In the Bible, ‘saints’ primarily refers to all believers, not just a special few. This term is used frequently in the New Testament to describe the Christian community. Saints are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and are called to live a holy life, set apart for God’s purposes. The Bible’s view of sainthood is inclusive, indicating every believer’s sanctification through Christ rather than a status achieved by only a few exemplary figures.
Curious about how the Bible defines ‘saints’? It’s not just about extraordinary people but every believer with faith in Jesus. Let’s explore this inclusive and uplifting concept from the Scriptures.
What Does the Bible Say About Saints?
The term ‘saints’ in the Bible has a broader meaning than it is often given in contemporary usage. Far from being limited to individuals of exceptional virtue or miraculous works, the Bible generally refers to all believers in Christ as saints.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul frequently addresses the members of the early Christian churches as ‘saints.’ For example, in his letters to the Corinthians, Ephesians, and Philippians, Paul speaks to the congregations as saints, indicating that this term is meant for all who follow Christ, not just a select few. This implies that sainthood in the Bible is not an elevated status earned by extraordinary acts but a state of being that comes from being in Christ.
This view of saints reflects a key Christian doctrine: sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being made holy, which, according to the New Testament, is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s an ongoing process of spiritual growth and moral development in a believer’s life. Therefore, a saint, in the biblical sense, is anyone who has accepted Jesus and is committed to living a life that reflects God’s character.
Additionally, the Bible’s concept of saints emphasizes community. Saints are part of the body of Christ, each with different roles and gifts, but united in their purpose to glorify God and further His kingdom on earth. This understanding of sainthood underscores the importance of unity, love, and service within the Christian community.
The Bible’s portrayal of saints challenges the often-held notion that they are only those who have achieved a near-perfect level of holiness. Instead, it presents sainthood as accessible to all believers who are journeying in faith, growing in holiness, and participating in the life of the church.
In summary, the Bible presents a picture of saints that is inclusive and attainable. It’s a calling for every believer to live a life set apart for God, growing in righteousness and participating in the community of faith.
Bible Verses About Saints
- Ephesians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” This greeting from Paul demonstrates the use of ‘saints’ to describe all believers in Ephesus.
- Philippians 1:1 – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi.” The term ‘God’s holy people’ translates to ‘saints,’ again showing its application to the entire Christian community.
- 1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.” Here, ‘holy people’ or ‘saints’ are described as those sanctified or made holy in Christ.
- Romans 1:7 – “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people.” This verse further cements the idea that all believers, not just a select few, are considered saints or holy people in God’s view.
- Acts 9:13 – “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.” ‘Holy people’ or ‘saints’ is used here to refer to the Christian community in Jerusalem, showing its broad application.
- Revelation 5:8 – “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” In this context, ‘God’s people’ refers to the saints, highlighting their role in the spiritual realm.
- Colossians 1:2 – “To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” This greeting from Paul to the church at Colossae addresses all the members as saints, further emphasizing the inclusive nature of this term.
- Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Here ‘God’s people’ are the saints, representing all believers who are guided and interceded for by the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 4:12 – “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” This verse demonstrates that ‘his people’, or the saints, are equipped for service, contributing to the growth and edification of the Christian community.
- 2 Corinthians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia.” Again, Paul refers to the entire church, along with all believers in the region, as ‘holy people’ or saints, showing the widespread application of this term in the Christian faith.
These verses collectively illustrate that in the Bible, saints are not just a few spiritually elite individuals, but all who have faith in Jesus Christ. The term is used to describe the entire community of believers, emphasizing their sanctification through Christ and their role in the church. Saints, according to the Bible, are called to live holy lives, united in purpose and service, reflecting God’s character and will.