I read this \u201cAll Saints Day to remember and give thanks.\u201d Is there in the Bible a verse which let us to remember and give thanks for all the saints? Or Is the early church that did that? And what verse? I know this is from the Roman Catholic Church, right?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I responded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good question, Jean Alix. First observation is that just because the Roman Catholic Church does something doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s wrong! Second, I think Hebrews 12.1, 2 that I cited (see below) suggest that we remember those who have gone before. And we have 1 Thessalonians 5.18 reminding us to give thanks \u201cin all circumstances.\u201d Being a thankful people is not a bad thing, and being thankful for those who have gone before, setting us an example, maybe translating the scriptures for us, etc. is a good thing, too.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We have this great song, sung by many churches when they remember those of their number who passed during the previous year. Sometimes churches have this remembrance the Sunday after Easter and others on the Sunday near All Saints Day. For example, here is an announcement from a Free Methodist Church (ironically, one which strongly supported missions to Haiti that my friend Jean Alix was involved with):<\/p>\n\n\n Here’s the song:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 William W. How, 1864<\/p>\n\n\n\n For All the Saints<\/a>: listen and sing along!<\/p>\n\n\n Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.1 \u2013 2, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’m reprising what I posted last year on this day, the day we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before. Last year, my friend Jean Alix from Haiti asked this question: Dear Dr. Bob,I read this \u201cAll Saints Day to remember and give thanks.\u201d Is there in the Bible a verse which … Continue reading All Saints Day: Not a Bad Thing!<\/span> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drbobewell.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image.png?ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest\u2014\n\n
Alleluia, Alleluia!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light\u2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor\u2019s crown of gold\u2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong\u2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n