The Bible describes saints not as perfect people, but as those who are set apart for God’s purposes. These are individuals who, through faith and obedience, are made holy by the grace of God. Below are key Bible verses that shed light on the nature, role, and calling of saints in the Christian faith.
Also Read: Bible Verses About the Church
The Calling of Saints
Saints are called by God to live lives that reflect His holiness. This calling is not about human perfection but about being dedicated to God and His purposes. The Bible emphasizes that every believer is called to be a saint, set apart for God’s glory.
Romans 1:7
“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”
This verse highlights the calling of believers to be God’s holy people, or saints. It is a reminder that being a saint is not about personal merit but about God’s love and grace that sets us apart for His purposes.
1 Corinthians 1:2
“I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.”
This passage emphasizes that holiness comes from God through Jesus Christ. Saints are those who have been made holy by Christ and are called to live in that holiness as part of God’s church.
2 Timothy 1:9
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.”
This verse underscores that the calling to be a saint is rooted in God’s eternal plan, not our own worthiness. It is by His grace that we are called to live holy lives.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’”
Here, the emphasis is on living a life that mirrors God’s holiness. Saints are called to reflect the character of God in all they do, living set-apart lives that honor Him.
Ephesians 4:1
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
This verse calls believers to live in a manner that is worthy of their calling as saints. It is a reminder that our lives should reflect the high calling of being set apart by God.
The Identity of Saints
Being a saint is an integral part of the believer’s identity in Christ. This identity is not based on human effort but on God’s work in us through Jesus Christ. Saints are those who belong to God, marked by His grace and holiness.
Colossians 1:12
“Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.”
This verse speaks to the identity of believers as saints, those who share in the inheritance of God’s people. It is a reminder that being a saint is about belonging to God and living in the light of His truth.
1 Corinthians 6:11
“Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
This passage highlights the transformation that occurs when one becomes a saint. It is through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that believers are cleansed and made holy.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse emphasizes the special identity of saints as God’s chosen people. It highlights the purpose of this identity—to show others the goodness of God and to live in His light.
Philippians 3:20
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
This verse reminds us that as saints, our true identity is as citizens of heaven. Our lives should reflect this heavenly citizenship as we await Christ’s return.
Ephesians 1:4
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
This passage speaks to the eternal nature of our identity as saints. God’s choice of us in Christ to be holy was part of His plan from the beginning of time.
The Role of Saints in the Church
Saints play a vital role in the body of Christ, the church. They are called to serve, build up others, and live out the mission of God in the world. The Bible provides guidance on how saints should live and contribute to the life of the church.
Ephesians 4:12
“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”
This verse highlights the role of saints in the church—to equip others and build up the body of Christ. Every believer has a part to play in the growth and health of the church.
Romans 12:4-5
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
This passage emphasizes the interconnectedness of saints within the church. Each person has a unique role, and together, we form the body of Christ, working in unity for His purposes.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
This verse reaffirms that every saint is a part of Christ’s body, the church. It calls believers to recognize their place in the body and to serve according to the gifts God has given them.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
This passage encourages saints to edify one another through teaching, counsel, and worship. The role of saints in the church is not just about individual growth but also about building up others in the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
This verse calls saints to be a source of encouragement and support for one another. Building up the church involves fostering an environment where believers are strengthened in their faith and encouraged to persevere.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Serving the Church
Perseverance of the Saints
The journey of a saint is marked by perseverance in faith, especially in the face of trials. The Bible encourages saints to endure, keeping their eyes on Jesus, and trusting in God’s promises. Perseverance is a key characteristic of those who are set apart for God.
James 1:12
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
This verse assures saints that perseverance in the face of trials will be rewarded. The “crown of life” is a symbol of eternal life and the blessings that await those who remain steadfast in their love for God.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
This passage likens the Christian life to a race that requires endurance. Saints are encouraged to lay aside anything that hinders their progress and to keep pressing on toward the goal.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
Paul’s words here inspire saints to persevere, knowing that faithfulness will be rewarded. The “crown of righteousness” represents the eternal reward for those who have remained faithful to Christ.
