Identity Eight: The Saint


Ephesians 1:1 (NIV 1984)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

The Misunderstood Identity

I doubt their is no more misunderstood identity than the one we look at today. The Apostle Paul says that we who are Christ-Followers are "Saints." And that is indeed what each of us are. Now, I realize our Catholic brother's and sisters believe that the Pope, after his subordinates work through many steps, eventually declares someone to be a Saint.  Or he can do as was done with the Patron Saint "Saint Christopher" and declare he is no longer a Saint. This discussion is not about this at all. It is simply about what God says through the Holy Scriptures about who you are or who I am.

Check out the letter to the Ephesians 1:1. Paul is writing to God's faithful people (people of faith,) and he does not address them as "Sinners saved by grace." As a matter of fact, when Paul wrote to the Roman Christians he said they had a calling: They were called "to be Saints." Then in Romans 5:8 he told the Romans that while we were "Yet sinners Christ died for us." These were sinners, but he now calls them Saints. When Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church he declared them saints as well.  Check this out 2 Cor. 1:b "To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:"

Saints are simply people who have turned from their sins to Jesus as Savior and Lord. Saints are people who decided to follow Jesus. One of the best descriptions I know of regarding Sainthood is found in Colossians 1:21-23. You can see here that God declares us holy, without blemish and free from all accusation, if we continue in the faith not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. That's right, you may not feel holy, blemish free and free from all accusation. But that is how God sees you once you make Jesus Lord of your life. You become a SAINT.

So, receive the gifts of a holy, blemish free, free from all accusation identity because of what Jesus did for you... Saint.

God Bless You.
SoJourner





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