Who are the saints according to the Bible?

In the Bible, the term “saints” is used to refer to individuals who are set apart for God, living according to His will and dedicated to His service. Understanding who the saints are involves exploring various biblical passages that shed light on their identity, role, and characteristics. This exploration will be guided by references from the New King James Version (NKJV) and will address the nature of sainthood, including key passages such as Revelation 14:12.

Biblical Definition of Saints

The term “saint” is derived from the Greek word hagios, meaning “holy” or “set apart.” In the Bible, saints are those who are considered holy or sanctified by God. They are not saints because of their own merit but because they are called and chosen by God to live a life of holiness.

Old Testament Understanding of Saints

In the Old Testament, the concept of saints is more closely related to the faithful people of Israel. The saints are those who follow God’s commands and live according to His laws.

Psalm 30:4:”Sing praise to the Lord, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” (NKJV)

This passage calls the faithful ones of God to praise Him, indicating that the saints are those who are devoted to Him and honor His name.

Psalm 31:23:”Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.” (NKJV)

Here, saints are described as those who love the Lord and are preserved by Him, emphasizing a relationship of faithfulness and devotion.

New Testament Understanding of Saints

In the New Testament, the concept of sainthood expands to include all believers in Christ, not just the people of Israel. Saints are individuals who have been sanctified by their faith in Jesus Christ and are part of the Church.

1 Corinthians 1:2:”To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” (NKJV)

Paul writes to the Corinthians, addressing them as saints because they are sanctified in Christ Jesus. This broadens the definition of saints to include all believers who call upon Jesus.

Ephesians 1:1:”Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:” (NKJV)

Similarly, Paul refers to the believers in Ephesus as saints, indicating that sainthood applies to all those who are faithful in Christ.

Characteristics of Saints

The Bible describes several key characteristics of saints, highlighting their distinctiveness and role in God’s kingdom.

Saints are Set Apart

One of the fundamental aspects of being a saint is being set apart for God’s purposes. Saints are distinguished from others by their commitment to living according to God’s will and His commands.

Romans 1:7:”To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)

Paul addresses the Roman believers as those “called to be saints,” emphasizing their special status as those set apart by God.

1 Peter 2:9:”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (NKJV)

Peter describes believers as a “holy nation,” highlighting their distinctiveness and special status as those called out of darkness into God’s light.

Saints Live a Life of Holiness

Saints are called to live a life that reflects their relationship with God. This involves striving for holiness in conduct and character.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4:”For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,” (NKJV)

Paul explains that God’s will for believers is their sanctification, which involves living a pure and honorable life.

2 Corinthians 7:1:”Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (NKJV)

Believers are encouraged to cleanse themselves from impurities and to perfect holiness in reverence to God.

Saints Exhibit Love and Compassion

Love and compassion are central characteristics of saints. They are called to demonstrate God’s love through their actions and interactions with others.

Matthew 5:44:”But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (NKJV)

Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies, reflecting the love and compassion that should characterize the life of a saint.

1 John 3:17:”But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (NKJV)

John emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and meeting the needs of others as evidence of God’s love within us.

The Role of Saints in God’s Plan

Saints play a crucial role in God’s plan, both in the present world and in the future.

Saints as Witnesses and Servants

Believers are called to be witnesses of God’s grace and servants in His kingdom. Their lives are meant to reflect the gospel and serve others in love.

Acts 1:8:”But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJV)

Jesus instructs His followers to be witnesses of Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the message of salvation.

Galatians 5:13:”For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (NKJV)

Paul encourages believers to use their freedom in Christ to serve others in love, reflecting the role of saints as servants in God’s kingdom.

Saints as Part of the Body of Christ

Believers are also described as members of the body of Christ, each playing a unique role in the functioning of the Church.

1 Corinthians 12:27:”Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (NKJV)

Paul explains that believers are individual members of the body of Christ, each with a distinct role and purpose within the Church.

Ephesians 4:11-12:”And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” (NKJV)

Paul describes the various roles within the Church, emphasizing that these roles are for equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ.

The Saints in Revelation

Revelation provides insight into the final destiny and character of the saints. They are depicted as those who remain faithful to God amidst trials and are rewarded for their perseverance.

The Saints and Their Perseverance

In Revelation, the saints are portrayed as those who endure trials and remain faithful to God.

Revelation 14:12:”Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (NKJV)

This verse highlights the perseverance of the saints, emphasizing their commitment to keeping God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. The saints are characterized by their steadfastness in the face of persecution and trials.

The Reward of the Saints

The saints are promised rewards and eternal blessings for their faithfulness.

Revelation 2:10:”Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (NKJV)

Jesus promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful even unto death, indicating the ultimate reward for the saints.

Revelation 7:14-15:”So he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.'” (NKJV)

This passage describes the saints as those who have overcome great tribulation and are now in the presence of God, serving Him eternally.

Conclusion

The Bible describes saints as those who are set apart by God, living in accordance with His will, and dedicated to His service. In the Old Testament, saints are primarily the faithful people of Israel, while in the New Testament, the term extends to all believers in Christ.

Saints are characterized by their holiness, faithfulness, love, and service. They play a vital role in God’s plan, both in their present witness and service and in their future reward and eternal presence with God. Revelation depicts the saints as those who endure trials, remain faithful, and are ultimately rewarded with eternal blessings. Understanding the nature and role of saints helps believers grasp their identity and purpose in God’s kingdom.

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