Revelation 2:10
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”
This verse encourages saints to remain faithful even in the face of persecution. The promise of the “crown of life” is given to those who endure suffering for the sake of Christ.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
This verse reflects the determination of saints to keep pressing forward in their faith journey. The “heavenly prize” motivates believers to persevere, knowing that God’s calling is worth every effort.
The Inheritance of Saints
Saints are promised an eternal inheritance in Christ. This inheritance includes the blessings of God’s kingdom, eternal life, and a place in His family. The Bible offers many assurances of the glorious future that awaits those who are faithful to God.
Ephesians 1:11
“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.”
This verse reminds saints of the inheritance they have received through their union with Christ. It is a reminder that God’s plan for His people includes eternal blessings that are beyond compare.
1 Peter 1:4
“And we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”
This passage assures saints of a “priceless inheritance” that is secure in heaven. Unlike earthly possessions, this inheritance is eternal, unchanging, and undefiled.
Colossians 3:24
“Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
This verse encourages saints to remember that their ultimate reward is an inheritance from the Lord. Serving Christ with faithfulness will be rewarded with eternal blessings.
Romans 8:17
“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”
This passage speaks to the dual reality of being a saint—sharing in both Christ’s suffering and His glory. As heirs of God, saints are promised a share in the glory of Christ, which far outweighs any present sufferings.
Hebrews 9:15
“That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them.”
This verse emphasizes that the inheritance of saints is secured through the new covenant mediated by Christ. It is an eternal inheritance that God has promised to those who are called by Him.
The Holiness of Saints
Holiness is a defining characteristic of saints. It is not something that can be achieved through human effort but is a work of God in the lives of believers. The Bible teaches that saints are made holy through their relationship with God and are called to live out that holiness in their daily lives.
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
This verse underscores the importance of holiness in the life of a saint. It is a reminder that holiness is essential for seeing the Lord and is something to be pursued diligently.
1 Peter 1:15
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.”
This verse calls saints to be holy in all aspects of their lives. It reflects the expectation that those who are set apart by God should live in a way that reflects His holiness.
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”
This passage encourages saints to actively pursue holiness, motivated by the promises of God. It is a call to rid ourselves of anything that defiles and to strive for holiness in reverence for God.
Leviticus 20:26
“You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”
This verse from the Old Testament reflects God’s call for His people to be holy as He is holy. It emphasizes that saints are set apart by God for His purposes, and holiness is central to that identity.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.”
This verse reiterates the call to holiness for all saints. It contrasts the life God desires with impurity, highlighting that holiness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Fellowship
What Does the Bible Say About Saints
In the Bible, saints are people who believe in God and follow Jesus Christ. The term “saints” doesn’t just refer to a special group of holy people but includes all Christians who live their lives in faith and obedience to God. The word “saint” means someone who is set apart for God’s purpose, and it’s often used to describe the whole community of believers, not just individuals known for their good deeds.
God calls all believers to live holy lives. This means that Christians, as saints, are encouraged to live in a way that reflects God’s love, truth, and goodness. Being a saint doesn’t mean someone is perfect or free from mistakes. Instead, it means they are forgiven by God and are growing in their faith and character with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Saints are often seen as examples of faithfulness and dedication to God. They are people who strive to follow Jesus in their everyday lives, even when it’s hard. They pray, serve others, and seek to spread love and peace. Saints encourage one another in their faith and help others grow closer to God.
In Christian teaching, saints also have a connection to those who have already died and gone to heaven. These saints serve as examples for Christians on earth. They remind us that those who live faithfully are with God and that all believers, both in heaven and on earth, are united in one family of faith.
In summary, saints in the Bible are all believers who are set apart for God. They are called to live holy lives and serve as examples of faith, love, and dedication to God’s will.