What does it mean to be a Christian Saint

[missmuffet]

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

[Guest]

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

 

 

Yes

 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

 

Yes,

 

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)

 

We Are

 

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

[Tristen]

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

 

Hi Bopeep,

 

Christians are saints in the sense that saint means consecrated to God (as used in the Bible).

 

However, the modern connotation of saint, derived largely from Catholicism, is that of a special Christian – somehow more holy than other Christians. This modern connotation is not justified in scripture. We are all alike saved by grace through faith in the cross of Christ.

 

I think the word saint should be used with caution due to this conflicted understanding – so that those outside the church don’t mistakenly think we are arrogantly applying the Catholic concept to ourselves.

[Joshua-777]

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

 

Yes!

[Matthew T.]

 

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

 

 

Yes

 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

 

Yes,

 

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)

 

We Are

 

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

 

 

I second that, Joe.

 

Yes. The term "Saint" for the born again believers is Biblical.

 

We shouldn't fear using Biblical terminology because of religious mis-use or erroneous doctrine. That would be like saying we shouldn't use the term "grace" for fear of being mixed up with calvInism.

 

You should see yourself as God sees you: through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul called us Saints. We are Saints.

 

So next time the preacher asks for a show of hands for all the "Saints" in the house? Go ahead and raise your hand. Jesus took our punishment for our honor.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Matthew T.

[missmuffet]

 

Do you think that we as Christians are saints?

 

Hi Bopeep,

 

Christians are saints in the sense that saint means consecrated to God (as used in the Bible).

 

However, the modern connotation of saint, derived largely from Catholicism, is that of a special Christian – somehow more holy than other Christians. This modern connotation is not justified in scripture. We are all alike saved by grace through faith in the cross of Christ.

 

I think the word saint should be used with caution due to this conflicted understanding – so that those outside the church don’t mistakenly think we are arrogantly applying the Catholic concept to ourselves.

 

How does the Roman Catholic understanding of “saints” compare with the biblical teaching? Not very well. In Roman Catholic theology, the saints are in heaven. In the Bible, the saints are on earth. In Roman Catholic teaching, a person does not become a saint unless he/she is “beatified” or “canonized” by the Pope or prominent bishop. In the Bible, everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a saint. In Roman Catholic practice, the saints are revered, prayed to, and in some instances, worshipped. In the Bible, saints are called to revere, worship, and pray to God alone.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html#ixzz3ZE6KgLVF

[gdemoss]

Without Him I am nothing! With Him I am whole and He makes me holy.

[Guest shiloh357]

Positional, we are saints.  We are saints in the sense that we have been set part unto the Lord.   But we are also, still fallen sinners.   It is a paradox.  Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners.   

 

"Saint"   ironically, in ancient Greek was not a religious word.  Paul took a secular word and applied to Christians.  It doesn't mean, "sinless."    So it is possible to be a saint, but still a sinner.   When were justified, it was a legal declaration and just as it was with Abraham, righteousness was imputed (not imparted) to us for a future time on the basis of our  faith.   God has credited righteousness to us, but are not yet inherently righteous.

[Willa]

In at least one place Paul says we are called to be saints. 1 Cor. 1:2 This makes me wonder if some baby Christians and immature Christians may not have fully surrendered their lives to God, or have not been refined to the point that they can be used of God. There are some who do this when they first receive Christ and immediately they are thrust into His service, and it takes others longer as they get off track and eventually learn again to walk after the Spirit. That is when God can use us.

The Corinthians did think they were pretty spiritual, but Paul had to talk to them as babes and carnal.3:1 So this leads me to believe that not all Christians are set aside for Gods use when they first receive Christ. But all are CALLED to be saints.

[Matthew T.]

In at least one place Paul says we are called to be saints. 1 Cor. 1:2 This makes me wonder if some baby Christians and immature Christians may not have fully surrendered their lives to God, or have not been refined to the point that they can be used of God. There are some who do this when they first receive Christ and immediately they are thrust into His service, and it takes others longer as they get off track and eventually learn again to walk after the Spirit. That is when God can use us.

The Corinthians did think they were pretty spiritual, but Paul had to talk to them as babes and carnal.3:1 So this leads me to believe that not all Christians are set aside for Gods use when they first receive Christ. But all are CALLED to be saints.

 

The context of Paul's "rebuke" of the Corinthians is that they were acting much like pagans. If you'll check into what  the Corinthians were doing in and out of church, you would be shocked, to say the least. Paul was reminding them of who they really are in Christ.... which was just the opposite to how they were acting.

 

It's important to note that even though they were doing many things as pagans, their "identity" never changed with Paul. Cause for stern rebuke, yes. But their identity in Christ remained the same... and that identity incorporates MANY things already done, that many just seem to feel we need to earn.

Edited May 6, 2015 by Matthew T.