Halloween, the Dead and the Spirits

Days and Feasts · Article 2 of 3 · 2026-10-29 · Key passages: Ecclesiastes 9:5; Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Hebrews 2:14–15. Quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB); please check each one in your own Bible.

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What we confess.

To us there is “one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31), who “has come in the flesh” (1 John 4:2). He “died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3), was buried, and “was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:4). “God has made him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), and “This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back” (Acts 1:11).

Every autumn, many families face the same question. The shops fill with masks, skeletons and pictures of ghosts and witches. Some readers were taught that the day is a door to demons, and that touching any part of it is sin. Others were taught that it is only fun, and that nothing in it matters. Scripture never names Halloween. But it says a great deal about the dead, about spirits, and about fear. This article speaks of death and of the powers of darkness, and we will read those passages calmly. Scripture speaks of them soberly, and it says Christ came to free those held by the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15). We ask you to read what it says, and to check every word.

Read These First

  • Ecclesiastes 9:5–10: “the dead don’t know anything,” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
  • Deuteronomy 18:9–14: what God forbids.
  • Isaiah 8:19–20: “Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19).
  • Hebrews 2:14–15: freed from the fear of death.
  • Ephesians 5:8–14: children of light.
  • Romans 14:5–13: days and conscience.

The Dead Know Nothing, and Jesus Will Raise Them

What the text says. The Preacher wrote of the dead:

For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for their memory is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither do they any longer have a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

— Ecclesiastes 9:5–6

He added, “for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). The psalm says of a man, “His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.” (Psalm 146:4).

Jesus called death a sleep. “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep.” (John 11:11). Then he said plainly, “Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:14). Paul wrote “concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Their hope is the Lord’s coming: “The dead in Christ will rise first,” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus said, “the hour comes in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice” (John 5:28). Passages: John 11:23–26; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53.

What we conclude. Scripture says plainly that the dead know nothing and have no portion in anything done under the sun (Ecclesiastes 9:5–6). It says plainly that Jesus called death a sleep, and that the dead in Christ will rise at his coming (John 11:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). Our conclusion is that the dead know nothing and sleep until the resurrection, when Jesus raises them (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 5:28–29). Our conclusion is also that the dead do not return of themselves to haunt the living; they have no portion under the sun (Ecclesiastes 9:6). Our conclusion is that where Scripture shows the dead seen or heard, God brings it about. At Endor, Samuel was brought up and repeated what Yahweh had spoken by him (1 Samuel 28:17; below). Moses appeared on the mountain, which Article 10 of The Good News answers (Matthew 17:3). And the saints at Jesus’ death were raised in body: “many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;” (Matthew 27:52).

The strongest objection. Some readers point to Saul at Endor. Saul asked for “a woman who has a familiar spirit” (1 Samuel 28:7), and said, “Bring Samuel up for me.” (1 Samuel 28:11). The narrator writes:

When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”

— 1 Samuel 28:12

Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me, to bring me up?” (1 Samuel 28:15). He said, “Yahweh has done to you as he spoke by me.” (1 Samuel 28:17). And he foretold, “tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.” (1 Samuel 28:19). The woman said, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” (1 Samuel 28:13). As they read it, Samuel himself appeared. He knew Saul, remembered what Yahweh had spoken by him, knew that Yahweh had departed from Saul, and foretold the battle. One who can be disturbed was somewhere to be disturbed from. Others hold that a deceiving spirit took Samuel’s form, or that the woman deceived Saul. They note that Yahweh would not answer Saul “by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets.” (1 Samuel 28:6).

Our answer. The narrator himself writes, “When the woman saw Samuel,” (1 Samuel 28:12), so our conclusion is that Samuel appeared. His words were not the guidance Saul sought: “Why then do you ask me, since Yahweh has departed from you and has become your adversary?” (1 Samuel 28:16). Our conclusion is that they were Yahweh’s judgment, for they repeat what Yahweh had spoken by Samuel before (1 Samuel 15:28; 28:17). What they foretell, Samuel says Yahweh will do: “Yahweh will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 28:19). The text does not say how Samuel was brought up, or whether the woman expected what she saw.

