We have the clear teaching from Jesus Himself that fasting is an essential part of spiritual life

We have the clear teaching from Jesus Himself that fasting is an essential part of spiritual life

The following is a reactional comment from this post concerning fasting, and if it is observed in the grace dispensation.

STATEMENT:

This is part of the problem with Dispensationalism — we have the clear teaching from Jesus Himself that fasting is an essential part of spiritual life (not to mention unambiguous historical records of periodic fasting being normative going back to the very earliest days of Christianity), and then Dispensationalists come up with excuses to disregard it all.

REPLY:

My post does not forbode fasting. It simply informs that it is not an obligation, nor a necessity, nor a means, under grace.

Benching dispensationalism, I do want to bring attention to how you suggest that what Jesus taught applies to us. It is important to know that the Bible tells us clearly that Jesus taught under the law (Gal.4:4; Rom.15:8) and that his earthly ministry and teachings were addressed to Jews only (Matt.10:5-6; Matt.15:24). When Jesus called men to follow him, it was a call for Jews to follow his example and pattern of living. It was an example of living under the kingdom he was about to set up (Matt.4:17). This is not the example we follow today because we do not belong to that earthly kingdom. We belong to the heavenly kingdom (Eph.2:6; 2Tm.4:18), a different part of God’s whole redemption plan (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20).

The Lord gave Paul a new pattern and example for us to follow (1Tim.1:16). We follow the example that Paul set in his life and doctrine (1Cor.4:16; 1Cor.11:1; Php.3:17) which is the model of grace, not law. Thus, when it comes to holydays, observances, diet, fasting’s, washings, feasts, giftings, signs, and Jewish customs, none of these have spiritual significance for us. They do not increase our faith and they do not make us more pious or effective in ‘religion’ or in relationship with God.

Paul tells us that we do not know Christ after the flesh (his earthly ministry) and that this old way of living has passed and a brand-new way of living has been determined for us (2Cor.5:16-17). Furthermore, Paul instructs us to live and preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (doctrine) that was given to Paul by the risen and glorified Christ (Rom.16:25-26).

These commands of Paul are as valid and important to us today as what Jesus taught to the Jews in his earthly ministry. Paul tells us that if any of us think ourselves to be spiritual, that we should acknowledge that the things that Paul writes to us are the commandments of the Lord (1Cor.14:37). 

Although the things I mention above are typically taught by ‘dispensationalists’, it should not be labeled as such, because when one studies the Word, one will conclude that the division between Jew and Gentile, prophecy and mystery, and law and grace, are set by scripture itself, and that we should note and adapt our learning, our understanding, and our application of it according to its divisions.

As for unambiguous historical records, I do not concern myself with these forms of documentation. Yes, they document the past, but certainly not truth. The King James Bible is my only source of truth and what shapes my life, my faith, and my practice.

God bless.