The Truth About Fasting

BIBLE:
Matthew 6:16 – “Moreover, when ye FAST, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men that they fast...” 

 

SOP:
First of all, what should we not do when we fast?
 
NOT LOOK FOR PRAISE OR ATTENTION, NOT BOW OUR HEADS LIKE WE'RE SUFFERING OR THINK OF SELF:
“Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists...Now He turned to practical duties. In almsgiving, in prayer, in fasting, He said, let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self… In fasting, go not with the head bowed down, and heart filled with thoughts of self...” {DA 312.1}

 
FOR WHAT SHOULD WE FAST?
“For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate...” {CD 187.6}
 
WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE CERTAIN THINGS WE SHOULD FAST FOR?
 
1. FOR DEMON POSSESSION:
“A father had brought to them his son, to be delivered from a dumb spirit that tormented him. Authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, had been conferred on the disciples when Jesus sent out the twelve to preach through Galilee. As they went forth strong in faith, the evil spirits had obeyed their word. Now in the name of Christ they commanded the torturing spirit to leave his victim; but the demon only mocked them by a fresh display of his power...The nine disciples were yet pondering upon the bitter fact of their own failure; and when Jesus was once more alone with them, they questioned, “Why could not we cast him out?” Jesus answered them this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting...” (DA 427.2, 429.4, and 431.2)
 
2. FOR CLEANSING OF THE HEART AND HAVING A CLEAR MIND:
“For certain things, FASTING and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind…” {CD 187.6}
 
3. WHEN SOMEONE IS IN PRISON FOR THE TRUTH'S SAKE:
“When Peter also was imprisoned, the entire church engaged in FASTING and prayer.” {AA 144.2}
 
4. WHEN MEETING AN OPPONENT OF ERROR:
"I was shown that the advocates of truth should not seek discussions. And whenever it is necessary for the advancement of the cause of truth and the glory of God that an opponent be met, how carefully and with what humility should they go into the conflict. With heart-searching, confession of sin, and earnest prayer, and often FASTING FOR A TIME they should entreat that God would especially help them and give His saving, precious truth a glorious victory, that error might appear in its true deformity and its advocates be completely discomfited…”  {1T 624.2}
 
5. TO BETTER UNDERSTAND TRUTH:
“When the time shall come, in the providence of God, for the world to be tested upon the truth for that time, minds will be exercised by His Spirit to search the Scriptures, even with FASTING AND WITH PRAYER, until link after link is searched out, and united in a perfect chain.” {CD 187.2}
 
6. FOR A SICK AND/OR DYING CHILD:
“When his child was stricken, David, WITH FASTING AND DEEP HUMILIATION, pleaded for its life...” {PP 722.3}
 
7. FOR THOSE COMING OUT OF SPIRITUALISM:
“Some poor souls who have been fascinated with the eloquent words of the teachers of spiritualism, and have yielded to its influence, afterward find out its deadly character, and would renounce and flee from it, but cannot. SATAN HOLDS THEM BY HIS POWER, and is not willing to let them go free...They should entreat those who have had a religious experience, and who have faith in the promises of God, to plead with the mighty Deliverer in their behalf. It will be a close conflict. Satan will reinforce his evil angels who have controlled these persons; but if the saints of God with deep humility FAST AND PRAY, their prayers will prevail. Jesus will commission holy angels to resist Satan.”  {1T 343.2}
 
8. DURING TIMES OF PERSECUTION:
“A certain day was appointed on which the Jews were to be destroyed...” {PK 600.3}
 
“...There was great mourning among the Jews, AND FASTING...The decree of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked… all the Israelites were doomed to destruction. But the plots of the enemy were defeated by a Power that reigns among the children of men.” {PK 601.1}
 
9. FOR WISDOM:
“Let brethren unite in FASTING AND PRAYER for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.”  {CD 188.1}
 
10. FOR THE ORDINATION OF A MINISTER AND MISSIONARY:
“Before being sent forth as missionaries to the heathen world, these apostles were solemnly dedicated to God by FASTING AND PRAYER and the laying on of hands. Thus they were authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to perform the rite of baptism and to organize churches, being invested with full ecclesiastical authority.”  {AA 160.2}
 
11. WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE THE COMFORTER IS NOT WITH YOU:
“Yet days of temptation and trial would come, when...they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to FAST.”  {DA 277.4}
 
12. FOR THE SINS OF OPPRESSION AMONG OUR CHURCHES:
“There are sins of this same character among us today, and they bring the rebuke of God upon His church.  Wherever such sins are found, seasons of FASTING AND PRAYER ARE INDEED NECESSARY; but they must be accompanied with sincere repentance and decided reformation. Without such contrition of soul, these seasons only increase the guilt of the wrong-doer. The Lord has specified the fast He has chosen, the one He will accept. It is that which bears fruit to His glory, in repentance, in devotion, in true piety.” [Isaiah 58:6, 7 quoted.]  {4BC 1150.1}
 
13. TO OVERCOME APPETITE AND FLESH FOOD:
“If our appetites clamor for the flesh of dead animals, it is a necessity to FAST AND PRAY for the Lord to give His grace to deny fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” [FASTING BENEFICIAL IN CHANGING FROM A DIET OF FLESH MEAT AND RICH FOODS--312]  {CD 400.3}
 
14. OVEREATING:
“Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to FAST FOR A MEAL OR TWO, that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health.”  {CD 189.3}
 
15. IN CASES OF FEVER:
“In cases of severe fever, abstinence from food for a short time will lessen the fever, and make the use of water more effectual...” {CD 190.3}
 
16. AS A TREATMENT FOR DISEASE:
“There are some who would be benefited more by ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD FOR A DAY OR TWO EVERY WEEK than by any amount of treatment or medical advice. TO FAST ONE DAY A WEEK would be of incalculable benefit to them.” {CD 189.4}
 
DOES FASTING REQUIRE A PERSON TO ABSTAIN 100% FROM FOOD?
“Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for FASTING AND PRAYER. Entire abstinence from food may not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most simple food.” {CD 188.4}
 
STRANGE THINGS BROUGHT IN AMONG US REGARDING FASTING
“…Strange things have been done in the medical missionary work of late…” {CH 370.3}
 
“It is true that there are unbalanced minds that impose upon themselves FASTING WHICH THE SCRIPTURES DO NOT TEACH, and prayers and privation of rest and sleep which God has never required...” {1T 556.3}
 
WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE STRANGE FASTINGS?
#1: WHAT ABOUT A 90 DAY JUICE FAST OR A SMOOTHIE FAST?
“Your stomach was not receiving that vigor that it should from your food. Taken in a liquid state, your food would not give healthful vigor or tone to the system. But when you change this habit, and eat more solids and less liquids, your stomach will feel disturbed. Notwithstanding this, you should not yield the point; you should educate your stomach to bear a more solid diet.” {CD 105.1}
 
“…So much liquid taken into the stomach was not healthful, and that all who subsisted on such a diet placed a great tax upon the kidneys, and so much watery substance debilitated the stomach.” {CD 105.2}
 
“…Soft or liquid foods are less wholesome than dry foods, which require thorough mastication.” (MH 301.4)
 
#2: WHAT ABOUT A 21 DAY RAW FAST?
"In the study of hygiene, students should be taught the nutrient value of different foods. The effect of a concentrated and stimulating diet, also of foods deficient in the elements of nutrition, should be made plain. Tea and coffee, fine-flour bread, pickles, COARSE VEGETABLES, candies, condiments, and pastries FAIL OF SUPPLYING PROPER NUTRIMENT. Many a student has broken down as the result of using such foods...” {Ed 204.3}
 
NO RAW OATS:
“Grains used for porridge or “mush” should have several hours’ cooking.” (MH 301.4)
Note: Oats should never be eaten raw due to the phytic acid content which can cause lesions and bleeding in the brain.
 
