When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin came upon us all – “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That is why the human race needed a Redeemer. Unfortunately some people yield to the sin nature more so than others. But we all need a new nature that only God can give.

A second source of evil is from the devil (Satan) himself. Satan and a host of “fallen angels” or demons and evil spirits influence mankind toward evil. Speaking of the devil, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I come that they might have life and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10 NASB). The Bible tells us, “Be of sober spirit, and be on the alert. Your adversary the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith” (I Peter 5:8-9 NASB). God has given us spiritual weapons to combat the forces of evil. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Where do witches, warlocks, and other practitioners of the occult get their power? Their powers come from the dark side – Satan. Are ghosts real? Yes and no. What some people term as ghosts – departed spirits of the dead – are not what they seem. The Bible teaches that when one dies, their spirit goes either to heaven or hell to await the resurrection, when they will be judged by God. (Luke 16:19-31; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 20:12; 21:7-8) What some purport to be ghosts are actually “familiar spirits” (Deuteronomy 18:11; I Samuel 28:7), demons, or evil spirits masquerading as a ghost. In some cases, a ghost is simply a hoax or someone’s imagination.

True believers in Christ need not fear ghosts, goblins, or evil spirits. We have God’s blessed assurance. “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (I John 4:4). And who is HE that is in the child of God? He is God – the Holy Spirit.

Our 4 year old grandson, Noah, was tired but reluctant to go upstairs alone without his siblings or parents to prepare for bed. He paused a moment and said to his mom and dad, “I’m going up to bed – there’s no ghosts up there – just the Holy Ghost.” As believers in Christ we need to realize and remember that. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit or the “Holy Ghost” as the King James Version Bible translation puts it.

Many believers do not know much about the Holy Ghost except perhaps when they sing the “Doxology” or recite a creed. But the Holy Spirit, which I believe is a more accurate term, is real and alive. He is God, the third person of the Godhead. He has personality. The Holy Spirit can be resisted, lied to, quenched, grieved, and blasphemed. He is God because He was present and active in creation. (Genesis 1:2, 26) Jesus places the three members of the Godhead on the same divine plane in commanding His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Paul gives this salutation, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (II Corinthians 13:14).

Jesus taught us that the Holy Spirit would convict of sin, lead us to Christ, and guide us into truth. (John 16:7-15) Without the work of the Holy Spirit one cannot be born anew. (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5) The Holy Spirit comes to indwell the believer (I Corinthians 6:19-20), to abide with and comfort (John 14:16-17), seal (Ephesians 1:13), baptize (Acts 1:5), and empower for service (Acts 1:8; 2:4). The Holy Spirit intercedes through believers (Romans 8:26), leads (Galatians 5:16-18), develops fruit, and imparts spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12; 14). The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2); to remain with the church until it is complete, and presented to the Lord Jesus at His coming. Just as Jesus finished the work he came to do in the flesh so the Holy Spirit will finish the work He came to do in the church and in your life, if you let Him.

As a believer in Christ you need not fear ghost, goblins, or the devil. As Noah said, “There are no ghosts up there – just the Holy Ghost.” Let the Holy Spirit begin His work in you by making you a new person. (John 3:3-5) It begins by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord – for the Holy Spirit always directs you to Jesus. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become children of God; even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).