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Updated:- 2023-10-30

Why Do Christians Fast?

There are numerous biblical reasons, why Christians fast. But, why do Christians fast today?  Some of these reasons have more prominence than others. Some are even unknown, but to a few, for they are hidden in the Scriptures.

The Bible does not issue any direct commandment to Christians to fast. There is none in the Old Testament, nor any in the New Testament. Similarly, neither Jesus Christ nor his twelve leaders, the Apostles, gave any explicit directives to Christians to fast.

So, is fasting ceremonial, or is it necessary? Below you will find a list of reasons why contemporary Christians fast.

14 Reasons For Christian Fasting

1. To break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).
2. To be better human beings.
3. To live above sin.
4. To kill the flesh.
5. To humble our souls, (Psalm 35:13).
6. To chaste our souls, (Psalm 69:10).
7. To serve God, (Luke 2:37).
8. To obey the Lord God, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” (Isaiah 58:6a).
9. To lose the bands of wickedness, (Isaiah 58:6b).
10. To undo the heavy burdens, (Isaiah 58:6c).
11. To “let the oppressed go free”, (Isaiah 58:6d).
12. Empower us to break free from any oppressive association, habit, or thing, and so on,( Isaiah 58:6e).
13. To enable us to feed the hungry. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, (Isaiah 58:7a).
14. For Christians to become convinced to provide shelter in our homes for the poor and homeless, (Isaiah 58:7b).

12 More Reasons Why Christians Fast

1. To become convinced of our responsibility to provide clothes for “the naked”, (Isaiah 58:7c).
2. “And that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh,” (Isaiah 58:7d).
3. To enjoy sound health. “And thine health shall spring forth speedily,”(Isaiah 58:8).
4. To receive enlightenment. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
5. To have the Lord as our guide for the glory of the Lord shall be our “rereward”.
6. To be in a position that when we call on God, He answers, (Isaiah 58:9).
7. To have the Lord’s assistance in times of trouble. “Thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.
8. To demonstrate a “turning to God”, (Joel 2:12).
9. To possess power with God. “… This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting….” (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29.)
10. To hear from God, (Act 13:2).
11. Moses received from God while on a fast. The Lord God gave him the Ten Commandments and the blueprint for the Sanctuary as he fasted.
12. To make better decisions, now and in the future. And not only for us but for our posterity, (Ezra 8:21-36).

Why Should Christians Fast?

I know many “Christians” who claim that fasting is legalistic and abolished, so they ask: “Why Should Christians Fast?” They don’t fast.

Consequently, they remain powerless!

On the other hand, I know other Believers who recognize and observe this open biblical secret. It’s open because it’s in the Word for all to see and read.

However, it’s a secret, for few find it. And still, fewer recognize it.

This secret is the biblical answer to the following question: Is Christian fasting a mere religious ceremony or is it absolutely essential to a Believer?

Tell us what you think about this question, in about fifty or so words, in the comments below.

Also enter your email below to know the answer, and to stay abreast with follow-up comments.

What is Your Motivation – Why do You Fast as a Christian?

You may be wondering, why should I fast? Do I need to fast? But despite the swarm of thoughts that’s covering your mind, know that it is never futile for Believers. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by fasting.

And if you have never fasted learn how to do a Christian fast here.

Nevertheless, I would love to know your motivation for going on a fast. Why do you fast? Share with us, your experience, in the comments below.