All Saints
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Revelation 7:9-10
There is an ancient tradition in the Christian church to celebrate the saints on November first. While some churches have either abused or lost sight of this tradition, there is still great value and meaning for Christians when this is celebrated properly. The Feast of All Saints is a joyful celebration of the unity between the Church Triumphant and the
Church Militant.
The Church Triumphant includes all those saints who have finished their race and who are at rest with the Lord. For "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:32) The Church Militant refers to those saints who continue to fight the fight of faith while waiting for the Lord to call them to glory. "For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s." (Romans 14:8)
Though separated by time and space, these saints are one communion, one fellowship. The description of this communion of saints in Revelation shows great size and incredible diversity. But what stands out most is what they have received from their Savior. They are clothed with white robes, robes cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.
This is the means by which one becomes part of this group. Jesus and His work are the key. His blood cleanses them from sin, and makes them holy, separated from sin, and united with Him and with one another by faith.
Lord Jesus, thank You for cleansing us from sin and joining us with You and all believers. Amen.
When His servants stand before Him, each receiving his reward;
When His saints in light adore Him, giving glory to the Lord,
"Victory!" our song shall be like the thunder of the sea. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 472:4