Every follower of Jesus Christ should view our world through a biblical lens. The clear and timeless teachings of the Bible enable us to make Christ-honoring choices rather than blindly following cultural trends. This article is not a history lesson of Halloween; it’s a guide for you and your family to think scripturally and make faith-based decisions between you and the Lord Jesus, and to avoid the subtle pressures to fit into the culture. Should a Christian celebrate Halloween as it is presently celebrated today? To answer that question, here are five vital truths every Christian must remember…
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE LIGHT, NOT DARKNESS
Decades ago in American culture, the dark themes of Halloween weren’t nearly as blatant, but today we can see plainly the evil that it glorifies. God calls His children to avoid fellowship with the darkness of our godless culture. The word “hallow” means holy, revered, or sacred. But does Halloween revere what is holy and sacred? Certainly not.
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
We shouldn’t be surprised when unbelievers who are blinded by the darkness celebrate darkness…but believers?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
The world lies in spiritual darkness because it’s blinded to the light of Christ. This is all the more visible during the Halloween time of year. Remember the words of our Lord.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The Word of God calls believers to stand out from the world, and be the light of the world by reflecting the light of the gospel. When asked why you don’t celebrate Halloween, it provides a perfect opportunity to speak of Christ and the transforming power of the gospel!
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” (Ephesians 5:8)
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE RIGHTEOUSNESS, NOT WICKEDNESS
Halloween redefines wickedness and evil in people’s minds into something fun, mysterious, and enlightening. Over time, even the word “wicked” in our culture has mutated in a descriptive synonym for something cool and thrilling. That’s not how the Bible defines wickedness.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
Wickedness and witchcraft is glorified in our society. Halloween movies exalt themes of witches, magic spells, death, demons, and wizards—the very things God calls wicked. Children’s programs often portray characters as good witches and good wizards. According to the Scriptures, witchcraft and sorcery is always evil and there is no such thing as “good evil.” I read a cartoonish halloween decoration expressing this sentiment: “You say ‘witch’ like it’s a bad thing.” God never views witchcraft as cute and innocent, and neither should Christians.
“And he [King Manasseh] caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” (2 Chronicles 33:6)
Witchcraft is idolatry and derives its power from Satan. God warned the nation of Israel of learning the pagan practices because of its seductive power to allure and enslave. It’s a warning Christians today should also take very seriously.
“When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Rather than being captivated by themes of wickedness, true disciples should be enthralled by Christ and his righteousness.
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE HOPE, NOT HORROR
The Halloween market is based on themes of fear and horror from haunted houses to demonic faces. Christians must objectively examine what is really being promoted. Even something as innocent as a girl’s baby dolls have been warped into objects of fear. God does not want His children to live in fear.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When our children were young, they hid their faces so they wouldn’t have to look at the Halloween decorations in stores because they possessed a spirit totally different than what was in our home. Halloween decorations are not as innocent as many people think. The emphasis on fear is unhealthy for both children and adults. God warned the Israelites of the plague of fear that would ensnare them for disobeying the Lord.
“The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:” (Deuteronomy 28:28)
The plague of fear is widespread in America. People pretend to be normal, yet never before has a society of people been so oppressed, nervous, and panicked that they can’t sleep without medication. How sad. Many have naively welcomed evil spirits into their homes through the movies they watch and the music they listen to. God’s peace is always available to those who truly desire Him.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
The spirit of fear is highly contagious and and can only be filtered from our minds with Scripture. The Bible specifically tells believers to think on wholesome thoughts.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE LIFE, NOT DEATH
The world glorifies blood, gore, violence, and death. The demonic figures and faces of Halloween are hellish. Halloween seeks to desensitize our minds by glamorizing devilish images, and glorifying the grave by decorating with tombstones, skeletons, and skulls. Throughout history, only pagan cultures would use the human skulls of those they conquered to decorate their dwellings to show their superiority. Why should Christians naively imitate godless cultures by decorating their own homes, work spaces, clothing, and vehicles with symbols of death and violence? Christ has conquered the grave! Christians should reject this heathen nonsense.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26)
Our human bodies are sacred to God and ought to be treated with dignity and respect. Halloween promotes mutilating and dismembering of the body. Young people are especially drawn to wearing the dark gothic clothing and accessories. Gothic beliefs go far deeper than just wearing dark clothing; they are fascinated with death and endeavor to become one with evil through satanic rituals and magical spells. This influence must be avoided by followers of Christ.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Yes, death is a very real part of life, but death itself should not be magnified. Christ defeated death and that’s what Christians ought to celebrate. It’s Christ’s life and resurrection that gives believers hope beyond the grave.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Christ forever redefined the cross, a symbol of death, when He conquered death. Since that time, the cross stands as a symbol of victory, life, and hope to all who trust in Christ for salvation.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE FREEDOM, NOT BONDAGE
Halloween is celebrated with cages, chains, imprisonment, and dungeons. The world is enslaved and under the dominion of the Devil, but the Christian is not. True believers have been delivered by the power of Christ!
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (Colossians 1:13)
Satan and his devils want to make bondage appear cool and enticing. Today’s trendy fashions of wearing dog collars and heavy chains are symbolic of the captivity of animals and slaves. Why would anyone who has been delivered from bondage want to return to it?
“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17-18)
Satan enslaves people to drugs, alcohol, pills, cutting themselves, and a myriad of other sins. Before Christ, you were held captive by your sin and fleshly desires. Satan steals, kills, and destroys, but Christ liberates.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Every Christian ought to be discerning of Halloween and the evil themes and messages it promotes. Instead, celebrate the beauty of the autumn season God created, but avoid drinking the deadly potion that mixes light with darkness, good with evil, life with death, and freedom from bondage. Don’t be afraid to live counterculture. Boldly choose to honor and celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ at all times of the year.