Why is it important to acknowledge all believers as "saints" in Christ? Setting the Scene “Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings.” (Philippians 4:21) Paul’s closing line is short, warm, and packed with meaning. He does not say, “Greet the pastors,” “Greet the mature,” or “Greet the really spiritual ones.” He says, “Greet all the saints.” Every believer in Philippi—and by extension every believer today—is included in that title. What the Word “Saint” Really Means • Greek: hagios – set apart, holy, consecrated • Made holy by Christ’s finished work, not by personal accomplishment (Hebrews 10:10) • A present identity, not a future reward (1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 1:7) Because Scripture is accurate and literal, these verses declare that all who are “in Christ” are already saints. It is not a status to earn but a gift received at salvation. Why Acknowledge All as Saints? 1. Celebrates Christ’s Accomplishment • He alone makes us holy (Hebrews 10:10). • When we use the name “saint,” we spotlight His grace instead of our effort. 2. Guards Against Spiritual Elitism • No caste system in the body (Galatians 3:28). • Calling every believer a saint prevents unhealthy hierarchies. 3. Fosters Unity and Family Warmth • We relate to one another as equal heirs (Ephesians 2:19). • The term “saint” reminds us we stand on level ground at the cross. 4. Encourages Holiness in Daily Living • Identity shapes behavior (Colossians 3:12). • When believers hear “saint,” they are invited to live what they already are. 5. Supplies Comfort to the Weak and New • New believers often struggle with worthiness. • Being greeted as “saint” affirms God’s full acceptance (Romans 8:1). 6. Amplifies the Church’s Witness • A community where every member is honored displays God’s wisdom (Ephesians 3:10). • Outsiders see a foretaste of heaven, where all redeemed are robed in “fine linen, bright and pure” (Revelation 19:8). How the Early Church Modeled This • Paul addresses entire congregations as saints—Ephesus, Corinth, Rome, Philippi. • Even immature or struggling groups (like Corinth) kept the title. • Acts 9:13 shows Ananias calling persecuted believers “saints,” recognizing their new identity despite danger. Practical Ways to Live This Truth • Speech – Use “brother,” “sister,” and “saint” naturally in conversation and correspondence. • Attitude – Expect God’s grace to be at work in every believer you meet. • Service – Honor each member’s gifting, knowing the Spirit supplies each saint for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Conflict – Approach disagreements remembering the other party is a blood-bought saint, not an enemy (Philippians 4:2-3). • Encouragement – Call out evidences of holiness you observe, reinforcing their identity. Living Out the Reality Together When Sunday conversations, mid-week texts, and everyday introductions all carry the joyful recognition that “you are a saint in Christ,” the church becomes a place of dignity, mutual care, and steady growth. Concluding Encouragement Philippians 4:21 invites every believer to greet—and to see—one another as saints. The title is God’s declaration over His people, secured by Christ’s sacrifice and confirmed by the Spirit’s indwelling. Embracing it deepens unity, magnifies grace, and propels us to live holy lives that match the name we bear. |
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