Our conclusion is that the account does not overturn the plain statement that “the dead don’t know anything,” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The account shows Samuel speaking only after he was brought up, and does not say what he knew or did before (1 Samuel 28:11–15). What he said of Saul’s state, Saul had just told him: “God has departed from me,” (1 Samuel 28:15). The kingdom given to David, Samuel had spoken of and acted on in life (1 Samuel 15:28; 16:13). Samuel calls being brought up a disturbance. And the king whom “Yahweh has rejected” (1 Samuel 15:26) was to be with the prophet. Our conclusion is that this fits the dead at rest, as Job said, “I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,” (Job 3:13).

The account also shows how God judged Saul’s act. “So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh,” (1 Chronicles 10:13), first “because of Yahweh’s word, which he didn’t keep,” (1 Chronicles 10:13), “and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire,” (1 Chronicles 10:13). Our conclusion is that whatever took place at Endor, it does not make consulting the dead lawful (1 Chronicles 10:13–14). Samuel speaks, remembers and foretells, which presses against us. The account tells what happened and does not explain how, and the plain statements remain Ecclesiastes 9:5 and 9:10. Our confidence here is Narrow.

Some point to “seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” (Hebrews 12:1). As they read it, the saints who have died watch the living. The witnesses are the faithful of chapter 11: “These all, having been commended for their faith, didn’t receive the promise,” (Hebrews 11:39), “so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40). Our conclusion is that they witness by the record of their faith; the verse does not say they watch us (Hebrews 11:39–40; 12:1). Article 10 of The Good News answers Luke 23:43, Luke 16, Philippians 1:23, Revelation 6:9–10 and Hebrews 12:23.

A second objection. Others point to the Gospels. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, “they were troubled,” (Matthew 14:26), and cried out, saying, “It’s a ghost!” (Matthew 14:26). After he rose, “they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.” (Luke 24:37). Jesus said, “a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:39). As they read it, Jesus took the disciples’ belief in ghosts for granted.

Our answer. On the sea Jesus answered their fear with himself: “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). After he rose, he said, “See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me.” (Luke 24:39). Scripture does speak of spirits, such as “a spirit of divination” (Acts 16:16). Jesus said what a spirit lacks, but he did not say that a spirit is a dead man (Luke 24:39). Our conclusion is that the Gospels record the disciples’ fear and Jesus’ answer, but do not teach that the dead walk as spirits (Luke 24:38–39; Ecclesiastes 9:5–6).

God Forbids Seeking the Dead and Practising Sorcery

What the text says. Before Israel entered the land, God told them what they must not learn from the nations:

There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or someone who consults with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh. Because of these abominations, Yahweh your God drives them out from before you.

— Deuteronomy 18:10–12

The Law also said, “Don’t turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don’t seek them out, to be defiled by them.” (Leviticus 19:31). Isaiah asked:

When they tell you, “Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter,” shouldn’t a people consult with their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?

— Isaiah 8:19

The apostles taught the same. Paul lists “idolatry, sorcery” (Galatians 5:20) among the deeds of the flesh. He warns “that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.” (Galatians 5:21). In Philippi, “a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling.” (Acts 16:16). Paul said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” (Acts 16:18). In Ephesus, “Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.” (Acts 19:19). Passages: Leviticus 20:6; Acts 19:18–20; Revelation 21:8; 22:15.

What we conclude. Scripture says plainly that God forbids divination, fortune telling, sorcery, mediums and consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10–11; Leviticus 19:31). It says plainly that the nations were driven out for these things (Deuteronomy 18:12). It says plainly that Paul counts sorcery among the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:20–21). Our conclusion is that this does not rest on the Law as a covenant. The nations were judged for these practices, and Paul names sorcery among the deeds of the flesh (Deuteronomy 18:12; Galatians 5:20–21). Our conclusion is that the other practices Moses names are forbidden to believers with sorcery, for Paul cast out “a spirit of divination” (Acts 16:16–18; Isaiah 8:19).

Our conclusion is that no custom may include practising divination or sorcery or seeking the dead, even in play (Deuteronomy 18:10–11; Isaiah 8:19; Galatians 5:20). That covers fortune telling, séances, and boards or games used to ask spirits or the dead for answers, our conclusion (Deuteronomy 18:10–11; Acts 16:16).

