Fasting is a spiritual discipline found throughout Scripture, practiced by individuals and communities seeking God’s guidance, intervention, or deeper fellowship. While the Bible never commands fasting for all believers at all times, it presents it as a powerful, God-honoring practice when done with the right heart.

Fasting in the Old Testament

Fasting as a Response to Humility and Repentance

Fasting often accompanied mourning, repentance, or seeking God’s mercy.

After Jonah’s warning, the people of Nineveh fasted. Jonah 3:6-7 says, “When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him… and he said, ‘Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water.’”

David humbled himself with fasting during times of distress. Psalm 35:13 says, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting.”

Fasting for Guidance

Fasting was also used to seek clarity and direction from God. Before a major decision, Israel sought God through fasting. Judges 20:26 says, “So all the sons of Israel went up and came to Bethel… and they fasted that day until evening.”

A Warning Against Empty Ritual

God rebuked fasting done outwardly but without inward righteousness. Through Isaiah God said, “Is it a fast like this which I choose…? Is it to bow one’s head like a reed…? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD?” (Isaiah 58:5). God then described the kind of fast He desires, one marked by justice, compassion, and a genuine pursuit of righteousness.

Fasting in the New Testament

Jesus Assumed His Disciples Would Fast

Jesus gave instructions about fasting in His Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:16-18 says, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do… But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men.” The phrase “when you fast” implies that fasting was expected, not as a requirement for salvation, but as part of a sincere walk with God.

Jesus Himself Fasted

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days. Matthew 4:2 says, “And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.” His example shows fasting as preparation for spiritual work.

Fasting in the Early Church

Fasting continued as a normal practice among believers. The church in Antioch fasted before sending out missionaries. Acts 13:3 says, “Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”  Fasting was practiced before appointing church leaders. Acts 14:23 says, “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.”

The Purpose of Fasting

To Seek God’s Guidance – Fasting often accompanies prayer when seeking God’s will.

To Express Humility Before God – Fasting is a way of saying, “God, I need You more than anything” (Psalm 35:13).

To Strengthen Prayer – Fasting does not manipulate God, but it focuses the heart and removes distractions.

To Repent and Seek Renewal – Many biblical fasts are connected with contrition and turning back to God.

To Prepare for Spiritual Tasks – Jesus fasted before His ministry; the church fasted before mission and leadership decisions.

What Biblical Fasting Is Not

The Bible is equally clear about improper motivations. Fasting is not a show of spirituality. In Matthew 6:16–18 the Lord Jesus Christ said, “Do not put on a gloomy face… so that you will not be noticed by men.” It is not acceptable without a righteous life. Isaiah 58:6, “Is this not the fast which I choose… to let the oppressed go free?” Fasting must be paired with integrity, justice, and obedience.

A Heart-Oriented Discipline

The Bible presents fasting as a deeply meaningful spiritual practice when done with sincerity, humility, and a desire to draw closer to God. Scripture encourages fasting not as a ritual, but as a heartfelt expression of dependence on the Lord. At its core, biblical fasting is about seeking God, setting aside physical needs to focus fully on Him.

Should Christians Fast?

Fasting has been practiced by God’s people for thousands of years. From Moses on Mount Sinai, to David in repentance, to Jesus in the wilderness, Scripture consistently portrays fasting as a meaningful spiritual discipline. But the question remains: Should Christians fast today? While the New Testament does not command fasting as a universal requirement, it presents it as a valuable and expected practice for followers of Christ.

This section of the article examines the biblical basis for fasting, its purpose, and how Christians might apply it today.

Jesus Assumed His Followers Would Fast

One of the clearest indications that fasting is intended for Christians is found in the teaching of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do…” (Matthew 6:16)

Notice Jesus does not say if you fast but “whenever you fast.” His instruction assumes fasting will continue among His disciples, just as prayer and giving do (Matthew 6:2,5). Jesus does not abolish fasting; rather, he redirects it away from hypocrisy and toward sincere devotion to God.

Later, when asked why His disciples were not fasting, Jesus answered, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
(Matthew 9:15) With Jesus no longer physically present, the Church now lives in the very era Jesus described a time when His followers will fast.

The Early Church Practiced Fasting

The book of Acts shows believers fasting as part of their worship, decision-making, and ministry. Acts 13:2 says,  “While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…’” And again, in Acts 14:23 the Bible says, “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord…” Fasting was not an obsolete Old Covenant ritual, it was part of Christian life and leadership.

Biblical Purposes for Fasting

While fasting can have physical benefits, the Bible frames it primarily as a spiritual practice, not a dietary technique. Several purposes emerge from Scripture:

1. Humbling Ourselves Before God – David describes fasting as an expression of humility. Fasting can remind believers of their dependence on God and their need for His strength.
2. Seeking God’s Guidance – Before significant decisions or spiritual callings, believers fasted to seek clarity and discernment (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23).
3. Repentance and Returning to God – Fasting often accompanies genuine repentance (Joel 2:12). Fasting itself does not earn forgiveness, but it can reflect a heart fully turned toward God.
4. Intensifying Prayer – Throughout Scripture, fasting is linked with earnest, focused prayer. Moses, Daniel, Esther, and the church in Acts all modeled this.

Jesus strongly warned against fasting for appearance or spiritual pride. Matthew 6:18 says, “…your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Fasting is not a way to manipulate God, earn righteousness, or appear more spiritual. True fasting must be inwardly sincere.

Is Fasting Required for Salvation or Holiness?

No. Scripture does not teach that fasting is required for salvation or that those who fast are morally superior. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

However, while fasting is not required, it is strongly commended as a valuable and often transformative discipline.

How Should Christians Fast Today?

Scripture gives principles rather than rigid rules:

1. With sincerity, not display (Matthew 6:16–18).
2. With prayer (Ezra 8:23; Acts 13:3).
3. With purpose – not merely abstaining from food.
4. With wisdom – those with health concerns should adapt or take counsel.

Fasting may involve abstaining from food, specific foods, or other forms of consumption or distraction for a set period. The goal is always deeper devotion, clarity, repentance, and communion with God.

Final Thoughts

Yes, fasting is a biblically supported and spiritually beneficial practice for Christians, though not a mandatory command. Jesus expected His followers to fast, the early church practiced it, and Scripture shows it as a powerful means of humbling ourselves, seeking God, and deepening prayer. For believers today, fasting remains a valuable way to draw near to God with focused intensity and heartfelt dependence. When practiced with sincerity and purpose, it becomes not a burden but a blessing.