Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?

Today, as billions of people observe Ash Wednesday, we must ask, why? Should a born again Christian do it? Simple answer is NO

Here is a rule of thumb that I like to follow when it comes to Christian traditions and practices in the church.

1. Did Jesus teach it? Never mentioned Ash Wednesday
2. Do we see Apostles teaching it in the Book of Acts? We do not see any mention of it by them
3. Do we see early church practice it? They did not

Ash Wednesday does not stand up to this litmus test. It fails on all three counts.

How did Ash Wednesday come out?

Ash Wednesday starts 40 days (46 counting Sundays) before, the resurrection Sunday.

It did not start until 601 AD, six centuries after the Resurrection.

We must remember, that Lent came before the Ash Wednesday.

In 325 AD, at the council of Nicea, the early church agreed on when to celebrate Easter ( also rooted in pagan rituals but that is subject for another day). At that council, they decided on the 40-day fast period for Lent. They used different events in the scripture to come up with 40 days.

It was not until AD 601 that the start date of Lent was set. Pope by the name of Gregory moved the start of Lent to 46 days before Easter and established ASH Wednesday, which is 40 days of fasting the 6 Sundays of feasting. He is the one who established the tradition of marking foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross.

The tradition is rooted in pagan religious ceremonies. Wednesday is named after the Norse god Odin. The followers of the Odin used to sprinkle Ashes directly on their heads in his honor. It always took place on Wednesday. Another example is the Tau cross was inscribed on the forehead of followers of the Roman god Mithras. There are other such practices around the world.

Now, the Catholic church would like you to believe that tradition has biblical origin but they twist a lot of scripture to get there. For example, they will give Matthew 6:16-18 where Jesus speaks of fasting. They will emphasize the word, “when” and tell you we are commanded to fast. There are two problems with this.

1. Jesus was speaking to Jews not, a Christian.
2. He specifically made a point of not making a show of it. Mattar a fact Jesus said not to look somber or gloomy.

The context in, chapter six is Jesus calling out hypocrisy in their religious practices.

Now on the surface, you might say what is wrong with observing Ash Wednesday? What is wrong with repentance? Fasting?

The short answer is nothing but this is where the discerning power of the Holy Spirit comes into play. You see, it is easy to decide between good and bad. The Holy Spirit helps us to decide between good and almost good. Matthew 6:18 clearly teaches us our fasting is not for a show. Do you think walking around with ashes on our heads pleases the father?

As it is with Lent, we are saying, that Jesus’s sacrifice was not enough. The whole tradition of Ash Wednesday and Lent brings focus to us. We are adding to the completed work of Jesus on the cross. We are trying to earn our way. We should be praying, fasting, and repenting every day of the year. Our life should be a living sacrifice to the Lord ( Romans 12:1-2). We do not follow the traditions of men but of God.

So if you are asking me what is wrong with Ash Wednesday? I ask you, what is right with it?