The strongest objection. Some readers answer that a game is only a game. As they argue it, no one at a party believes the fortune they are told, or expects the dead to answer. Where no one believes, they say, nothing is practised. They add Paul’s own words: “nothing is unclean of itself;” (Romans 14:14).

Our answer. Paul asks, “That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?” (1 Corinthians 10:19). Yet he goes on, “I don’t desire that you would have fellowship with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Our conclusion is that Paul frees things, but not acts done toward other powers, even when the doer thinks them nothing (1 Corinthians 10:19–21). Moses said, “you shall not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations.” (Deuteronomy 18:9). He then named those who do them: “one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes,” (Deuteronomy 18:10). Our conclusion is that these practices are forbidden in themselves, whatever a player believes, so a believer avoids them even in play (Deuteronomy 18:9–12; 1 Corinthians 10:20–21).

A second objection. Other readers go further. They hold that believers must avoid anything that portrays witchcraft, spirits or the dead. They cite “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11), with the next verse, “For it is a shame even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:12). They add “Abhor that which is evil.” (Romans 12:9). The same passage says of the sins it names, “let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;” (Ephesians 5:3). It forbids “foolish talking, nor jesting,” (Ephesians 5:4).

Our answer. Paul names those sins himself, warning that “because of these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6). He tells believers to reprove such deeds (Ephesians 5:11). Scripture itself tells of the woman at Endor and of Simon, who “used to practice sorcery” (Acts 8:9; 1 Samuel 28:7). Our conclusion is that these texts forbid taking part in the deeds, not every mention or picture of them (Ephesians 5:3–6, 11).

Ephesians 5:4 still binds. Whether a given custom is foolish talking or jesting each believer weighs by it and by Philippians 4:8, without judging another, our conclusion (Romans 14:13, 23). Paul also writes, “Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9). Our conclusion is that this asks each believer to weigh whether a custom makes light of what God calls evil. Paul says, “Therefore don’t be partakers with them.” (Ephesians 5:7), which fits the line at taking part, our conclusion. In Ephesus, those who had believed came “confessing and declaring their deeds.” (Acts 19:18). Our conclusion is that they gave up the tools of arts they had practised. The text records their choice and does not command it of others (Acts 19:18–19).

Some cite, “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Some read it as every appearance of evil, so that a believer must avoid whatever looks evil. The verse before says, “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Our conclusion is that, read either way, the verse calls believers to test things by Scripture, which decides what is evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21). A believer who doubts should not act against conscience (Romans 14:23). Where another’s conscience is at stake, Paul’s rule is to give way for the other’s sake, our conclusion (1 Corinthians 10:28–29). Some cite, “Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The verse begins, “Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers,” (2 Corinthians 6:14). They add, “Touch no unclean thing.” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Paul has just asked, “What agreement does a temple of God have with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:16). Our conclusion is that the unclean thing in view is idols and their worship. It is not all contact with the world, which would mean “you would have to leave the world.” (1 Corinthians 5:10).

Pause. In Deuteronomy 18:10–11, what practices does God forbid, and why were the nations driven out? (See God Forbids Seeking the Dead and Practising Sorcery.)

Christ Has Freed His People from the Fear of Death

What the text says. Hebrews says why the Son of God shared our flesh:

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

— Hebrews 2:14–15

Paul writes of the cross, “Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15). God “delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love,” (Colossians 1:13). John writes, “greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). When the seventy returned saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17), Jesus answered, “Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20).

Paul was sure that nothing in heaven or earth can part believers from God’s love:

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Romans 8:38–39

Passages: John 8:12; 1 John 4:18; 2 Timothy 1:7.

What we conclude. Scripture says plainly that Christ came to “deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:15). It says plainly that nothing created can separate believers from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:38–39). Our conclusion is that a believer need not fear the dead, spirits or the night, for Christ has triumphed over the powers (Colossians 2:15; 1 John 4:4). The psalm says, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,” (Psalm 91:5).

The strongest objection. Some readers hold that the danger is real, so believers should keep far from anything that might give the devil a foothold. Peter warns:

Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

— 1 Peter 5:8

Paul writes, “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). As they argue it, dressing as witches or demons, or keeping a night given to death and darkness, gives “place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).

