But in ancient times, the Celts dealt with the real pagan religion, many being druidic, and offering animal and human sacrifices. The fear of evil spirits pervaded their lives. On the eve of All Saints Day (Hallowmas), Druids had their dark rites, rituals, and worship.

To ward off evil spirits or demons that seemed to be particularly active on Halloween and were thought to possess or bedevil people, many would build huge bonfires or disguise themselves with masks in an endeavor to escape any mischief.

Was it simply silly superstition that terrorized these inhabitants? The Bible verifies that there is a real devil with multitudes of demons that viciously try to oppose and destroy God’s creation. Peter warns, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Jesus unmasked the devil. He is revealed as Lucifer, Satan, the devil, the dragon, the serpent of old, the accuser, and by various other names. Jesus said that the devil is the father of lies, a deceiver, and a murderer from the beginning. Lucifer was created as one of the highest ranking of angels. In his pride, he wanted to exalt himself above God. He was banished from heaven, along with a third of the angels. These fallen angels who followed Lucifer (Satan) are subservient and are thought by many to be the origin of evil spirits, or demons.

Jesus said, “The thief (the devil) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB) The Word of God says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. (See 1 John 3:8) At the cross, the devil was defeated when Jesus died for the sins of the world and arose victorious over death, hell and the grave. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also… took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14-17)

Satan knows that his time is short. He is doomed, his fate is sealed, therefore he is doing all he can to deceive, destroy and doom as many to hell as he possibly can. (See Revelation 20)

A bonfire, mask, rites, and rituals cannot protect you. What can set you free from the fear and fiend of your soul, who as Martin Luther so accurately describes in his classic hymn, “doth seek to work us woe?”

First, you must be forgiven, cleansed and protected by the shed blood of Christ Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb…” (Revelation 12:11, See also 1 John 1:9-10)

Second, realize that there is no fear when Jesus is near. David had that assurance, do you? “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Third, to have authority over the devil, you must submit yourself to God. (See James 4:6-7) This speaks of humbling yourself before Him, confessing Him as Lord of your life and living in obedience to God. “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in you heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Fourth, “Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) If you are a believer in Christ, you have been given the authority to resist the devil in Jesus’ name and he will flee from you in terror. Not because of you, but because the devil and his demons live in terror of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bradford had noticed the peace and joy that his coworker Troy had in his life. One day he accepted Troy’s invitation to attend church with him. It was there that Bradford heard for the first time the good news of the love of Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross for the sins of the world and of His resurrection power. That day he committed his life to Christ, (See John 1:12) and received the peace and joy he had searched and yearned for all of his life. Bradford was set free from the bondage and fear of Satan. He soon discovered that there is no fear when Jesus is near.

You can have that same reality in your life. Call on Jesus today. Remember, there is no fear when Jesus is near.