Saint: A Person Set Apart for God
A saint is someone who has been made holy by God and who is being transformed into the likeness of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Biblical Meaning
In the New Testament, the Greek word hagios describes a person or thing set apart for God. The term is applied to all Christians, signifying their relationship to Christ and the Christ-like character that should be developing because the Holy Spirit lives within every true believer (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2; Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:12).
Sainthood is not earned by personal achievement but received by grace through faith in Jesus. Every believer is positionally holy because of Christ's finished work and is being progressively changed into His image.
We are set apart by grace
Historical Development
For centuries, Bibles have introduced the four Gospels with the phrase "The Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John," often abbreviated as "St." This usage reflects deep respect for the apostolic authors rather than a claim that they were uniquely holy in a way unavailable to others.
In the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, certain deceased people are officially venerated as saints because of outstanding holy lives, such as St Francis of Assisi. They are revered, prayed to, and sometimes worshiped. Scripture, however, calls all believers saints and directs reverence, worship, and prayer to God alone (Ex 20:3-6; Acts 10:25-26; Rev 19:10; Rev 22:9).
All believers are saints
Living as a Saint Today
In everyday speech, a "saint" may describe a person who is exceptionally patient, unselfish, or non-complaining. While this can be a compliment, the biblical idea goes deeper: it is a person in whom the Holy Spirit is producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Such "saintly" people exhibit exemplary character through self-discipline and devotion to others. Their lives point away from themselves and toward the One who called them, reminding the community around them what it means to belong to Christ.
Do I show Christ-like character?
Reflection and Application:
- Recognize that every Christian is a saint by God's grace, not by human achievement.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of Christ-like character in daily life.
- Reserve worship and prayer for God alone, following Scripture's clear instruction.
- Let your conduct encourage others to see Jesus living in and through you.
See also: character.