SAINTS

Who does the Bible call "Saints?" The word means "Holy Ones." The Bible applies the term "Christian" to us but three times, that of Saints (Holy Ones) sixty times! To whom is it applied? Those who are living holy lives? No. It is applied to all believers, all who have the Holy Spirit-which is every believer. We are called saints not because of our character or conduct, but wholly because of our position in Christ. If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, you are a saint! You are adopted into the family of God, accepted, forgiven, given the righteousness of Christ, loved, made complete and given everything you need for life and godliness. Your name is written in the book of life, and your destiny is an eternity in Heaven with God.!! Incredible, isn't it!!

In Ephesians Paul spends 3 chapters nailing down our position in Christ. Our standing is 'in Christ' and is not dependent on our conduct. But then, in chapter four he appeals strongly and 'urges' us "to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." We are exhorted to walk worthy of our calling, to grow up into Him in all things, to no longer walk as other Gentiles walk, to put off the old man, to put on the new man, to walk in love, to walk as children of light, etc. So because we are saints, [by virtue of being indwelt by Christ] we are now to live a holy life, not to become saints, but because we are already saints. That is why Paul addresses believers in all his writings as saints, even the Corinthians. 

Have you realized that you are a "saint?" Is that incredible truth making a difference in the way you think and act? It is worth some meaningful meditation.

bh November 10, 2007

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