Scripture does not speak about Halloween at all, but it does give us some principles on which we can make a decision.
In Old Testament Israel, witchcraft was a crime punishable by death. Leviticus20:27, “Men and women among you who act as mediums or who consult the spirits of the dead must be put to death by stoning.” They are guilty of a capital offense.”
In Acts 8:9–24, we read the story of Simon the sorcerer, which shows that occultism and Christianity don’t mix. It’s like oil and water, or light and darkness, or truth and deceit. They simply can’t get along.
Again in Acts 16, at Philippi, a fortune-telling girl lost her demon powers when the evil spirit was cast out by the Apostle Paul. The interesting matter here is that Paul refused to allow even the good publicity that come from a demon-influenced person.
Also Acts 19 tells about some new converts to Christianity who abruptly made a clean break with their former occultism, by confessing and repenting of their evil deeds. They brought all their magic paraphernalia, and burnt it before everyone.
Acts 19:19, “A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.”
So, what’s the bottom line? Should a Christian celebrate Halloween? Is there anything evil about a Christian dressing up as a princess, or cowboy, and going around the block asking for candy? No, I don’t think so. But at the same time, are there things about Halloween that are anti-Christian and should be avoided? Absolutely!
This is a word of caution for you parents. If you are going to allow your children to participate in Halloween, you should make sure to keep them from getting involved in the darker aspects of Halloween.
In other words, if as Christians, you are going to take part in Halloween, then your attitude, your dress, and most importantly, your behavior should still reflect the life of a believer.
Philippians 1:27, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”
My recommendation is not to ignore Halloween, but to be proactive. Fighting fire with fire. Use October 31 as a day to combat the devil, who is Father of Lies. Halloween is not to be taken lightly. It’s recruitment time for witches, cults, and Satanists. We need to stay vigilant against occult activity within your circle of influence.
Ephesians 6:12 declares, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
But having said that, can I share this with you? Christians tend to have various ways to celebrate, or not to celebrate Halloween. This Halloween season, there are doubtless many, many families and churches that will replace Halloween with a “Harvest Festival,” and incorporate costumes, but in a godly environment, so their children don’t feel left out. I honor the decision and faithfulness of those loving parents.
There are some families who will ban any celebration of Halloween from their home, electing to lock themselves in the house with the lights off.
There will also be Christians who use this time to hand out tracts that share the Gospel along with the Halloween candy. I’m so glad that we have the freedom as Christians.
My friend; the decision is ultimately ours to make. But as with all things, we are to incorporate the principles found in
1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Here’s the thing; we must never allow our own convictions about a holiday to cause division in the body of Christ, nor can we use our freedom to cause others to stumble in their faith. We are to do all things as to the Lord.
Here is a fivefold test that you can apply to any problem, purpose, or whatever you’re planning to do.
(1)Is it according to the Word of God?
(2)Does it violate any principle of Scripture?
(3)Can I do it to the glory of God?
(4)Can I ask God’s blessings on it?
(5)Would I like to be found doing this thing, or be in this place if the Lord Jesus were to come right now?
by Corville Peters
