Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
Let’s see what the bible has to say about it:
Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. - Leviticus 19:31
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5
So we see this has to do with lightness and darkness. Let’s see what the bible has to say about light:
Matthew 5:14-16
We are the “light of the world”
A town on the hill can be seen everywhere and cannot be hidden
Lights are meant to shine, not be hidden
John 8:12
Jesus is our light
Jesus Declares Himself as the “light of the world”
Following Him leads to a life free from darkness
Ephesians 5:8
We were once in darkness but are now light in the Lord
We are to live as “children of light”
1 Peter 2:9
We are a chosen people, and a royal priesthood
Psalm 119:105
The bible is described as a lamp and a light, guiding one’s path
Philippians 2:15
We are called to be blameless and pure
Will will shine like stars in a corrupt generation
Application
Let your light let shine
Light shows were people are to go: Jesus
Roaches scatter when light is shone
Your light will scare away darkness
Make sure everything you do is glorifying God
Understand that the bible was written by very educated people, writing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Words from God using the minds and hearts of the writers to convey a central theme:
Jesus is the light of the world
He is our only source of hope and salvation
These verses encourage us to shine brightly with kindness, love, and truth, reflecting God’s light in a world that often feels dark.
Bonus: Halloween elements we often see
Ghosts
Defintiion: Spirits that float around, often looking spooky or friendly.
“spirit beings”? Yes
“Dead people” No
Hebrews 9:27
“Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
After death -> judgment
The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24).
There is no in-between. There is no purgatory. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a “ghost”. If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.
Angels
Definition: Spirit beings faithful to serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Angels have free will (within a certain extent)
Demons?
Demons are fallen angels, seduced by their own desires and Satan. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
A fallen angel's sole purpose: to lie, cheat, kill, destroy, mislead, and lure people away from God.
Witches
Definition: Magical characters with pointy hats and broomsticks.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12
When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.
Facts
* God takes it seriously
* God declares the penalty for witchcraft is Death
* There is nothing Holy, or edifying about wiccans or witchcraft
* There is nothing about conjuring up spells and potions that brings glory to God
* There is no light in studying the dark
* There is no such thing as a "Good" witch
1st Chronicles 10:13 tells us that “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.” (witch of Endor)
There are only two sources of spiritual power: God and Satan
There is only one way to spiritual fullfillment: Jesus
Vampires
Definition: Creatures that come out at night and drink blood, often with sharp fangs.
Nobody even knew what they were until Bram Stoker wrote Dracula fiction novel in 1897
They are made up fiction and simply do not exist.
Zombies
Definition: Walking, creepy creatures that are back from the dead.
“corpses being reanimated and existing in a continuing state of decomposition”
They don’t exist.
What about Jesus' ressurection? Didn't he come back from the dead in his original body?
The Bible is clear that Jesus’ body was resurrected. The tomb was empty. He was recognizable to those who knew Him. Jesus showed Himself to all His disciples after His resurrection, and more than 500 people were eyewitnesses to His earthly, post-resurrection presence (1 Corinthians 15:4–6). In Luke 24:16, on the road to Emmaus, two of Jesus’ disciples “were kept from recognizing [Jesus].” However, later, “their eyes were opened and they recognized Him” (verse 31). It’s not that Jesus was unrecognizable; it’s that, for a time, the disciples were supernaturally restrained from recognizing Him.
Werewolves
Definition: Humans that turn into wolves during a full moon
Only exist in terrible books and movies
Skeletons
Definition: Bony figures that rattle and dance; Skeletor-like figure yelling at He-man
Nope.
Black Cats
Definition: Often seen as mysterious or bringing good luck (or bad luck in some stories!).
Cats are cats. Meow.
CONCLUSION
“For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” - Romans 14:23
“Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” - Romans 14:5
So should Christians celebrate Halloween?
However you answer that question, you should follow your conviction. If you are not fully convinced that Halloween can be observed in an innocent way, you should not observe it.
Make sure you are following convictions that are solidly based on your study of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12).
Spend some time praying and praising God that He is light and that in Him there is no darkness. Pray for areas where there is currently darkness in your life or in the world where you would like His light to shine brightly!
Reflect on your response to evil, darkness, and bitterness. Does it reflect God’s character and heart? Repent of ways that you have allowed ungodly thinking to shape your response to evil, darkness, and bitterness.
And me? "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15
God bless and Happy Reformation Day.
Charles Mattson
Student Ministries Director
