Today marks the conclusion of our stewardship series, “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” and our focus turns to the pivotal role of Witness. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus implores, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven,” calling for God’s desires to shape life on Earth just as they do in Heaven. This plea is not merely a hope for the future but a mandate for the present, urging us to live out the gospel in such a way that our lives consistently reflect the values of his heavenly kingdom—values like kindness, compassion, justice, truth, harmony, and peace.

Today also coincides with a significant day in the Christian calendar—All Saints Day—a day dedicated to remembering those who have departed and now dwell with the Lord. The convergence of the theme of witness with All Saints Day is profoundly fitting.

Let us clarify what we mean by “saints.” The term can evoke various images: those canonized in the Roman Catholic tradition, seemingly perfect and blameless individuals adorned with halos, or merely kind, patient, and self-giving people we admire. Yet, on All Saints Day, we expand our perspective to include not just these, but every one of us.

In the early Christian church, believers were commonly referred to as “saints.” Paul’s epistles—addressed to the congregations in Ephesus, Philippi, and others—regularly greeted the members as “saints.” This designation was not a result of their deeds but a recognition of their identity in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit through baptism.

So, who qualifies as a saint? According to our understanding, every believer is a saint—not by virtue of miraculous deeds or martyrdom, but through the transformative embrace of God’s love and grace. Our Wesleyan theology of Christian Perfection articulates this beautifully: sainthood does not imply a life devoid of mistakes or supernatural feats. Rather, it signifies a profound inner transformation characterized by a deepening closeness to God, a heartfelt reception of his grace, and a life that radiates his love.

Therefore, being a saint is less about mediation between God and humanity and more about bearing witness to God’s love, inspiring and supporting our faith journey. To be a witness for Jesus is to actively engage in transforming the world, aligning it more closely with the virtues of love, compassion, and justice. It involves challenging injustice and corruption, embodying kindness, and spreading hope and peace amidst a world often marked by division and strife. This is sainthood.

Following this, Hebrews 12:1-3 gives us a powerful vision of what it means to live as saints and witnesses: 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.”

Traditionally attributed to Paul, though some dispute this, this passage invites us to look to those who have gone before us—those who have run the race of faith to the end. They are described as a “cloud of witnesses,” encompassing the saints who lived lives marked by faithfulness to God despite their own struggles and imperfections. Their distinction lies not in their flawless lives but in their willingness to make God’s love visible through their actions.

This “cloud of witnesses” serves as a spiritual heritage and a call to action for us. They carried the mark of God not because they achieved a higher moral status but because they opened themselves to God’s grace and allowed it to transform them. Sainthood, therefore, is less about personal glorification and more about embodying the sanctifying work of God. To be a saint is to be a witness, visibly carrying God’s name in our lives, reflecting his grace in everything we do and say.

In this way, our actions and words become a language of sanctification, revealing God’s goodness and drawing down the heavenly experience to Earth with every interaction. This is how we live out the theme “On Earth as it is in Heaven” — by being vivid embodiments of God’s love and by testifying to his transformative power through our lives. This sanctified living not only honors those who have gone before us but also lays a path for those who will follow.

Consider this: What are some of your fondest memories as a child or in your younger years? That memory stayed with you because goodness goes a long way; it lasts a lifetime. That is the power of witnessing, of being vessels of God’s heavenly glory. Now imagine the memories people will have because of what you did or said as a disciple of Jesus! That is exactly what Paul was referring to when he said, “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” to encourage us to carry on the legacy of faith.

There is a compelling story about Michelangelo and his renowned sculpture, the Pietà, that speaks profoundly to the theme of our identity and purpose as children of God. The story involves Michelangelo and his sculpture, the Pietà, which is housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This sculpture, completed in 1499 when Michelangelo was just 24 years old, is renowned for its exquisite portrayal of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion (SEE PICTURE 1).

The tale goes that Michelangelo overheard visitors to the basilica attributing the work to other sculptors of the time, such as Cristoforo Solari. Distressed that his work was not being recognized as his own, Michelangelo decided to carve his name into the sculpture. One night, he snuck into the church and carved “MICHAELA[N]GELUS BONAROTUS FLORENT[INUS] FACIEBA[T]” across the sash running across Mary’s chest (SEE PICTURE 2). This Latin inscription translates to “Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this.” It is the only work that Michelangelo ever signed. 

Just as Michelangelo marked the Pietà to signify his craftsmanship, we too are marked by God. Created in God’s image, we are God’s masterpieces, designed to reflect God’s glory and goodness. However, just like the visitors to the basilica who didn’t recognize Michelangelo’s work, people around us may not see God’s hand in our lives when we fail to live out his teachings—when we behave badly or speak ill of others, our actions obscure the divine signature upon our lives.

Yet, when we embrace the truth of who we are in Christ, recognizing the craftsmanship of our Creator, we become vivid displays of God’s goodness and glory by carrying his signature. Just as Michelangelo ensured his work was correctly attributed, we must live in a way that clearly reflects our Creator. This is witnessing and isn’t just about spreading the word of God through our words but embodying his love and truth in our actions. This means our faith must be active and engaging, influencing every area of our lives and touching everyone we meet. In other words, we carry God’s name—not etched in stone, but woven into our very being—in everything we do and say.

Therefore, as we close today’s sermon and stewardship series by reflecting on what it means to be a witness and a saint, we are reminded that our lives are not just our own stories but part of a greater narrative that God is writing across the ages. Just as the saints before us have laid a foundation of faith and devotion, it is now our turn to build upon it.

Let us ask ourselves: How will we live out this calling? Will our actions and words draw others closer to the heart of God? Each act of kindness, every gesture of compassion, and all our moments of truth are ways we witness to the world around us. They are the ways we show that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just a future hope but a present reality. Remember, each of us carries the divine signature, crafted by God, destined to reflect his love and grace in every corner of our lives.

May this All Saints Day be a remembrance of those who have gone before us and a renewal of our commitment to live as true witnesses of Christ. Let our lives be so filled with God’s love that others can’t help but see his work in us. Let us leave today inspired to be the light in the darkness, the peace in the turmoil, and the love in the hate so that one day, we too may join the cloud of witnesses, having run our race with faith.

In this way, we truly live out the prayer, “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” Go forth in peace and be the witness God has called you to be. Amen.