As a Christian in a Bible believing, Bible teaching congregation, we are very familiar with Jesus’ comments about the pitfalls of certain religious traditions. For many of us in evangelical churches, Lent was something we associated with more liturgical traditions— that felt distant from our own style and spiritual relationship with Jesus. But over the past generation, more Christians from diverse backgrounds have begun to rediscover the historic Christian calendar, including the season of Lent, not as a ritual to earn God’s favor, but as a tool to deepen our walk with Christ. I want to share a bit of what Lent is, and why you might find this a valuable part of your spiritual life in Christ as we move into the Resurrection Celebration season.

Lent developed organically in the early centuries of the church as a season of preparation for Easter by Christians who simply wanted to grow deeper in their walks with Christ. By the time of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, many Christians were already observing a 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Resurrection Sunday. The 40 days echo Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4), as well as Israel’s 40 years in the desert. It has long been a time for self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and renewed focus on the cross.

Over the course of time, Lent became a centuries old tradition and an obligation for many, and it gradually developed into social expectation and even theological requirements. For some, if Lent wasn’t handled right, that would be one more weight added, an additional sin to confess, or penance to be paid. It became to them one more reason God was disappointed and disapproving. Somewhere Lent had lost its meaning and became a burden on the backs of believers. But that wasn’t true for everyone everywhere, and it wasn’t the fault of the devotional calendar of Lent, but zealous religious leaders who failed to let Lent retain its sanctity and simplicity. Throughout history, there have always been those who never lost the intention, and have benefited beautifully.

The Reformers did not uniformly reject Lent. While they rightly challenged abuses and legalism surrounding it, and warned of the dangers of turning it into a rite or ritual, many—such as Martin Luther—retained a rhythm of preparation for Easter, provided it was rooted in gospel freedom rather than obligation. In more recent history, various evangelical pastors have encouraged believers to thoughtfully engage historic Christian practices when they serve the gospel and strengthen discipleship.

As a Calvary Chapel pastor, I believe Lent can be a gift—if we approach it rightly.

First, Lent helps us slow down. In a culture of distraction, 40 intentional days of prayer, Scripture, and reflection can reorient our hearts toward Christ. We often rush from Christmas to Easter without lingering at the cross. Lent invites us to sit in the weight of our sin and the wonder of grace. Many of us need to slow down, be still in His presence, and meditate on the truths of God’s Word and His deliverance, the gravity of our sin and the wonder of His forgiveness, His salvation, and His healing.

Second, Lent teaches us self-denial. When we fast from food, media, or another good gift, we are reminded that “man shall not live by bread alone.” Fasting doesn’t make us more loved by God—but it can make us more aware of how deeply we need Him. It can also expose His power within us.

Third, Lent heightens our joy in Easter. When we walk through repentance and reflection, Resurrection Sunday is no mere holiday. It becomes a more personal triumphant celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Fourth, there may an additional joyous blessing in building bridges of love with other believers of different traditions during this time. Might Jesus be glorified as we share more deeply in His love together?

Yet Lent carries real spiritual dangers if misunderstood.

If we treat Lent as a way to earn God’s favor, we have abandoned the gospel. We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. No fast, no sacrifice, no devotional streak can add to the finished work of Jesus.

We can give up chocolate, social media, or caffeine—and never surrender our anger, greed, or unforgiveness. True repentance is not merely subtracting pleasures; it is turning from sin and turning toward Christ.

The goal of Lent is not better discipline but deeper communion with Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are means, not ends. Jesus called us to fast, and to pray, and to take up our cross and follow Him.

If you have never observed Lent, you are not a lesser Christian. And if you choose to participate, you are not a more spiritual one, although you may experience surprising spiritual growth during this time. When has a true spiritual fast, time of contemplation, meditation in His Word, joined with confession and repentance not produced good fruit? It is important to remember that Romans 14 reminds us that believers may differ in how they honor particular days.

But consider this: what if, for 40 days, you intentionally prepared your heart for the cross? What if you fasted in order to feast more fully on Christ? What if you let this season expose hidden idols and renew your hunger for holiness?

Lent, at its best, is not about proving our devotion. It is about rediscovering our dependence.

As a pastor, my encouragement is simple: if you enter this season, enter it clinging to grace. Fast because you are forgiven, not in order to be forgiven. Repent because you are loved, not in order to be loved. And let every act of self-denial point you to the One who denied Himself for you.

Then, when Resurrection Sunday morning comes, your “He is risen” will not be routine. It will be even more radiant with gratitude.

I have created a simple Lent calendar that I hope you find helpful. It will be freely available on CalvaryOjai.org. If you find it beneficial, please let me know. And if the Lord meets you in profound ways, we would all like to hear about that. May the Holy Spirit lead you, and may God be glorified in us, in Jesus’ name, Amen!