How Should Christians Fast According To Scripture?

Understanding Christian Fasting: A Biblical Perspective

Fasting is a spiritual discipline found throughout the Bible, practiced by God’s people as a means of drawing closer to Him, seeking guidance, expressing repentance, and deepening dependence on the Lord. But how should Christians fast according to Scripture? Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the purpose, method, and heart posture of fasting.

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting in Scripture is more than simply abstaining from food; it is an act of humility and spiritual focus. Jesus assumes that His followers will fast, indicating its continued relevance:

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. - Matthew 6:16 ASV

Notice Jesus says, “when ye fast,” not “if ye fast.” This suggests fasting is expected, though the motive is crucial.

Biblically, fasting has several purposes, including:

Seeking God’s Guidance:
And when they had ordained elders for them in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord... - Acts 14:23 ASV
Repentance and Humility:
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting... - Daniel 9:3 ASV
Intercession:
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us. - Ezra 8:23 ASV

The Heart of Fasting

The Bible is clear: God cares more about the heart behind fasting than the outward act. True fasting is not about public display or ritual, but about genuine humility and seeking God’s will.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free...? - Isaiah 58:6 ASV

Isaiah 58 is a powerful rebuke against empty ritual. God desires a fast that leads to justice, mercy, and compassion. Fasting without a sincere heart is meaningless (Isaiah 58 ASV).

Practical Guidance for Christian Fasting

Keep it between you and God:
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret... - Matthew 6:17-18 ASV
Fasting is not for show; it is a private act of devotion.
Accompany fasting with prayer:
And they ministered to the Lord, and fasted... - Acts 13:2 ASV
Fasting is intimately tied to prayer, enhancing spiritual sensitivity.
Fast with a Christ-centered focus:
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said... the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away... then will they fast. - Matthew 9:14-15 ASV
Fasting is appropriate for believers longing for Christ’s presence and guidance.

Different Kinds of Fasting in the Bible

Scripture describes various forms of fasting:

Absolute Fast: No food or water (e.g., Esther 4:16 ASV), usually for a short period.
Partial Fast: Restricting certain foods (e.g., Daniel’s fast in Daniel 10:2-3 ASV).
Corporate Fast: The whole community fasting together (e.g., Joel 2:15 ASV).

Christians should fast as led by the Holy Spirit, considering health and personal circumstances.

Fasting and the Gospel

Fasting does not earn salvation or favor with God. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone:

For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV

Fasting is a means to draw nearer to Christ and align our hearts with His purposes, not a means to gain merit.

Conclusion

Christian fasting, according to Scripture, is a spiritual discipline rooted in humility, prayer, and a longing for God’s presence and guidance. It is to be practiced privately, sincerely, and with a heart focused on glorifying Christ. When done biblically, fasting can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth, dependence on God, and transformation.

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