In the Bible, “saints” refers to individuals who are consecrated to God, often characterized by their holiness and faithfulness. Specifically, in the New Testament, the term is commonly used to describe believers in Christ who are called to live according to God’s will (e.g., Romans 1:7, Ephesians 1:1).
Scripture
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
Biblical Definition of Saints
The concept of “saints” in the Bible signifies those who are set apart for God’s purpose, reflecting a life dedicated to righteousness and holiness. This idea is prominent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, beginning with the Hebrew notion of being “holy” (from the word qadosh). In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,” indicating their status and responsibility to reflect God’s character in their lives. The use of “saints” in the New Testament underscores the transformational aspect of faith in Christ, illustrating that all believers—regardless of their past—are sanctified or made holy through their relationship with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Moreover, the term suggests a communal identity among Christians, as reflected in Philippians 1:1, where Paul addresses “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi.” This reinforces the notion that sainthood is not merely an individual aspiration but an expression of collective faith and support within the Body of Christ. Saints are called to exemplify God’s love and grace, often encouraging each other to live up to their higher calling (Ephesians 4:1-3). The expectation that saints will pursue holiness, carry out God’s mission, and bear witness to His glory emphasizes the active role they play in the unfolding narrative of redemption. Thus, the definition of “saints” encapsulates both an individual commitment and a communal responsibility, reflecting the holistic nature of the Christian faith.
In the Scriptures, the definition of saints unfolds further through believers’ identification with Christ and their call to live in accordance with His teachings. In Romans 1:7, Paul addresses the recipients of his letter as “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people,” thereby reiterating the divine selection of individuals who are transformed by grace. This dual emphasis on love and calling not only highlights the individual’s relationship with God but also affirms their new identity as sanctified individuals. The word “holy” here mirrors the life of Christ, who serves as the ultimate example for all saints, encouraging them to emulate His virtues.
Additionally, the book of Revelation presents a vision of saints that transcends earthly boundaries. In Revelation 7:9-10, we see a great multitude made up of every nation and tribe, illustrating that sainthood encompasses a diverse community unified in worship. This portrayal emphasizes that saints are not limited to those who have achieved perfection in their faith but include all redeemed believers who are part of God’s eternal family. The saints’ collective witness is underscored in their shared goal of praising God and participating in His mission for creation, revealing a tapestry of faith that embraces the richness of God’s mercy. Through these narratives, the Bible invites believers to recognize their identity as saints, called to live out their faith in communion with one another as they pursue holiness and represent God’s character on earth.
The Concept of Holiness
In the Bible, saints are often defined as individuals who are set apart for God’s purposes. This notion of holiness implies a moral and spiritual purity that distinguishes them from the secular world. Saints are called to live in a way that reflects God’s character, embodying virtues such as love, compassion, and righteousness. This call to holiness is not merely about personal piety but also about being a community that collectively represents God’s kingdom on earth.
The Role of Saints in the Community
Saints are not only seen as individual believers but also as integral members of the larger body of Christ. This communal aspect emphasizes the importance of fellowship, support, and accountability among believers. Saints are called to encourage one another, share in each other’s burdens, and work together to advance the mission of the church. This interconnectedness highlights that being a saint is not just about personal salvation but also about contributing to the spiritual growth and well-being of the community.
The Assurance of Salvation
The term “saint” in the Bible also carries the assurance of salvation and eternal life. Believers are considered saints because of their faith in Jesus Christ, which grants them a new identity as children of God. This assurance is rooted in the belief that through Christ’s sacrifice, they are redeemed and made righteous. Thus, the definition of saints encompasses not only their current state of being but also their future hope, reinforcing the idea that they are part of God’s eternal plan.
How to Live a Holier Life Through Community and Calling
Living a holier life through community and calling is a beautiful journey that invites us to embrace both our individual purpose and the collective strength of those around us. As we engage with our church family and broader community, we find support, encouragement, and accountability that help us grow in faith. It’s in these relationships that we can share our struggles and victories, reminding one another of God’s grace and love. Additionally, discovering and pursuing our unique calling—whether it’s through service, teaching, or simply being a listening ear—allows us to contribute to the body of Christ in meaningful ways. Remember, holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about a heart that seeks to reflect Christ’s love in every interaction. So, lean into your community, listen for God’s voice in your life, and watch how your journey toward holiness flourishes in the warmth of shared faith and purpose.
Bible References to the Definition of Saints:
Psalm 34:8-9: 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
Psalm 97:10-12: 10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Psalm 116:15-17: 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
16 O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Daniel 7:18-22: 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.
19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,
20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.
21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
Matthew 5:1-12: 1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Acts 9:13-15: 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Romans 1:6-7: 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:26-27: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 12:1-2: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3: 2 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:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:1-2: 1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?
Ephesians 1:1-2: 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:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:19-22: 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-13: 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Philippians 1:1-2: 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:11-12: 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Colossians 3:12-14: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13: 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,
13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12: 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 6:10-12: 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 13:24-25: 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.
25 Grace be with all of you.
Revelation 5:8-10: 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Revelation 14:12-13: 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.