On November 1st we celebrate All Saints Day. It is also sometimes referred to as the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. “Saints” are all true believers on earth and in heaven, both living and dead. However, in the Lutheran Confessions, the departed ones do not hold a higher “position” in the Church. We do not pray to the departed Saints, as God commanded we are only to worship and pray to the one true God, the Triune God. Some are revered for the role they served in Christ’s Church, but just as all true believers today, each is just another sinner washed in the blood of Christ. A person is given the title of “saint” when through faith given by the Holy Spirit, they believe Christ is their Lord and Savior, and they are saved solely by His complete atonement for their sins. In our celebration, we remember those who have died in Christ with the hope of salvation and redemption by his grace. We are thankful for the blessings the departed saints we knew brought to our lives. We also remember the Christian faithful from all generations. We are all members of the same family with them, as we confess in the Apostles Creed to our belief in “The Holy Christian Church, The Communion of Saints”. All Saints Day is a day to glorify Jesus Christ, who by His holy life and death redeemed the lost and made them saints through Holy Baptism and faith in Him.
Scripture Readings for All Saints Day- Revelation 7:2-17
Epistle- 1 John 3:1-3 Gospel- Matthew 5:1-12