Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/83

Contributor - Rev. Ronald E. Van Auken

Title - "All Saints"

Topic - Christians

November lst marks the observance of "All Saints Day", set aside since the latter part of the 4th century to celebrate the lives of Christian saints known and unknown. Though appearing on our calendars, the observance is not one that has generally attracted a great deal of attention in Reformed circles. I expect this is because it smacks too much of Roman Catholicism to suit our fancy and also because we tend to be more at home with theological issues.. matters of the mind, than we are with piety and holiness. Be that as it may, we miss much by not giving more close attention to the lives of those who have gone before.

The writer to the Hebrews (chapter 11) in speaking of faith pauses to give a roll call of some of the great men and women of faith and then urges "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (12:1). Those renown believers of old were clearly to be seen as an example and inspiration to his own readers - a testimony of God's faithfulness. The apostle Paul is more contemporary. Knowing the importance of role models for Christians to follow, he urges "Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us". He did not hesitate to suggest that believers should emulate the faith that was evidenced in him: "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do", and he was conscious of being an example of Christian conduct to others. (2 Th. 3:7-9)

We are in need of heroes. Not those of stage and screen, nor of the political or athletic arena, but those of the Christian faith who can inspire and encourage us by their example and by the evidence of God's abundant grace in their lives. How much richer we would be, and how much greater would be our faith in and devotion to Jesus when strengthened by the awareness of this "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before ... not only those of the Old and New Testaments, but by others such as George Fox, William Carey, R.G. LeTourneau, Dwight Moody, Stanley Tam, George Mueller and countless others, as well. But there is yet a greater challenge.

What if we were to take the words of the apostle Paul and make them our own? Can we encourage others to see in us an example of faith in God and eager, willing and untiring service to Jesus Christ? How would our lives be different if we lived with the awareness that other believers were looking to the example of our lives for inspiration and instruction ... for a role model of Christian faith and conduct?

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