How can we be sure that we will receive a treat instead of a trick on Halloween? How can we be assured that we will be protected from all that is ‘bad’ these days? How can we be safe from accidents, attacks, calamities, or any other ‘evil’ that lurks in the shadows or in someone’s mind?
Occultists believe that Halloween is a time of transition between life and death. They believe that the spirits or ghosts of those who have died come alive at Halloween, so they would carve faces in pumpkins to scare away the spirits and would also leave treats outside to appease them. This ‘end of summer harvest’ was originally called the “feast of the dead” in Celtic countries. Wiccans celebrate their Lord of Death on this night.
However, death was swallowed up on the cross at Calvary, when Jesus Christ was crucified. He was resurrected and arose from the dead, and now sits at the Father’s right hand.
Romans 8:34 … It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
There has been a growing fascination with vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies etc. in recent decades leading up to a crescendo of captivation in the last few years. Do not be fooled! These spirit entities are based on a past truth. (We will delve into this topic at a later date.) However, the death culture that is associated with these entities is alive and well today. We would never throw rotten tomatoes at those who (innocently) find some ‘fun’ in scary movies or books. Why? Because we, who believe in Jesus, are under His grace and not the law. He already died for our sins once and for all. However, do you truly want to associate with this death culture….. even if in jest? Vampires and zombies are the embodiment of eternal damnation. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather celebrate the eternal life we can have in Jesus as our Savior.
Our assurance is in Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and given us life, and that life is to be at its fullest, free from fear and full of hope.
John 10:10 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
1 Corinthians 15:54 (AMP)
And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says, “Death is swallowed upon victory (vanquished forever).
1 Corinthians 15:25-26 (AMP)
For Christ must reign [as King] until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be abolished and put to an end is death.
So, who is the real treat on Halloween and always? Jesus is because of the gift of true eternal life that begins the moment you believe in Him.
How can we be assured to be protected from the ‘trick’, from all that is bad these days… the vampires, the zombies, the werewolves? This death culture permeates the media, technology, education and communication in all forms. How can we be protected and protect our children and loved ones from this onslaught, so that they are not swallowed up by the darkness?
Our only HOPE is belief in Jesus Christ and His finished work. His promises are true. His life is full of abundant joy as opposed to morbid perverseness.
The Message Bible gives an account from I Peter with which we wholeheartedly agree:
1 Peter 5:8-11 The Message (MSG)
He Gets the Last Word.
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
~Joanne and Sarah
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