There have been several times I have mentioned words that when used in the world mean one thing, and when used in a Biblical sense mean something completely different. I think it is important to study how words are used in the Bible, instead of simply considering the worldly meaning because often times the two are very different. For instance, consider the word “faith” in a Biblical and non-Biblical sense. One of these words which is used differently in the world from the Bible is the word “saint”.
What comes to mind when you think about the word saint? Perhaps you think of someone who has done a lot of good for the world. Perhaps you think of a little child who acts just “like an angel”. Or maybe you think of something else completely different. When I think about the word saint, I often think about how it is used in the world versus how it is used in the Bible. I thought I would share with you what the Biblical term “saint” means and indicates. I would also like to share some misconceptions about saints in the Bible.
First, throughout the New Testament the term saint is used only to describe people who are living. If you were to do a word search on the word “saint” in the New Testament, you would find many references to saints, all of which are used to describe people who are still alive. Many people believe that one can only be a saint after that person has passed from this life; however, the Bible consistently refers to live people as saints.
Secondly, throughout the New Testament the term saint is applied to those who are baptized believers, Christians. When reading through many different scriptures which use the word saint it is clear that the term saint simply means Christian.
Finally, the Bible never pinpoints certain Christians as being higher “saints” than other Christians. All Christians are saints and all Christians are heirs to the promise. In Galatians 3:27-29 the Bible states: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
Consider how the word “saint” or “saints” is used in the following verses. Note that these are only a few verses which use the word “saint” or “saints.”
- Romans 12:13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
- Romans 16:15: “Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.”
- 1st Corinthians 1:2-3: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 2nd Corinthians 13:13: “All the saints greet you.”
- Ephesians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:”
All Scripture references are taken from the ESV.