Our answer. We agree that the danger is real, and that believers must be watchful (1 Peter 5:8). Scripture gives the remedy in the same places. Peter goes on, “Withstand him steadfast in your faith,” (1 Peter 5:9). Paul writes, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11). James writes, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Our conclusion is that Scripture answers the devil with faith, watchfulness and God’s armor, not with fear of things (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:13). Paul says it of anger: “Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,” (Ephesians 4:26), “and don’t give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27). Our conclusion is that place is given to the devil by sin, as there by anger kept overnight (Ephesians 4:26–27). Scripture does not say that a costume, a light or a sweet gives place to the devil. Our conclusion is that the line it draws here is at the practices it names (Deuteronomy 18:10–11; Galatians 5:20).

Each Believer Keeps a Day, or Does Not, to the Lord

What the text says. Scripture never names Halloween. Paul writes of days without naming them:

One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.

— Romans 14:5–6

He adds, “Therefore let’s not judge one another any more,” (Romans 14:13), and, “whatever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23). He tells believers what to think about: “whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report:” (Philippians 4:8). Passages: 1 Corinthians 10:25–31; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22.

What we conclude. Our conclusion is that Paul’s rule covers any day a believer keeps to the Lord, including days Scripture does not command (Romans 14:5–6). Scripture says plainly that one believer keeps a day to the Lord and another does not (Romans 14:5–6). It says plainly that believers are not to judge one another (Romans 14:13). Our conclusion is that each believer may keep such a day to the Lord or not keep it, fully assured in his own mind (Romans 14:5–6). Our conclusion is that a family may mark the evening or let it pass before the Lord, practising nothing Scripture forbids (Romans 14:6; Deuteronomy 18:10–11). Costumes, lights and sweets that practise no divination or sorcery and seek no dead are things, judged as other things are, our conclusion (1 Corinthians 10:25–26; Romans 14:14).

What history records. History gives some context, though no teaching rests on it. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1907) records that Pope Gregory III (731–741) consecrated a chapel in St. Peter’s to all the saints and fixed its anniversary on 1 November. It records that Gregory IV (827–844) extended the celebration on 1 November to the whole Church. It adds that the vigil seems to have been held as early as the feast itself (F. Mershman, All Saints’ Day, in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 1, New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907, newadvent.org, opened 2026-10-29). The New Advent page adds a note of its own, not part of the 1907 text: the vigil of this feast is popularly called Halloween. The same work records All Souls’ Day on 2 November, a commemoration of all the faithful departed, kept with prayers for them (F. Mershman, All Souls’ Day, in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 1, 1907, newadvent.org, opened 2026-10-29). What Scripture says of the dead is set out in the first section above.

Some customs and tales are recorded too. Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1894; revised 1895) describes soul cakes. They were given in Staffordshire and Cheshire on All Souls’ Day to poor people who went a-souling, begging for them (E. Cobham Brewer, Soul Cakes, words.fromoldbooks.org, opened 2026-10-29). In Scotland, children go guising: they go to people’s houses, traditionally in costume, asking for sweets or money. Some perform a song, a dance or a joke (Hallow’een, ICH Scotland wiki, the inventory kept by Museums Galleries Scotland, ichscotland.org, opened 2026-10-29). Irish folklore written down through the schools tells of a man who wanders with a light. In a telling from Co. Kerry he is now known as Jack o’ the Lantern. A telling from Co. Meath, under the title Jack O’ The Lantern, names him John O’Brien. In both he is a blacksmith who gets the better of the devil. When he died, heaven would not take him, and the devil would not let him into hell. Now he wanders with a light, leading people astray (The Schools’ Collection, vol. 715, pp. 484–486, Co. Meath, and vol. 458, p. 200, Co. Kerry, National Folklore Collection, UCD, duchas.ie, opened 2026-10-29). The pages we read do not tie the tale to Halloween, and do not mention a turnip, an ember or the name Stingy Jack. Our conclusion is that no dead man wanders the earth with a light, for the dead no longer have “a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:6).

Many popular accounts, including the ICH Scotland entry cited above, trace Halloween to Samhain, which they describe as a Celtic festival. We have not found a scholarly source we could open that settles how direct that link is, so we rest nothing on it.

