Bible Questions and Answers
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Lent is not found in the Bible
Lent is an invention of the Catholic Church in the 4th century AD.
From here: http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/faq.php
Lent as a 40-day season developed in the fourth century from three merging sources. The first was the ancient paschal fast that began as a two-day observance before Easter but was gradually lengthened to 40 days. The second was the catechumenate as a process of preparation for Baptism, including an intense period of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation to be celebrated at Easter. The third was the Order of Penitents, which was modeled on the catechumenate and sought a second conversion for those who had fallen back into serious sin after Baptism. As the catechumens (candidates for Baptism) entered their final period of preparation for Baptism, the penitents and the rest of the community accompanied them on their journey and prepared to renew their baptismal vows at Easter.
The New Testament writers know nothing of lent.
It is a man-made tradition which has nothing to do with the gospel preached by Jesus Christ.
The only observance required of those who believe the gospel and are baptised into Christ is to meet regularly to share bread and wine in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
All other observances such as Easter, Christmas. Saint’s days etc. are traditions invented by apostate Christianity.
As Paul said to the Galatians:
Galatians 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
The New Testament says nothing about ‘catechumenates’ or ‘Sacraments of Initiation’ or ‘baptismal vows’.
All are man-made inventions, not commanded by God.
The Church fell into the same trap as the Jews before them.
Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
I hope you find this helpful.
God bless,
Glenn
