Holy Days, Holidays, and the Christian Conscience: What Scripture Actually Teaches
A Study in Worship, Freedom, Discernment, and Unity
Opening Meditation: Why This Question Matters
Few topics stir stronger emotions among believers than holidays. For some, holidays are moments of joy, family, and gratitude. For others, they raise concerns about origins, traditions, or faithfulness to God.
For many, confusion arises because Scripture does not speak about holidays as modern culture does.
The purpose of this study is not to tell you what to celebrate or what to avoid. The purpose is to help you understand how Scripture teaches us to discern, so that whatever we do, we do it unto the Lord.
This is not about winning an argument. It is about walking in truth, humility, and love.
What Scripture Actually Commands God’s People to Observe
When we search the Bible carefully, we find something important:
Scripture is very specific when God commands observances.
Under the Old Covenant, God gave Israel appointed times:
“These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.”
Leviticus 23:2 (NKJV)
These included:
Passover
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Feast of Weeks
Feast of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Feast of Tabernacles
These feasts were covenant signs given to Israel, pointing forward to Christ.
Christ and the Fulfillment of the Feasts
The New Testament does not abolish meaning, it reveals fulfillment.
Paul writes:
“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
The feasts were not sinful. They were shadows. Christ is the substance.
This matters greatly when discussing holidays, because Scripture moves us from external observance to internal devotion.
What Scripture Does NOT Command
Here is where clarity is needed.
Scripture:
Does not command the celebration of birthdays
Does not command national holidays
Does not command modern religious holidays
Does not forbid cultural observances by name
This silence is intentional. God does not bind the conscience where He has not spoken.
The New Covenant Shift: From Calendar to Conscience
Under the New Covenant, Scripture shifts the focus from dates and observances to the heart and conscience.
Paul addresses this directly:
“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” Romans 14:5 (NKJV)
This verse is foundational. It does not dismiss conviction. It locates conviction properly, in the conscience, before God.
Paul continues:
“He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.” Romans 14:6 (NKJV)
The issue is not the day. The issue is who it is unto.
The Danger of Binding Conscience Where Scripture Does Not
Scripture gives a strong warning about elevating personal conviction into universal law.
Jesus Himself confronted this mindset:
“In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Mark 7:7 (NKJV)
Paul echoes this concern:
“Why do you submit to regulations—‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle’… according to the commandments and doctrines of men?” Colossians 2:20–22 (NKJV)
When believers declare something sinful that Scripture has not declared sinful, bondage replaces freedom.
At the Same Time: Conviction Must Be Honored
Biblical freedom is not carelessness.
Paul also teaches:
“Whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:23 (NKJV)
If a believer cannot participate in something with a clear conscience before God, they should not participate.
This is not a weakness. This is faithfulness.
The Bible allows for:
different convictions
different practices
different applications
What it does not allow is judgment, pride, or division.
A Crucial Question: What Is Being Honored?
Scripture consistently directs us to examine the heart behind the action.
Paul writes:
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
The question is not:
“What is the origin?”
“What do others think?”
“What label is attached?”
The question is:
Who is being honored?
Is Christ exalted?
Is my conscience clear before God?
Walking in Love Toward One Another
Romans 14 does not stop with freedom. It moves into love.
“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, reminding that no one put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Romans 14:13 (NKJV)
Biblical maturity means:
honoring conviction without condemning others
exercising freedom without flaunting it
prioritizing unity over preference
Summary Truths to Hold Together
Scripture teaches us to hold all of these truths at once:
Christ fulfills the Old Covenant shadows
Scripture does not command modern holidays
Scripture does not forbid cultural observances
Conviction must be honored
Man-made rules must not bind conscience
Love must govern freedom
This is not a compromise. This is biblical balance.
Reflection Questions
Do I elevate my convictions above Scripture?
Do I judge others for freedoms Scripture allows?
Can I clearly articulate why I observe or avoid certain days?
Is Christ honored in my choices, attitudes, and conversations?
Take time with these questions. Pray before answering them.
A Prayer for Discernment, Unity, and Humility
Father God,
Thank You for Your Word, which frees us from both confusion and bondage. Thank You for the wisdom of Scripture that teaches us how to walk in truth and love together. Grant us discernment, not only to know what is permitted, but to know what honors You. Guard our hearts from pride, fear, and judgment. Teach us to walk in humility, conviction, and grace. May all that we do, whether we observe a day or refrain, be done unto You, for Your glory alone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
