To observe or not to observe
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 06:29PM That is the question.
I've received several questions via email about the appropriateness of Lenten observations. I understand the initial concern. I didn't grow up in a church that observed Lent, so it seemed so, well, extra-Biblical to me and, after all, "aren't we Protestants?--Protestants don't DO that! (. . .do they?)"
Here's a exerpt from an article that a pastor wrote to his congregation. I linked to it last year, but the link no longer works. Thankfully, my pastor sent it to HIS congregation so now I can share at least some of it with you here.
The Benefit of Taking Lent Seriously, by Clay Holland, Christ the King PCA, Houston
The first questions we must ask with respect to Lent are: (1) Is it required for followers of Christ, and (2) Is it forbidden for followers of Christ? I believe the answer to both of these questions is “No,” and the better question with respect to Lent is: Is it wise for followers of Christ? Observing Lent is not required for a Christian because it would suggest that placing our faith in Christ is not sufficient for salvation. Observing Lent is also not forbidden because the Scriptures make it clear that observing particular times and seasons are not necessarily the point. We are free to do so if these things do not become substitutes for our reliance upon the gospel (for a fuller treatment of this subject, please see Colossians 1:13-3:17).
(excerpt)
This leaves us with the wisdom question. In this way, Lent is similar to other seasons of the church year. For example, the Bible calls us to live our lives in eager expectation of the coming of Christ, but it is helpful for us to focus on that during the season of Advent. Every Sunday worship service is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, but it is helpful to focus our attention on the wonderful ramifications of that biblical truth during Easter. In the same way, we are called to live lives of repentance and reliance upon the gospel, but it is helpful for us to take time during Lent to examine our hearts and spend time and effort concentrating on repentance and looking ahead to the celebration of Easter.
Traditionally, this time of concerted repentance has involved some form of self-denial (hence my childhood angst with the cookies). Although this takes many different forms, it is also wise because it reminds us that what we do with our bodies has spiritual ramifications. We are not disembodied souls – we are a unity of body and soul. Feeling hungry, for example, reminds us to pray and look to Christ as the “bread of life.” Sacrificing time watching television or chatting with friends on the internet gives us more time to read, pray, and worship.
I will miss you all during the time I am "blog bound" here at Hiraeth and I'll look forward to coming around to visit and seeing what has been going on in Bloglandia.
I will certainly update the Chequebook of the Bank of Faith and I may share some thoughts from my reading. I'm not on a blogging vacation exactly, just staying "home."
Reader Comments (4)
Kim -- I pray that during this time you take to set at the feet of your Lord, the depth of your knowledge, understanding and wisdom is strengthened, deepened and that you are stretched into the woman your Lord wants you to become. Such times as these are special. You have chosen a good thing. May the Lord bless your time together and may NOTHING interfere with that time. I look forward to hear of your time in the Word and the revelations from it.
Kim, I enjoy your blog so much and visit every day! I really appreciated you posting this article. I read your earlier post about lent and I wondered "Should Christians celebrate Lent?" This article gave some helpful clarity on that...I am looking forward to what you will post during this time devoted to the Word. God bless!
I will miss you, Kim!
We observe Lent, both as a church community and as a family. For me, it's a lead-up to the joy of Easter, a necessary time of sadness.