 |
|||
Volume. XXXVIII, No. 71 Should a Christian celebrate Halloween? (Part 2) Obedience to the Word of God and Halloween As Christians, we are interested in what the inspired word of God has to say to guide us in the straight and narrow way and concerning such occultic events as well like Halloween. The word of God warns us solemnly against dabbling in the supernatural or the occult, like consulting witches, the star gazers (including feng shui or geomancy) or astrologers or those who read horoscopes, spiritists or necromancers in consultation with the dead, (i.e. Halloween has to do with the spirits of the dead) with mediums, bomohs and neo paganistic worship, that are prevalent today (Jeremiah 27:9). Consider these verses below: John in Revelation 21:8 says, ‘But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.’ Moses in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "Ther 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,” The Word of God clearly admonishes us against occultic practices like necromancy, astrology, spirits consultation, and witches. God condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it (Isaiah 47:12, 13, Jeremiah 27:9, Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 21:8). As Christians, we are saved and sanctified and set part for and by God. We are to have nothing to do with the occult like Halloween, tarot Cards, yoga, horoscopes astrology, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, talisman, amulets and diabolical supernatural powers. These are all anti-Biblical and diabolical and can harm a Christian's effective witness and fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression and even satanic entanglement for some (Phil 5:1-5; James 4:7, 8). Most Christians should know this and make an effort to avoid all these unedifying activities (including our children). But some are still ensnared by these ancient pagan connections and present occultic practices (as seen in some churches and kindergartens and childcare centres who organized Halloween parties and trick and treats for the children before the pandemic) and need to be delivered from this spiritual bondage and slavery of the evil one (1Thes 5:21, 22). Biblical Separation and Holiness The Christian is consecrated for God and he is holy. As commanded by our Lord (2 Cor 6:14-18, Lev 19:27-31, Jer 27:9, Isaiah 47:12,13), we are to be separated from evil and not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that uplifts the occult. To do so is to contradict God’s word, dabble in demonic spirits, and invite entanglement with satanic forces and judgment from God. As the Halloween celebration has to do with malevolent games and evil practices, as a Christian church, we are to take a stand, warn and admonish others of its dangers and spiritual compromise. On the other hand, some are willing to compromise and have said that it is not wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying 'Trick or Treat". It is just fun for the kids. The answer to that is found in 1 Corinthians 6:9-12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, which tells us all things are lawful but all things are not profitable nor expedient according to God‘s will for us. Halloween is neither edifying nor glorifying to God. This is a very clear matter. It is totally forbidden for us to participate in it. We are to obey the Lord and not give in to our kids’ whims at the expense of God’s holy Word. Historical facts reveal that Halloween has pagan origins that are an abomination to God, therefore a Christian who wants to honour and please God should not follow the world in allowing our kids to dress up in malevolent costumes and go door-to-door for the fun of Halloween. On another note, for conscience’s (not just yours but others as well) sake and our obedience to God, one should not as a Christian cause other people to stumble by our approval or participation in it (1 Cor 8:13) but should warn them instead of its compromise and dangers. Conclusion The fallen and depraved world today is greatly influenced by the seduction of the occult and many are not aware of its grave perils to their souls eternally. It is like playing with fire or venomous snakes and scorpions and not knowing the serious consequences that they can have on us. The world of entertainment, night spots and even some churches and schools have become so desensitised to the subtle and insidious invasion of the occult and the diabolical holiday of Halloween that many secular (and even Christian) kindergartens and preschools have even embraced it as a fun time of parties and games for the children. Even some Christian parents have unwittingly or knowingly embraced it and encouraged their children to participate in this malevolent entertainment as well. 2 Cor 6:14-18 says that we should be separate from the world and spiritual corruption of the world. Though some Halloween fans say the occasion is only harmless fantasy or fun, and Halloween is perceived as a child's fun holiday, many are oblivious that there is a darker side to it. It displeases and offends God when we rejoice in evil and entertain Satan and his devices. We need to pray for godly wisdom and courage to stand up to the pressures of friends, neighbours and even some school teachers, notwithstanding the fun and parties and costume selection for our children. Dutifully seek out the will of God and obey it. Let us examine the issue before the holy and just God. We should educate our children and churches on the importance of remembering the 16th century Protestant Reformation instead as a biblical substitute for this event and teach them about the reformers and their teachings and stand. We need to make a clear stand against it, before it adversely affects our children’s spiritual well-being, our families, schools or churches. Believers are to be discerning and to separate ourselves from the compromise of sin and evil, for the devil is a roaring lion seeking any that he may devour in these last days. We are not to be contaminated and compromised by promoting or participating in this diabolical celebration which is a serious affront and abomination to the most holy God (Lev19:27:31). Let us heed this sober warning from his word, fear God, reflect on and take the advice of James seriously: James 4:7-8: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. |
|