#3: WHAT ABOUT A FRUIT FAST FOR SEVERAL DAYS?
“A fruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain worker...” {CD 189.3}
 
#4: WHAT ABOUT A FRUIT ONLY DIET?
“In order to maintain health, a sufficient supply of good, nourishing food is needed.”  {MH 299.1}
 
“...That which is most conducive to health can be secured in almost every land. The various preparations of rice, wheat, corn, and oats...also beans, peas, and lentils. These, with native or imported fruits, and the variety of vegetables that grow in each locality, give an opportunity to select a dietary that is complete without the use of flesh meats.” {MH 299.2)
 
“We are mortal, and must supply ourselves with food that will give proper sustenance to the body.”  {CD 92.3}
 
“…Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, in proper combination, contain all the elements of nutrition; and 
when properly prepared, they constitute the diet that best promotes both physical and mental strength.” {Ed 204.3}
 
#5: WHAT ABOUT THE 40 DAY FAST?
“You are not called upon to fast forty days. The Lord bore that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation. There would be no virtue in such a fast; but there is virtue in the blood of Christ.” {CD 189.1}
 
#6: WHAT ABOUT EATING ONLY ONCE-A-DAY FAST?
“I have been informed that you have taken but one meal a day for a period of time...You will surely decrease in strength and your mind become unbalanced unless you change your course of abstemious diet.”  {CD 191.1-.2}
 
#7: WHAT ABOUT A NO-FOOD FAST FOR MANY DAYS?
"Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort.” {MH 235.2} 
 
“Fast for a meal or two...”  (MH 235.2)
 
“There are SOME who would be benefited more by ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD FOR A DAY OR TWO EVERY WEEK than by any amount of treatment or medical advice. TO FAST ONE DAY A WEEK would be of incalculable benefit to them.” {CD 189.4}
 
QUESTION: WHAT TYPE OF FASTING IS TO BE DONE NOW DURING THE ANTI-TYPICAL DAY OF ATONEMENT?
ANSWER: “Once a year, on the great day of atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary...every man was required to afflict his soul while this work of atonement was going forward. All business was to be laid aside and the whole congregation of Israel were to spend the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart.” {GC 419.1,3}
 
QUESTION: IF WE ARE NOW IN THE ANTI-TYPICAL DAY OF ATONEMENT, WHAT IS THE FAST THAT WE ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE TODAY?
ANSWER: “The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance.”  {CD 90.1}
 
BENEFITS FROM FASTING ACCORDING TO MEDICAL SCIENCE:
1. Fasting Helps Brain Diseases
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/18/fasting-protect-brain-diseases-scientists
2. Improves Alzheimer's
3. Enhances Mental Acuity
4. Improves the Function of the Heart
5. Reduces Depression, Tension, and Anxiety
6. Promotes Detoxification
7. Gives the Digestive System Rest
8. Helps Reduce Inflammation
9. Reduces Blood Pressure
10. Helps Clear up the Skin
11. Restores Taste
12. Lessens the Desire for Addictions
13. Promotes Rapid Weight Loss
http://mushpanjwani.com/2009/08/23/11-health-benefits-of-fasting/
 
THE TRUE FAST:
“The true fast is no mere formal service. The scripture describes the fast that god has chosen...” {DA 278.2}
 
PLEASE READ ISAIAH 58:
“Is not this the FAST that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.  {WM 29.4} 
 
“This is the special work now before us. All our praying and abstinence from food will avail nothing unless we resolutely lay hold of this work. Sacred obligations are resting upon us. Our duty is plainly stated.” {WM 30.1}
 
“THE FAST WHICH GOD CAN ACCEPT IS DESCRIBED. It is to deal thy bread to the hungry and to bring the poor which are cast out to thy house. Wait not for them to come to you. The labor rests not on them to hunt you up and entreat of you a home for themselves. You are to search for them and bring them to your house. You are to draw out your soul after them…”  {WM 29.4 -30.2}

“Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?”  Isaiah 58:3
 
“A people are here addressed who make high profession, who are in the habit of praying, and who delight in religious exercises; yet there is a lack...While professing godliness, they do not bear fruit to the glory of God; their works are not what they should be. They are living in neglect of positive duties. Unless these are performed, God cannot answer their prayers according to His glory...”  {2T 146.1/147.1}
 
Note: Fasting slows aging and helps a person live longer.
Cutting calories by 50% for 5 days a month, slashes the risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes.
 
The Truth About Fasting Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1b08X-GvRs
 
 
SOP ABBREVIATIONS:
1T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1
2T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2
4BC = Bible Commentaries (SDA), Volume 4
4T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4
AA = Acts of the Apostles
CD = Counsels on Diets and Foods
CH = Counsels on Health
DA = Desire of Ages
Ed = Education
GC = Great Controversy
PK = Prophets and Kings
PP = Patriarchs and Prophets
WM = Welfare Ministry

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