The strongest objection. Some readers hold that Halloween’s origins are pagan, so believers may have no part in it. They point to Moses:

be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” You shall not do so to Yahweh your God;

— Deuteronomy 12:30–31

They add Jeremiah: “Don’t learn the way of the nations,” (Jeremiah 10:2), and “For the customs of the peoples are vanity;” (Jeremiah 10:3). They add Paul’s words to former pagans: “However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.” (Galatians 4:8), and “You observe days, months, seasons, and years.” (Galatians 4:10). As they argue it, a day with pagan roots cannot be kept to the Lord, whatever is done on it.

Our answer. Moses gives the reason in the same verse: “for every abomination to Yahweh, which he hates, they have done to their gods;” (Deuteronomy 12:31). Our conclusion is that Deuteronomy 12 forbids taking the nations’ worship into the worship of God. Some add Aaron’s words before the calf: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to Yahweh.” (Exodus 32:5). God said they “have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it,” (Exodus 32:8). Our conclusion is that the sin was the image and its worship, and that calling a feast Yahweh’s does not make such worship lawful (Exodus 32:4–8). Our conclusion is that the line falls at worship itself: bowing to, praying to, sacrificing to or seeking help from anything but God (Isaiah 44:17; 1 Corinthians 10:20–21). It also falls at bringing the nations’ acts of worship into the worship of God, our conclusion (Deuteronomy 12:31; Exodus 32:8). Paul allowed meat from the market: “Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience,” (1 Corinthians 10:25), for the earth is the Lord’s (1 Corinthians 10:26). The apostles wrote “that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols,” (Acts 15:29). Paul also says, “But if anyone says to you, ‘This was offered to idols,’ don’t eat it for the sake of the one who told you,” (1 Corinthians 10:28). Revelation also faults those who taught others “to eat things sacrificed to idols,” (Revelation 2:14). Our conclusion is that these texts forbid eating what is known to be offered to idols. Paul lets believers eat from the market “asking no question” (1 Corinthians 10:25). Our conclusion is that what is forbidden is sharing in the idol’s worship and table (1 Corinthians 10:20–21). He also said, “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself;” (Romans 14:14). Our conclusion is that a thing once used for idols is not forbidden for that alone (1 Corinthians 10:25–26).

Jeremiah names the way he means: being “dismayed at the signs of the sky;” (Jeremiah 10:2). The customs he calls vanity follow in the same verse: “for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the ax.” (Jeremiah 10:3). “They deck it with silver and with gold.” (Jeremiah 10:4). Of such idols he says, “Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil,” (Jeremiah 10:5). Our conclusion is that the customs he calls vanity are fearing the signs and making idols, not every custom of the nations (Jeremiah 10:2–5).

Paul names whom he is answering in Galatians: “you that desire to be under the law,” (Galatians 4:21), and “you who desire to be justified by the law.” (Galatians 5:4). Our conclusion is that the bondage he warns against is days kept as law to be made right with God, not days kept to the Lord (Galatians 4:9–10; Romans 14:6). Article 1 of this series, The Feasts God Gave, and What They Point To, answers it more fully.

A second objection. Others answer that Romans 14 speaks of days God gave in the Law, and that God may be worshipped only as he commands. The Westminster Confession states the principle: God “may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.” (Westminster Confession of Faith 21.1). They cite Moses: “Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32). They add that Jeroboam held a feast “in the month which he had devised of his own heart;” (1 Kings 12:33).

Our answer. Colossians 2:16 names the Law’s days, but Romans 14:5 names none: “One man esteems one day as more important.” (Romans 14:5). Jeroboam’s feast was held “sacrificing to the calves that he had made,” (1 Kings 12:32). His feast was set “like the feast that is in Judah,” (1 Kings 12:32), in a month of his own choosing, so our conclusion is that he changed a feast God had appointed. He made the calves so that the people would not go up to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:27–28). Our conclusion is that his feast is condemned with its calves, its altar and its priests (1 Kings 12:28–33). Our conclusion is that Deuteronomy 12:32 and Mark 7:7 forbid teaching an unprescribed day as God’s command or as required worship. A day kept freely, adding nothing to what God commands, is not that, our conclusion (Romans 14:6).

Paul also limited that freedom for the sake of others: “Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other’s conscience.” (1 Corinthians 10:29). Our conclusion is that a believer gives up a custom where it would wound another’s conscience, and need not keep any of it (1 Corinthians 8:12–13; 10:28–29; Romans 14:6). Our conclusion is that no one may teach keeping such a day as God’s command, nor avoiding it where Scripture is silent (Mark 7:7; Colossians 2:21–22).

