The following is an excerpt from Seasons of Worship: A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today by Dr. Steven D. Brooks.
All Saints’ Day falls on November 1 and is celebrated on the Sunday immediately following or coinciding with that date. For Protestants, observing All Saints’ Day serves as an expression of unity and reverence toward the universal Church. Although historically associated with Roman Catholic tradition, All Saints’ Day provides an opportunity to remember and honor all Christians, referred to as saints in the Bible (e.g., Rom 8:27; Eph 3:18), emphasizing the shared belief in the communion of saints transcending denominational boundaries.
The recognition and celebration of saints is among the most significant differences in Christian traditions. While Protestants may not have “saints” in the same way as other traditions, Scripture unequivocally states that all believers are saints and should be remembered and honored for their faithfulness to the Lord—both in the past and present. There are numerous individuals who have set an exemplary standard of godly Christian living for us to emulate. Some we know personally, while others are figures we admire from afar, like Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Apostle Paul. Nonetheless, this discussion must extend beyond prominent societal figures and encompass the faithful individuals who have made a lasting impact on our lives.
For instance, think of the person who told you about Christ’s sacrifice and influenced you toward accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I imagine you are grateful for that person and the impact they had upon your spiritual life. The Bible talks about a cloud of witnesses that cheer us on in our faith. Throughout the history of the church, All Saints’ Day has been set aside to remember and honor those who have set the example of how we should follow Christ. I believe this day is vitally important to our walk with Christ because it reminds us of the enduring legacy of faith and the power of God’s grace working through ordinary individuals to bring about extraordinary change in the world. By commemorating the saints of God, we are inspired to follow their example of devotion, selflessness, and perseverance in the face of challenges, encouraging us to deepen our own faith and strive to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
The Apostle Paul knew the importance of being an example for others to follow. In 1 Corinthians he says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Other Scripture passages support the remembrance and honoring of those who have gone before including Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 12:1, and Revelation 5:8.
By participating in this observance, we rejoice in celebrating the faithful individuals who have exemplified Christ’s teachings and left a profound impact on Christianity and the world. Through this commemoration, we find a moment for reflection and gratitude, acknowledging the spiritual heritage we have inherited. It serves as a reminder that we are part of a larger, timeless Christian family, united in our shared journey of faith with Christ at the center. By observing All Saints’ Day, we are prompted to live holy and righteous lives, drawing inspiration from the great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1) who encourage and support our present–day faith journey.
©2024 Steven D. Brooks, Wipf and Stock Publishers
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If you would like to read more about All Saints’ Day and the Christian year, and it’s spiritual impact upon the lives of worshipers, you can find more in Seasons of Worship: A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today.