Ash Wednesday - What is it?

Quick answer

Ash Wednesday isn’t commanded in the Bible, but its themes of repentance, fasting, and humility are biblical. Observing Ash Wednesday can be meaningful if done with sincere motives, but our salvation and identity in Christ rest in God’s grace, not religious rituals.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Although Ash Wednesday is not specifically mentioned in Scripture, repenting is certainly biblical. The Old Testament shows that ash was used as a sign of repentance, despair, or mourning (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; Jeremiah 6:26). Participating in Ash Wednesday practices is fine as long as the motives for doing so are right. For example, regarding fasting, Jesus encourages His disciples to be discreet and not make a show of it to get others’ attention (Matthew 6:16-18). Concerning repentance, we should be continually confessing our sins to God, not just once or so a year (1 John 1:9). As we abide in a close relationship with Jesus (John 15:10), such confessions should be a natural part of our walk with Him. Nothing we can do, during Ash Wednesday or otherwise, will make us “worthy” of the salvation we have been given through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Additionally, our identity in God as His born-again child will never be altered based on our works (Romans 8:15-17), and neither will His love for us (Romans 8:38-39).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Ash Wednesday is not mentioned in the Bible. However, recognizing the gravity of our sin and repenting is biblical. The concept of using ash as a sign of repentance and mourning is seen throughout the Old Testament (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; Jeremiah 6:26). That being said, believers should not repent from sin only on specific days, but every day.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Participating in fasting or repentance is important, but not as a means of glorifying oneself (Matthew 6:16-18).
It’s fine to confess sins on Ash Wednesday, but believers confess sins continually since we are in an abiding relationship with Jesus (John 15:10; see also 1 John 1:9).
Romans 8:15-17 confirms that our identity as believers has permanently shifted. No matter what we do—such as fasting or repenting on Ash Wednesday—will diminish or magnify our status as God’s children.
Motives for observing Ash Wednesday matter. Fasting and outwardly demonstrating repentance should not be done as ways of obtaining God's favor. Jesus has fully redeemed believers, and our actions cannot change God's love for us (Romans 8:38-39).
Observing Ash Wednesday can be spiritually enriching, but it will not change our status before God because our works do not save us; Jesus’ work has. We are saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Ash Wednesday is forty-six days prior to Easter Sunday and is the official start of Lent. It is mostly observed by Catholics, though some Protestants also observe the day. Ash Wednesday is meant to be a day of repentance and fasting. Typically, an Ash Wednesday church service features a ritual in which a priest, or occasionally a lay minister, places ashes on the observers' foreheads. The ash is usually applied in the shape of a cross. Traditionally, the ash is not washed off by observers, but rather remains on the forehead until it wears off. Some churches use burnt palm branches from the prior year's Palm Sunday service to supply the ashes. In short, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and repentance that starts the Lenten fast. Believers are free to observe the day or not. However, If they choose to, they should do so with a heart that seeks to glorify God (Colossians 3:17).

UNDERSTAND

Ash Wednesday is not in the Bible.
Some practices typical of Ash Wednesday, such as fasting and using ashes as a sign of repentance, are in Scripture.
Christians who celebrate Ash Wednesday should do so with proper motives, to glorify God.

REFLECT

What extra-biblical holidays have you celebrated and why?
Are there any practices that have helped you get into the proper mindset of repentance?
How do you ensure your motives are right when you participate in more overt religious observances, such as using ashes or fasting?

ENGAGE

How can Christians use extra-biblical holidays like Ash Wednesday as an opening to share the good news about Christ?
How can fasting enhance worship?
How can churches who celebrate Ash Wednesday or other extra-biblical holidays ensure that God is glorified?