Pause. In Romans 14:5–6, how does Paul describe the believer who observes a day and the one who does not? (See Each Believer Keeps a Day, or Does Not, to the Lord.)

Questions Answered

These questions touch this article. Each is answered from Scripture and labeled. The Statement of Faith, section 15, gives the same answers.

Whether the dead are conscious before the resurrection. Our conclusion: the dead know nothing and sleep until the resurrection, when Jesus raises them.

The Preacher wrote: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for their memory is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).

Read the other way: Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Luke 16:19–31; Matthew 22:32; Revelation 20:4; 1 Samuel 28:11–19. Confidence: Solid. The plain statements are on our side; Luke 23:43 turns on punctuation, which we say openly, and in 1 Samuel 28 Samuel speaks after he was brought up, which presses against us.

Days Scripture does not command, such as Christmas and Halloween. Our conclusion: each believer may keep such a day to the Lord or not keep it, fully assured in his own mind, and no one may judge another over it. A thing once used for idols is not forbidden for that alone, as Paul allowed meat from the market. But no one may worship another god, or worship God in the ways the nations served theirs, and no one may teach such a day as God’s command, nor teach its avoidance as God’s command where Scripture does not command it.

Paul wrote: “One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5).

Read the other way: Exodus 32:5; Deuteronomy 12:30–32; Jeremiah 10:2–5; Galatians 4:8–10; 2 Corinthians 6:14–17; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Kings 12:32–33; 1 Corinthians 10:28–29; Acts 15:29. Confidence: Solid. Scripture never names these days. Romans 14:5–6 speaks of days without naming them, and Colossians 2:16 of the Law’s feast days; applying them to days Scripture does not command is our step, with 1 Corinthians 10:25–26 for things once used for idols. Scripture plainly forbids worshipping other gods, sorcery and consulting the dead, on any day (1 Corinthians 10:20–21; Galatians 5:20; Isaiah 8:19). Deuteronomy 12:30–31 is the hardest text; our step is to draw the line at worship itself, not at things once used in it.

Whether salvation depends on these questions. Our conclusion: salvation depends on believing the good news about Jesus and remaining in his teaching. It does not depend on settling every question in this document.

Jesus said: “I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24).

Read the other way: John 8:24; 1 John 2:23; Galatians 1:9. Confidence: Solid. John 8:24 and 2 John 9 name what is required; Romans 14:1 shows that not every question divides.

What Scripture does not say. Scripture does not name Halloween, All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day. It does not say how Samuel was brought up at Endor. It does not say that a costume, a light or a sweet gives place to the devil.

“The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Where We Stand

Scripture says

  • “For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything,” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
  • Jesus called death a sleep, and said, “Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:14).
  • God forbids “one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,” (Deuteronomy 18:10), and the one who “consults with a familiar spirit” (Deuteronomy 18:11).
  • “Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19).
  • Paul lists “idolatry, sorcery” (Galatians 5:20) among the deeds of the flesh.
  • Christ came to “deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:15).
  • “greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
  • “He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.” (Romans 14:6).

We conclude

  • Our conclusion: the dead know nothing and sleep until the resurrection, and do not return of themselves to haunt the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5–6; John 5:28–29).
  • Our conclusion: Samuel appeared at Endor to speak Yahweh’s judgment, and the account does not make consulting the dead lawful (1 Samuel 28:12, 16–19; 1 Chronicles 10:13).
  • Our conclusion: no custom may include practising divination or sorcery or seeking the dead, even in play (Deuteronomy 18:10–11; Isaiah 8:19; Galatians 5:20).
  • Our conclusion: Ephesians 5 forbids taking part in the deeds, not every mention or picture of them (Ephesians 5:3–6, 11).
  • Our conclusion: a believer need not fear the dead, spirits or the night, for Christ has triumphed over the powers (Colossians 2:15; 1 John 4:4).
  • Our conclusion: each believer may keep such a day to the Lord or not, and no one may judge another over it (Romans 14:5–6, 13).
  • Our conclusion: the line falls at worship itself, including the nations’ ways of worship brought into the worship of God (Deuteronomy 12:31; Exodus 32:8).
  • Our conclusion: a thing once used for idols is not forbidden for that alone (1 Corinthians 10:25–26).

