1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours :3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
What does it mean to be a saint? Most would say a saint is one who has led such an exemplary life that he or she is venerated by the church, but God’s Word presents quite a different picture. The Corinthian church was made up of Christians who struggled with all sorts of ungodly behaviors, yet Paul calls them “saints by calling.” This was not due to their behavior, which was often “unsaintly, but because they “have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling” (1 Cor. 1:2).
To be sanctified is to be set apart to a sacred use. God has sanctified days (such as the Sabbath), places (the tabernacle), things (Ark of the Covenant), and people. A saint is simply a person whom God has set apart for His purposes. That means every believer is a saint.
We are born enemies of God. (Rom. 5:10). As a Christian, you were born again and are now His child. He forgave your sins and declared you righteous. A saint is not a perfect person but one who is in a right relationship with God. Although our position of sanctification is not predicated on good behavior, the Lord expects us to live in a manner that honors Him.
Just think—God set you apart for a sacred purpose. That means you are not to live as you please but to bring glory to Him. To be a Saint is a great gift, honor and responsibility.
Be blessed, Saints.
Nick
Be the first to reply