Volume. XXXV, No. 18 The Christian Perspective of 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). 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 , "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…" The Word of God clearly admonishes us against occultic practices like necromancy, astrology, spirits consultation, and witches and 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 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. There 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 (Philippians 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) and need to be delivered from this spiritual bondage and slavery of the evil one (1Thessolonians 5:21, 22). Biblical Separation and Holiness
The Christian is consecrated for God and he is holy and as commanded by our Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Leviticus 19:27-31, Jeremiah 27:9, Isaiah 47:12,13) is to be separated from evil and is 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 Halloween celebration has to do with malevolent games and evil practices, we are to take stand and warn and admonish others of it is dangers and 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, not expedient, according to God‘s will for us and it is neither edifying nor glorifying to God. This is a very clear matter that it is totally forbidden for us to participate in and we are to obey the Lord and not satisfy our kids at the expense of God’s holy word. It is a proven historical fact that Halloween has pagan origins that Is 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 and just have fun on 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 others to stumble by our approval or participation in it or tacit approval of it (1 Corinthians 8:13) but should warn them instead of its compromise and dangers even in the midst of this health crisis. 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 and night spots and even some churches and schools have become so desensitized 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 Corinthians 6:14-18 say 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 and it displeases and offend God when we rejoice in evil and entertain Satan and his devices . We need to pray for wisdom and courage to stand up to the pressures of friends and neighbours and even some school teachers, notwithstanding the fun and parties and costume selection for our children, and dutifully seek out the will of God and obey it and honestly examine the issue before 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 and before it adversely affects our children’s spiritual well-being and our family or Christian school or church. 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 and fear God and reflect and take the advice of James seriously below : James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
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