You Can Be A Saint.

Take a look at the opening greeting in Philippians 1:

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:” (Phil. 1:1)

This letter is addressed to, “…all the saints…”

Depending on your church background, this word ‘saints‘ may be a loaded term. Some church traditions isolate sainthood for specific people who have displayed extensive efforts in spiritual leadership or humanitarian work.

Even within unchurched cultures, becoming a saint is not truly attainable. The title is equated to perfection. Perfection that can only be attained if we never sin or perhaps, work hard enough at good deeds to outweigh our sins.

Therefore, None Need Apply

If this is our understanding of sainthood, then when Paul and Timothy address “…all the saints…” our default cultural setting disqualifies us from applying the text.

“If this letter is written to saints, than clearly it’s not written to someone like me!”

If we understand the word ‘saint‘ as human-achieved perfection, it will prevent us from experiencing the full impact of New Testament writings like Philippians.

You Can Be A Saint

In Ephesians 2, we discover that Jesus is the one who authors sainthood.

“18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 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.” (Eph. 2:18-21)

According to Scripture, becoming a saint has nothing to do with our works. Sainthood was and is accomplished at the Cross-by and through Jesus Christ.

Anyone and everyone, including you, who have given their lives to Jesus Christ are from a Biblical perspective, Saints.

Back To Paul & Timothy

When Paul and Timothy address “…all the saints…at Philippi…” they’re addressing the Philippian Believers, the Philippian Christians. The ordinary people like you and I, who profess and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The next time we study a New Testament letter, we should read the words, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at _____________.” (Fill in the blank with your town.)

By doing so, we allow God’s Word to span the centuries, sinking into our hearts and minds, within our current context. So that the Holy Spirit might speak to us today, in the same way He spoke to those fellow-saints, so many years ago.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

How would your friends or family explain the process of achieving sainthood?