Hope

The fear of death has held people all their lives, and Christ came to break it: “and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:15). He told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.” (John 11:25). Paul told grieving believers not to grieve “like the rest, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Believers do not belong to the dark. “You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). And of the day to come, God promises, “Death will be no more;” (Revelation 21:4).

Living It Out

These are applications, offered as invitations.

  • If you were taught to fear this season, you might read Hebrews 2:14–15 and Romans 8:38–39 aloud, and thank God for what they say.
  • If someone you love has died, consider reading 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and John 11:21–27 together, and the hope they give.
  • You might decide as a household, before the Lord, how to mark the evening or let it pass. You could leave others free to decide differently (Romans 14:5–6).
  • If you have taken part in fortune telling or a séance, even as a game, you might confess it simply. The believers in Ephesus did (Acts 19:18).
  • Paul says, “Walk as children of light,” (Ephesians 5:8). You might ask how your family could show the light of Christ to neighbors this autumn.

Questions for Reflection

  1. What does Ecclesiastes 9:5 say the dead know? (See The Dead Know Nothing, and Jesus Will Raise Them.)
  2. How does 1 Chronicles 10:13 help you read Saul’s visit to Endor? (See the answer under The Dead Know Nothing, and Jesus Will Raise Them.)
  3. What does Deuteronomy 18:9–10 forbid, and why does it reach even a game? (See The strongest objection under God Forbids Seeking the Dead and Practising Sorcery.)
  4. According to Hebrews 2:14–15, why did the Son share our flesh and blood? (See Christ Has Freed His People from the Fear of Death.)
  5. How do Romans 14:6 and 1 Corinthians 10:29 fit together when believers choose differently about a day? (See Each Believer Keeps a Day, or Does Not, to the Lord.)
  6. What does Jesus promise in John 11:25, and what does it mean to you this season? (See Hope.)

Check It Yourself

  • Opening: Romans 14:5–6.
  • The dead: Ecclesiastes 9:5–10; Psalm 146:3–4; John 11:11–14, 23–26; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–16; John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53; 1 Samuel 28:3–19; 15:28; 16:13; 1 Chronicles 10:13–14; Job 3:13; Matthew 14:26–27; Luke 24:36–39; Matthew 17:3; 27:52–53; Hebrews 11:39–12:1; Acts 16:16.
  • What God forbids: Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Isaiah 8:19–20; Galatians 5:19–21; Acts 16:16–18; 19:18–20; 8:9; Revelation 21:8; 22:15; Ephesians 5:3–12; Romans 12:9; Isaiah 5:20; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 10:19–21; Romans 14:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22; 2 Corinthians 6:14–17; 1 Corinthians 5:10.
  • Freed from fear: Hebrews 2:14–15; Colossians 2:15; 1:13; 1 John 4:4, 18; Luke 10:17–20; Romans 8:38–39; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 91:5; 1 Peter 5:8–9; Ephesians 6:10–13; 4:26–27; James 4:7; John 8:12.
  • Each believer weighs: Romans 14:5–6, 13, 14, 23; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 10:25–31; 8:12–13; Deuteronomy 12:29–31; Exodus 32:4–8; Deuteronomy 12:32; 1 Kings 12:27–33; Jeremiah 10:2–5; Galatians 4:8–10, 21; 5:4; Isaiah 44:17; Acts 15:29; 1 Corinthians 10:28–29; Revelation 2:14, 20; Mark 7:7; Colossians 2:21–22; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22.
  • Answered: Statement of Faith, section 15; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Romans 14:5; John 8:24; Deuteronomy 29:29.
  • Hope: Hebrews 2:15; John 11:25–26; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 5:5; John 8:12; Revelation 21:4.

Next

Next in Days and Feasts: Christmas: What Scripture Says, What History Shows. What do Luke and Matthew say about the birth of Jesus, and what does history show about the day?

Previous article: The Feasts God Gave, and What They Point To
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© 2026 Elvis Lucas, Open the Text. Original: https://openthetext.com/series/days-and-feasts/02-halloween-the-dead-and-the-spirits/
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