The saints of God

Inasmuch as the saints have an important role to play in the future development of this world I think that it is imperative that we re-visit the word saints since we have been forewarned saying; “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1John 5;19).

As one can clearly derive from the scriptures there are a lot at stake for the saints because, God revealed to the prophet Daniel the role the saints will play in the future ruler-ship of this world. For this is what Daniel documented, he wrote; “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

'Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.' Daniel further state that; “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom” (Daniel 7:15-18, 21-2).

A lot more is said regarding the saints but the focus right now is on who are the saints! And what qualifies one to become a saint? With such massive confusion in the religious circle I think that it is imperative that we study and have a good knowledge and understanding as to who is a saint because, the Lord has brought a charge against the inhabitants of the land stating: "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4: 1, 6).

Some religions canonized certain people and declare them as saints after they die, but who is truly a saint! And what qualifies them to be a saint? In many passages of scripture we clearly see that the word saints was attributed to people while they were still alive: Now, since by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established, let us look at three examples to establish the fact that saints are assigned to one not when they die but whilst they are still alive, for example:

The apostle Paul greeted the church at Corinth by stating: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2Corinthians 2: 1-2).

In bidding farewell to the Corinthians the apostle Paul encouraged them by saying; “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you” (2Corinthians 13:11-13).

Then we have the apostle Paul and Timothy greeting the church in Philippi saying; “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1: 1-2).

Therefore, there is ample proof in scriptures to prove that the word saints are applicable to both the dead and to those who are alive. The time in which we live is very critical for the saints because they have been forewarned of the critical time to come saying; “He (a ruler/lesser kingdom of this world) shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time” (Daniel 7:25).

So then, it is imperative for us to know who are deemed saints and what must one do to become a saint. First and foremost, the word saint refers to all of God’s redeemed people as clearly stated by the apostle Paul who wrote; “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” (1Corinthians 1:2).

Saints are people who are predestined by God in Christ as made reference by the apostle Paul who wrote; “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” (Romans 1:7).

But the most important question is, how does one becomes a saint? I think that the Psalmist David and the apostle John respectively, gave us clear definitions as what defines a saint, for example, the Psalmist David wrote; “Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." And, the apostle John wrote; “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Psalms 50:5; Revelation 14:12).

So let us now look at and expound these two perspectives of what qualifies one to be a saint:

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph