I always have been fascinated by the spiritual discipline of fasting as I witnessed two different completely different approaches, which people engaged concerning the practice. I grew up in a Korean church that was very amiable toward the practice of fasting. I remember how the church had a regular practice of fasting once every year, as a body of Christ. As a body of Christ, the practice was done in order to seek and pray for a revival of church or improvement of spiritual sense to God. However, when people practiced an individual fasting, they generally understood it as a secret key that opens a heavenly store house or gate. It was viewed as a special prayer or more effective prayer than regular prayers, which made the prayer of saints to
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Many “reformed” Christians not only neglected the practice of fasting, but some of them expressed hostility against it. Fasting was understood as a practice of Old Testament era, which Christians no longer required to do or it was viewed as merely a legalistic practice that Christians must not do. It seemed like all reformed Christian, whom I met found no need for a fasting. Therefore, having witnessed two different stands on fasting, I always wanted to know the biblical understanding and practical application of …show more content…
Furthermore, understanding Matthew 6 :16-18, as Jesus was teaching about fasting to His disciples, helped me to know that the practice of fasting is never abolished in the Bible. It is important for us to realize the significance of the word “when” which Christ uses to teach about fasting to His disciples, because the word implies that Christ expects His disciples to fasting when He complete His incarnation ministries on earth. Another strong argument for continuing practice of fasting rises when we see the entirety of chapter 6:1-18, as Jesus teaches them “when you alms,” “when you pray,” and “when you fast.” Therefore, since Christ is instruction is pointing at how to worship God through continuing acts of giving alms and praying to His disciples, it must be concluded that Christ is also instructing that the practice of fasting is also a regular act of worship. For this reason, many of our spiritual forefathers such as Brakel, Calvin, and Puritan divines practiced fasting regularly and recommended practicing fasting to
Many “reformed” Christians not only neglected the practice of fasting, but some of them expressed hostility against it. Fasting was understood as a practice of Old Testament era, which Christians no longer required to do or it was viewed as merely a legalistic practice that Christians must not do. It seemed like all reformed Christian, whom I met found no need for a fasting. Therefore, having witnessed two different stands on fasting, I always wanted to know the biblical understanding and practical application of …show more content…
Furthermore, understanding Matthew 6 :16-18, as Jesus was teaching about fasting to His disciples, helped me to know that the practice of fasting is never abolished in the Bible. It is important for us to realize the significance of the word “when” which Christ uses to teach about fasting to His disciples, because the word implies that Christ expects His disciples to fasting when He complete His incarnation ministries on earth. Another strong argument for continuing practice of fasting rises when we see the entirety of chapter 6:1-18, as Jesus teaches them “when you alms,” “when you pray,” and “when you fast.” Therefore, since Christ is instruction is pointing at how to worship God through continuing acts of giving alms and praying to His disciples, it must be concluded that Christ is also instructing that the practice of fasting is also a regular act of worship. For this reason, many of our spiritual forefathers such as Brakel, Calvin, and Puritan divines practiced fasting regularly and recommended practicing fasting to