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Sainthood Two Hebrew words and one Greek word within the Bible are rendered “saint,” but this document is centered on the concept of sainthood as proffered by the writers of the New Testament. The Greek word rendered “saint” in the New Testament is hagios, primarily meaning “holy one.” It is unfortunate a large segment of Christendom has interpreted sainthood as something extra special, something beyond that which is conveyed within the Word. Even a cursory examination of the passages of Scripture following this article should convince even the most novice student of the Word that sainthood applies to every single person who has believed on Jesus Christ. Every single Christian, regardless of his moral state, is seen as a “saint” before God, because the “holiness” of “sainthood” is wholly dependent upon Christ and Christ alone. For He (God the Father) made Him (God the Son) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we (all who believe on Christ) might become the righteousness of God in Him(Christ). (2 Corinthians 5:21) All Relevant Scripture Passages in the New Testament Matthew 27:50, 52 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. . . . (52) and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. Acts 9:13, 32, 41 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.” . . . (32) Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. . . . (41) Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Acts 26:10 This I also did in Jerusalem,and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Romans 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:26, 27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 12:10, 13 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another . . . (13) distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 15:25, 26, 30, 31 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. (26) For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. . . . (30) Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, (31) that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints. Romans 16:1, 2, 15 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, (2) that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. . . . (15) Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 6:1, 2a Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? (2) Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? . . . . 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 16:1, 15 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also . . . (15) I urge you, brethren — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia. 2 Corinthians 8:3, 4 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, (4) imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 9:1, 12 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you . . . (12)For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God . 2 Corinthians 13:13 All the saints greet you. Ephesians 1:1, 15, 18 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus . . . (15) Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints . . . (18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 3:8, 18a To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. . . . (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints . . . . Ephesians 4:11, 12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors-teachers, (12)for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints. Ephesians 6:17, 18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacon. Philippians 4:21, 22 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. (22) All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’shousehold. Colossians 1:2,4, 12, 26 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(4) since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints. (12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 1 Timothy 5:10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. Philemon 5, 7 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints . . . (7) For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 13:24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Jude 3, 14 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. . . . (14) Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.” Also: Revelation 5:8; 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7, 10; 14:12; 15:3; 16:6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:8; 20:29. |