Who is a "Saint"?-
By James Cox
"Well, I'm no saint but I would never do a thing like that".
Remarks such as this serve to show the confusion that exists as to just who are the saints of God! The problem here is that many do not know the distinction between sainthood and saintliness. Paul said that sainthood was a part of the Christian calling of the people of Corinth [I Corinthians 1:2] reminding them that as saints, they would judge the world; yet rebuked them soundly for their un-saintly conduct. [I Corinthians 6:1-6]
All heart BELIEVERS in Jesus Christ are saints, whether they are on earth or with the Lord. [Philippians 1:23] The spiritual fault of the Corinthian Christians shows this clearly. They were taking their matters before the unbelievers and not before their brethren, the saints.
A saint is simply one who through faith has been "sanctified in Christ Jesus." He has made a covenant by sacrifice [that of Jesus Christ, John 1:29] with God. [I Corinthians 1:2; Psalms 50:5]
The word "saint" means, "a holy one." This sanctity is imputed [given freely] just as is true righteousness. [I Corinthians 1:29-30]
Since saints may be un-saintly, their fellow Christians are told to pray FOR THEM [NEVER TO THEM]. [Ephesians 6:18] Paul's request that the Ephesian saints pray for him could never be regarded as a prayer offered TO THEM!
Saints on earth need to be perfected [as to their walk] and therefore require the ministry of their brethren who have been given gifts to this end by Christ, the church's head. [Ephesians 4:7-14] They need and have the intercession of their great and available priest, Jesus Christ, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. [Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Romans 8:27] All "saintly" saints shall suffer persecution as did those at Jerusalem; [Acts 9:13: II Timothy 3:12] others, not "faithful in Christ Jesus" will suffer loss at Christ's judgement seat [Ephesians 1:2; I Corinthians 3:11-15] but none will ever be forsaken of God, "they are preserved forever." Their death is precious in His sight! [Psalms 37:25; 116:15]
So, saints are people like yourself, who have been saved by God's abundant grace thru personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Their citizenship is with Christ in the glory but they serve him on earth as His ambassadors. Are you a saint?
The
Day of The Lord- Isiah 2:14
By
Les Feldick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Les Feldick Ministries
30706 W. Lona Valley Rd.
Kinta, OK 74552
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