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Is Using The Word ‘Lent’ Against Biblical Teaching?

Q: Hello Dr. E,

I am a member of a non-denominational church. I am dating someone who has never understood or practiced Lent. Having been raised Methodist, we did practice Lent from Ash Wednesday to Easter Resurrection Sunday. Our non-denominational church uses the word Lent as the 40 days to prepare our hearts for the most important day in the history of the world. My question is I know that Lent is not biblical but is using the word Lent against bible teachings?

Summary

Is Lent biblical, or is it simply a tradition Christians have adopted over time? In this episode, Dr. E answers a thoughtful question about whether observing Lent conflicts with Scripture and how believers should think about spiritual preparation leading up to Easter.

Dr. Easley explains that the Bible never commands Lent, and historically, it began as a period of preparation for baptismal candidates before Easter. Over time, however, Lent became tied to ideas of penance, ritual, and spiritual performance—raising important theological concerns, especially when it seems to imply that believers must somehow contribute to the forgiveness Christ already secured.

At the heart of the conversation is a crucial truth: Jesus’ work on the cross is fully sufficient for sin. Christians do not need rituals or sacrifices to complete what Christ has already accomplished. At the same time, Dr. E and Hannah acknowledge that intentional reflection before Easter can still be meaningful—especially for families wanting to focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The key is motive. Spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, and repentance are good, but they should flow from grace, not guilt. This episode offers a balanced, biblically grounded perspective on tradition, ritual, and preparing our hearts for Resurrection Sunday.

Takeaways:

• Scripture does not command Christians to observe Lent.
• Lent began historically as preparation for baptism, not as a universal church practice.
• Problems arise when spiritual rituals are treated as necessary for forgiveness or holiness.
• Jesus’ death fully paid for sin, so believers do not need penance to complete His work.
• Intentional reflection before Easter can be helpful when it points people to Christ, not performance.
• Spiritual disciplines should be practiced year-round as a normal part of the Christian life.

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