Do a quick search of the word “ saints ” and you will find it used 62 times in the New Testament (NKJV). The Greek word is defined generally as something “ separate from common condition and use; dedicated” and when in context it is used to classify people refers to “members of the first Christian communities.” This is quite appropriate since we are told that the Christians in Corinth had been washed, sanctified, and justified (1 Corinthians 6:11).
In fact, every Christian is sanctified – set apart – for His purposes. When we obey the gospel through repentance, confession, and baptism we are delivered from “the power of darkness” and “conveyed [translated] into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). The Apostle Paul said that the Christians in Rome had been “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7) as were those in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2).
So whenever the subject of “sainthood” comes up I am amazed at how mankind and human innovations have poisoned the beautiful relationship between God and His children. Just this morning I received a news alert about Pope Francis clearing the way for Pope John Paul II to be declared a saint. In an article entitled “Pope Francis Clears John Paul II, John XXIII for Sainthood” a number of statements are made that highlight the fallacious doctrines devised by men concerning sainthood.
Sainthood is not bestowed upon men or women by human hands! The path to sainthood is a process in which we each individually respond in faith to God’s commands and God – through the blood of Christ – cleanses us from our sins and we are reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18 – 20; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20). I am thankful that I do not need the Pope to “clear the way” for my sainthood! God has already done it.
In the aforementioned article there is a discussion of the ceremonial date in which sainthood will officially be bestowed. Some even worry that “the process has been too quick.” The fact is that there is a ceremonial date in which we become saints but it is not a predetermined date in the future, it is the day that we submit ourselves in obedience to God. If our sainthood is not bestowed upon us until after our death it will be too late – that’s a fact!
Miraculous Confirmation. Apparently Pope John Paul II is going to get to be a saint because a Costa Rican woman supposedly “prayed” to John Paul II (a subject for another article) and was miraculously healed of a cerebral aneurism. However the woman in question cannot talk about this “miraculous healing” because she has been “sworn to secrecy.” Why? Our sainthood has been confirmed by the healing of the blood of Christ and since I do not have the power to miraculously heal anyone nor would I want anyone praying to me (as if anyone would) I am thankful for the sweet sacrifice of our Savior.
The Bible clearly states that saints were alive and living in a beautiful, sanctified relationship with God here on earth (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Romans 12:13) and all how have who have obeyed the gospel from that time to today have sainthood bestowed upon them. Jesus makes intercession for saints (Romans 8:27) and we ought to be thankful that He does that for us today and not until after we die. Thanks be to God that we have this wonderful designation!
Are you a saint? Obey Him today and be faithful!