Do Demons Celebrate Halloween? A Look at What Evil Spirits Really Believe
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, costumes, and candy. But amidst the festivities, it's worth pondering a chilling question: what do the spirits we associate with Halloween – demons and evil spirits – actually believe about God and Jesus?
The Bible gives us some surprising insights. It turns out that demons have a very real understanding of who God and Jesus are. They don't just believe; they know (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34). They acknowledge Jesus as the "Holy One of God" and the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 1:24, Mark 5:7).
But here's the twist: their knowledge doesn't equate to faith. James 2:19 tells us that "even the demons believe—and shudder!" They recognize God's power and authority, but they don't trust or obey Him. Their belief is devoid of love and surrender.
True Faith vs. Demonic Belief
So, what does true, saving faith look like? It's more than just mental assent. It's a deep trust in God that leads to obedience and a changed life. Jesus Himself emphasized this in Luke 6:46, asking, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
True faith is like building a house on a solid rock foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). It withstands the storms of life because it's rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ. This relationship is characterized by love and obedience to His commands (John 14:15, 23, 1 John 2:3-5). This includes His call to be baptized and become part of His church (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38).
The Danger of "Little Faith"
The Bible also warns us about the dangers of "little faith." Remember Peter's attempt to walk on water? He started strong but began to sink when his faith wavered (Matthew 14:28-31). Similarly, those who claim to believe but pick and choose which commands to follow demonstrate a flawed, incomplete faith. They may acknowledge the importance of baptism or the Lord's Supper, but if they reject these practices, their faith is like a house built on sand.
A View of Salvation
Salvation is a multifaceted gift from God. It involves His grace, our faith, the sacrifice of Christ, and our ongoing repentance and obedience. To claim that "faith alone saves" is to oversimplify a profound truth. While faith is essential, it's not the only element.
Let's remember that true faith is more than just acknowledging the existence of God and spiritual forces. It's a life-transforming commitment to follow Jesus, the Holy One of God, in every area of our lives. This involves repenting of our sins, being baptized for the forgiveness of sins, and becoming an active member of the church of Christ.