All Saints Day (November 1st) is a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own, in many Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches. Here at First Baptist – Columbus we celebrate All Saints Sunday on the Sunday closest to All Saints Day (November 4th this year).
Our celebration is a remembrance of those who have died over the prior twelve months – both church and family members – to join that great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1.
The Apostle Paul used the word “saint” to refer to anyone who is in Christ. This usage removes the expectation of one having done miraculous acts in order to be canonized as a saint, as is the case in some religious traditions. In Paul’s understanding, we are all saints when we come to follow Jesus.
On All Saints Sunday we have the opportunity to give thanks for those saints in Christ who have gone before us. It’s a reminder that death is not the end of life, but the continuation of life eternal because of the redemption we know through Christ.
For All The Saints (Hymn Lyrics)
For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed;
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You are invited to join us for worship, in person, or via Live Stream, this Sunday at First Baptist Church, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus, IN at 9:30 a.m. (EST).