Lenten season starts six weeks before Easter and is a time to focus through prayer and fasting on the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. But how is it celebrated today remains a fundamental question which many can’t answer.

From observation, it is seen that while some Christians celebrate it with a pinch of salt, others do so with a change of true lens on its purposes (Matt 6:16-18, 2 Corinthians. 13:5-6). For both, especially those who have changed lenses to the truth, I have good news: we all should know that Christ died as a ransom for our sins, and because he arose from the dead, we too will arise and live in heaven with him (John 11:25-26 – ‘’Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live’’.).

What then is the purpose?

As believers in the Lord, we must know the purpose of this season before we can lay hold on the blessings that are packaged in them. ‘’Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting’’ Matt 17:21. This quote from our Lord Jesus Himself is a useful tool for our spiritual and physical life.

Purposes of Lenten season :

1. It is a season of examination and repentance to the Lord.1 John 1:9, Galatians 6:3-5 – For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself…….

2. It is a season to forgive others : Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and be free from the bondage of guilt. So be prepared to let go all those who’ve hurt you in one way or the other. Matt 6:12-14

3. It is a season to win more souls. Although leading people to Christ should be a daily routine as demanded by the Lord, the Lord at the same time expects us to double our efforts and reach more souls in a period like this. Mark 16:15, Matt 28:19-20

Benefits

When a believer genuinely repents of his or her sins, forgives others and wins more souls through evangelism for Christ in a period of prayer and fasting (Lenten season), (s)he commands the following blessings :

1. Attract God’s presence in all his endeavors on earth. Exodus 33:14, Acts 17:28, Matthew 28:20

2. His/her name will be written in the book of life. Revelation 3:5

3. Spends eternity with Christ forever and ever. John 14:3