The Saints Come Marching In

It was given to [the Bride of Christ] to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Rev. 19:8)

Today, the Church celebrates All Saints Day, where we remember those who walked faithfully for Jesus before us, knowing that we will ultimately see them in the future. The book of Revelation labels the saints as victorious (15:2) and “conquerors” (e.g. 2:7). The irony throughout the book is that these “conquering” saints are constantly being persecuted and killed. In what ways are these defeated people conquerors? Because in the end, Jesus is victorious in establishing a new earth. Conquering is not asserting their force, but yielding themselves in obedience amidst persecution. Just as Jesus conquered through death on the cross, the saints likewise conquer.

As hostility against Christianity grows we are tempted to retreat into an isolated community and bemoan the way our culture is going or to retreat from unfashionable biblical views. Both of these will lead to a dead church and neither leads to conquering. Theologian Russell Moore rightly states, “We are not time travelers from the past. We are pilgrims from the future.” When we encounter the culture focusing on what once was rather than what will be, we are relegated to a posture of defeat and despair rather than victory. The saints of God are not called to look backward but forward to the world Jesus will assuredly make. Far from being left behind, time is on our side. Throughout history, many swords have shattered themselves striking against the shield that is the Church. The gates of hell will not prevail, so we are free to resist the culture and live victoriously. Maranatha!