The True Meaning of Sainthood: A Fresh Perspective on an Ancient Term

When we hear the word "saint," what comes to mind? Perhaps we envision stained glass windows, statues in churches, or individuals of extraordinary piety. But what if our understanding of sainthood has strayed far from its original biblical meaning?

In the New Testament, particularly in the letters of Paul, we encounter a surprising truth: all believers in Christ are called saints. This isn't a title reserved for the super-spiritual or the posthumously canonized. Instead, it's a designation for every person who has put their faith in Jesus.

The Greek word for saint, "hagios," simply means "holy ones" or "set apart ones." Paul frequently addresses his letters to the "saints" in various cities - living, breathing Christians of all levels of spiritual maturity. Even the notoriously imperfect Corinthian church was addressed as saints!

This revelation challenges our modern conception of sainthood. It's not about achieving perfection or performing miracles after death. Instead, it's about our identity in Christ and how that identity should shape our daily lives.

Let's explore some key aspects of biblical sainthood:

Dual Citizenship
Saints belong to two spheres simultaneously. Paul writes to the "saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi." This dual address is significant. As believers, we have a spiritual address "in Christ" and a physical address in our earthly location.

This concept of being "in Christ" is uniquely Christian. You won't hear Buddhists claim to be "in Buddha" or Muslims say they're "in Muhammad." It speaks to the intimate union believers have with Jesus - sharing in His life, death, and resurrection.

Yet, we're also very much present in our earthly communities. We're called to be responsible citizens, engaged in our local contexts while maintaining our primary allegiance to Christ. As an early Christian letter to Diognetus beautifully put it:

"Christians are not marked out from the rest of mankind by their country or by their speech or by their customs... They pass their days upon the earth, but their citizenship is in heaven."

Servants by Choice
The concept of saints as servants is crucial. Paul introduces himself not as an apostle or eminent theologian, but as a "bondservant of Jesus Christ." This isn't forced servitude, but a willing submission out of love for the Master.

This imagery draws from the Old Testament practice where a slave, after being freed, could choose to remain with a beloved master. They would have their ear pierced as a symbol of lifelong, voluntary service.

When we say we're "redeemed," it doesn't mean we're set free to do whatever we want. Rather, we've been bought from the slave market of sin to become willing servants of righteousness. It's a higher form of slavery - one that paradoxically leads to true freedom.

Rooted in Scripture
Saints are people who believe in and live by the Scriptures. The early church received Paul's letters not just as wise advice, but as the very Word of God. They read them, obeyed them, and circulated them to other congregations.

Our attitude towards the Bible reveals much about our spiritual health. Do we see it as just another book, or as a love letter from God to us? The more we know the Author, the more we'll cherish His words and find life in them.

Recipients of Grace and Peace
A hallmark of sainthood is experiencing God's grace and peace. Paul's greeting, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," is more than a formality. It's a powerful declaration of the believer's spiritual benefits.

Grace always precedes peace in these greetings because it's God's grace that produces peace in our lives. When we truly grasp the unmerited favor of God, it leads to a deep-seated peace that transcends circumstances.

Embracing Our Sainthood

Understanding biblical sainthood should transform how we view ourselves and live our daily lives. Here are some practical implications:

Live with purpose in both spheres. Engage fully in your earthly community while maintaining your primary identity in Christ. Pray about your "Philippi" and tell your "Philippi" about Christ.

Embrace your role as a servant. Leadership in God's kingdom is not about domination but about serving others. How can you use your gifts to serve those around you today?

Treasure God's Word. Make Scripture reading and meditation a daily priority. Approach the Bible as a love letter, not just a rulebook.

Rest in God's grace and peace. Remind yourself daily: "Lord, you give grace, and through that, I have peace." Let this truth anchor you amid life's storms.

Let your light shine. A young boy once defined a saint as "someone the light shines through." While imperfect, we are called to let Christ's light shine through us to a watching world.

Remember, your sainthood isn't based on your performance but on your position in Christ. God sees you through "blood-stained glasses" - viewing you as righteous because of Jesus' sacrifice.

This identity as saints isn't meant to puff us up with pride. Instead, it should humble us and motivate us to live up to the high calling we've received. We are works in progress, being transformed daily into the image of Christ.

So the next time you hear the word "saint," don't think of a select few super-Christians. Instead, if you're a believer in Jesus, recognize that this term applies to you. You are set apart, holy, and beloved by God. Now go and live like it!