should still be practiced by Christians.

Answer 6

Even though I'm not a Christian any longer, I can tell you that in any religion fasting will bring you closer to your creator.

2 Samuel 3:35 Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!"

2 Samuel 12:16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.

Psalm 35:13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

There are many verses in the bible that refer to fasting. But in my opinion, it looks like it is definitly supported.

Answer 7

Fasting within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a common event--done on the first Sunday of each month. We fast from two meals and pay the equivalent in offerings for the poor to help enrich us spiritually.

For those with health reasons that cannot fast, such as diabetics or those on certain medication, it is understood that this practice not be followed.

Answer 8

It is compulsory for Roman Catholic Christians in good health between the ages of 18 and 49 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Any other fasting is optional.

Answer 9

Mat 9:14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Mat 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Jesus said we would fast, I think he is the best source. But as fare as I know it is not a must, not part of salvation in otherwords only belife in Jesus can do that. But yes it is part of our Christian walk. I suggest looking into the proper way to do it though. You can hurt your self if you don't do it right. For example if you fast do not eat a full mean when you are done the fast. it can shock you body, you must eat a little at a time.

Fasting is very spiritual chose a quiet weekend and spend it with God.

God bless

Answer 10

Yes we do. Jesus said in Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.... So since he said "when ye fast" and not " if ye fast" it is obvious that we as followers of Christ are expected to fast. I usually fast 24 hours without any food. My pastor has gone 3 days without food or water. 3 days is very tough and should not be tried without much spiritual preparation and perhaps a check with your doctor. Brother Yun the Chinese House Church Pastor fasted for 74 days! He is a giant of a man of God!!! The world's record without food or water was Moses who fasted 80 days on Mt Sinai. 40 days before the golden calf and then another 40 after he broke the tablets. Proving " that man does not live by bread alone "which is what Jesus said after fasting 40 days! God bless you Cap'n Arlo

Answer 11

Yes there are many people who fast. It is a commandment. Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29, Acts 14:23, Acts 27:33, and1 Cor. 7:5.