By Pastor Akinrinlola Olumide
Halloween, celebrated on the 31st of October in various countries, is often seen as a time to honour the deceased, including saints and martyrs, by some Western Christians and many others globally. Its traditions are thought to have roots in Celtic harvest celebrations, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which is linked to pagan customs.
While this discussion does not delve into the historical aspects of Halloween, it aims to clarify why Christians should avoid participating in this observance.
Many perceive Halloween as a harmless celebration; however, its practices conflict with God’s commandments and biblical teachings. Halloween is steeped in misconceptions about the dead and the presence of malevolent spirits.
Reasons Christians Should Avoid Halloween
1. Separation of the Living and the Dead
Ecclesiastes 9:5 states, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” This verse indicates that once a person dies, they possess no knowledge or ability to communicate with the living. Those who believe they are in contact with deceased loved ones may, in reality, be interacting with demons, servants of Lucifer. Given that the dead have no awareness, what purpose does it serve to attempt to reach out to them?
Satan is cunning; if he could mislead Adam and Eve, it is no surprise that many Christians are similarly deceived. How can anyone rationalise the belief that their deceased relatives can visit or communicate with them?
2. God’s Prohibition Against Consulting the Dead
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against consulting the dead or practising witchcraft: “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.” Since God deems consulting the dead as abhorrent, Christians should not engage in Halloween festivities that promote such practices.
3. Avoiding Fellowship with Evil
1 Corinthians 10:20-22 cautions against provoking God’s jealousy through associations with evil: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” Our God is a jealous God who will not share His glory. Celebrating the dead or honouring them diverts glory from God to spirits and idols, which He has explicitly forbidden (Isaiah 42:8).
4. Pagan Influences on Halloween
As mentioned, Halloween has roots in pagan Celtic festivals. What connection should a Christian have with paganism? 2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
To my dear brothers and sisters, it is not too late to turn away from Halloween. Your eternal destiny is at stake, and this message serves as an opportunity for repentance.
If you feel the weight of your sins and wish to seek forgiveness, pray: “Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me. (Confess your sins) I accept you today as my Lord and Saviour; come into my life and stay there forever. Amen.”
Leave a Reply