The Bible doesn't define "saint" in the way it's often understood today (someone canonized by a church for exceptional holiness). Instead, the biblical use of "saint" is much broader and more inclusive. Here's a breakdown of the biblical meaning:
* "Saint" as "Holy One": The word translated as "saint" often comes from the Greek word "hagios" (ἅγιος), which means "holy," "consecrated," "set apart," or "separated." It emphasizes that someone or something is dedicated to God.
* "Saints" as All Believers in Christ: In the New Testament, "saints" typically refers to all Christians, not just a select few.
* Examples:
* Romans 1:7: "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints..."
* 1 Corinthians 1:2: "To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints..."
* Ephesians 1:1: "To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus..."
* Philippians 1:1: "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi..."
* "Sanctification" (Becoming Holy): Being a saint, in this context, is closely tied to the concept of sanctification. This is the process by which believers are made more and more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It's not about earning salvation, but rather about living out the salvation that has already been received.
* Positional vs. Progressive Holiness: Some theologians distinguish between "positional holiness" and "progressive holiness."
* Positional Holiness: This refers to the believer's standing before God in Christ. When someone trusts in Jesus, they are declared righteous (justified) and "holy" in God's sight, even though they are still imperfect.
* Progressive Holiness: This is the ongoing process of growing in Christ-likeness, becoming more holy in one's behavior and character over time.
* Key Takeaways:
* Salvation First: You become a saint (holy one) because you are "in Christ." It is not something earned by good works.
* Universal Call: All who believe in Jesus are called saints.
* Process, Not Perfection: Being a saint doesn't mean being perfect, but it does mean striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.
* Focus on Community: The term "saints" is often used in the plural, emphasizing the communal aspect of the Christian faith. It's about being part of God's holy people.
In short, the Bible's understanding of a "saint" emphasizes that it is a status given to all believers in Jesus Christ, who are set apart for God's purposes and are in the process of becoming more like Christ through the Holy Spirit's work. It is a matter of being "in Christ" through faith and being part of God's holy people, rather than achieving exceptional holiness as an individual.