Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season of reflection. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about repentance and why this day is significant for Christians around the world.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Birth Of Jesus
What Does The Bible Say About Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
This verse from the book of Joel emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God. It calls for a sincere and wholehearted return to the Lord through acts of fasting, weeping, and mourning. Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season, is a time for believers to reflect on their sins and seek forgiveness, just as the people of Joel’s time were called to do.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse from Psalm 51 is a heartfelt plea to God for spiritual renewal and transformation. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for believers to acknowledge and confess their sins, seeking God’s forgiveness and a clean heart. It is a time to ask God to restore our spirits and strengthen our resolve to live a righteous life. By acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and grace, we open ourselves up to His transforming work in our lives.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?”
This passage from Isaiah challenges believers to go beyond mere outward observances such as fasting and instead pursue justice and compassion. Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder that true repentance involves not only personal introspection but also a commitment to care for the marginalized and oppressed. It calls us to demonstrate our faith through acts of kindness, generosity, and social justice, reflecting God’s heart for those in need.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In these verses, Jesus teaches His followers about fasting and warns against performing spiritual disciplines for show. Ash Wednesday is a time for believers to humble themselves before God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. It is a personal and private act of devotion, not meant to be flaunted or done for the approval of others. The focus should be on our relationship with God and seeking His approval, knowing that He sees and rewards what is done in secret.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
These words from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians remind us that as believers, we are called to represent Christ in the world. Ash Wednesday is a time for us to renew our commitment to live as ambassadors of Christ, sharing His message of reconciliation and inviting others to be reconciled to God. It is a call to action, to actively participate in God’s mission of redeeming and restoring the world through the power of the Gospel.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James encourages believers to draw close to God, acknowledging their need for His cleansing and purification. Ash Wednesday is a fitting time to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and seek God’s forgiveness. It is a reminder that God is ready and willing to receive us when we humbly approach Him, repenting of our sins and surrendering our lives to His care. As we purify ourselves before God, He promises to draw near and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”
In this passage, Daniel demonstrates a posture of humility and repentance through prayer, fasting, and wearing sackcloth and ashes. Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder that sincere repentance involves not only verbal acknowledgement of sin but also tangible expressions of humility, such as fasting and wearing ashes. It is a powerful visual symbol of our dependence on God’s grace and our desire for His forgiveness and cleansing.
Isaiah 61:3
“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
This verse from Isaiah speaks of God’s redemptive work in transforming our lives. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a season of reflection and repentance, leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a time when God bestows upon us the beauty of His grace, the oil of joy that comes from forgiveness, and a garment of praise that replaces despair. Through repentance and surrender, we become a display of God’s splendor, reflecting His righteousness to the world.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Peter’s message to the people in Acts emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God for forgiveness. Ash Wednesday marks a time of personal reflection and confession, as well as a call to return to God with sincerity of heart. Through repentance, our sins are wiped out, and we experience refreshing and renewal from the Lord. It is an invitation to let go of our past mistakes and embrace the new life that God offers through His grace and mercy.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This verse from Psalm 103 reminds us of the incredible extent of God’s forgiveness. Ash Wednesday reminds us that through repentance and confession, our sins are not only forgiven but also completely removed from us. God’s grace is boundless, and He separates our transgressions from us, allowing us to experience His unending love and mercy. As we begin the season of Lent, we can embrace the freedom that comes from knowing that our sins are no longer held against us, thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”
These words from the book of Joel remind us that true repentance comes from the heart, not just outward displays. Ash Wednesday is an invitation to examine our hearts, to surrender our pride and self-centeredness, and to return to the Lord with genuine contrition. God’s character is highlighted in this verse, showing His graciousness, compassion, patience, and love. As we turn to Him, we can trust in His forgiveness and know that He is a God who relents from bringing judgment and calamity.
Psalm 32:5
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
In Psalm 32, David describes his personal experience of confession and receiving God’s forgiveness. Ash Wednesday reminds us of the importance of acknowledging our sins and not hiding them from God. When we confess our transgressions to the Lord with a contrite heart, He forgives us and removes the guilt of our sin. It is a humbling and liberating act to bring our failures and shortcomings before God, knowing that His forgiveness is readily available to those who seek it.
Matthew 4:17
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'”
In these words, Jesus announces the central message of His ministry: repentance. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of reflection and repentance as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus calls us to turn away from sin and turn towards the kingdom of heaven. It is a reminder that our earthly pursuits and desires must be realigned with God’s purposes, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
In Psalm 51, David expresses his understanding that true sacrifice to God involves a broken spirit and a contrite heart. On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded that our external acts of worship and self-denial are empty if they do not flow from a sincere heart. God desires genuine repentance and humility, not superficial displays of religiosity. When we come before God with genuine brokenness and contrition, He graciously receives our sacrifice and works in us to bring about forgiveness and restoration.
Luke 5:32
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes His mission to call sinners to repentance. Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from the need for repentance. We are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. It is a time for self-reflection and a humble acknowledgment of our own frailty and shortcomings. By embracing the call to repentance, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s transforming love and mercy.
Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
In these words, Jesus announces the arrival of the kingdom of God and calls His listeners to repentance. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparing our hearts to fully embrace the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to turn away from the ways of the world and to believe in the transformative power of the Gospel. By repenting and living in alignment with God’s kingdom, we experience the abundant life that Jesus offers.
Psalm 32:1-2
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”
The psalmist proclaims the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered by God. Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder that through repentance and confession, our sins are wiped away, and we experience the blessedness of being reconciled to God. It is a time to let go of the burdens of guilt and shame, knowing that God does not count our sins against us when we come before Him with a sincere and honest heart.
Acts 17:30
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
In his sermon on Mars Hill, Paul proclaims the command for all people everywhere to repent. Ash Wednesday is a reminder that repentance is not limited to a specific group or time but is a call that extends to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is an opportunity for believers to renew their commitment to a lifestyle of repentance and to share the message of repentance with others, knowing that God desires all people to experience His forgiveness and love.
Joel 2:15
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.”
In Joel’s prophecy, the call to blow the trumpet and declare a holy fast signifies a time of consecration and gathering before God. Ash Wednesday is a time for believers to come together in a sacred assembly, united in their commitment to repentance and seeking God’s presence. It is an invitation to set aside distractions and prioritize our relationship with Him, declaring a holy fast that renews our passion for His kingdom and purposes.
Luke 18:13-14
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This parable from Jesus illustrates the power of humble repentance before God. Ash Wednesday reminds us that it is not our achievements or righteousness that justifies us before God, but our acknowledgment of our need for His mercy. Like the tax collector, we are called to approach God with humility, recognizing our own brokenness and sinfulness. When we come before God with a repentant heart, seeking His mercy, we experience His justification and grace.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
God’s promise to the people of Israel in 2 Chronicles reminds us of the power of repentance and prayer. Ash Wednesday is a time for believers to humble themselves before God, seeking His face and turning from their sinful ways. It is a call to intercede for our communities and nations, asking God to forgive our collective sins and bring healing and restoration. As we align our hearts and actions with God’s will, we can trust in His faithfulness to hear our prayers and bring about transformation.