In Christian theology, the concept of believers being identified as "saints" is deeply rooted in the New Testament and reflects a significant aspect of Christian identity. The term "saint" is derived from the Greek word "hagios," which means "holy" or "set apart." This designation underscores the transformative work of God in the lives of believers, setting them apart for His purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament frequently refers to believers as saints, emphasizing their sanctified status through faith in Jesus Christ. In the opening of many of his epistles, the Apostle Paul addresses the recipients as saints. For instance, in his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:7). This greeting highlights the calling and identity of believers as saints, loved by God and recipients of His grace.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:2). Here, the sanctification in Christ is the basis for their identity as saints, indicating a positional holiness granted through faith.

Theological Implications

The identity of believers as saints carries profound theological implications. It signifies a positional holiness that is not based on personal merit but on the redemptive work of Christ. Ephesians 2:19-20 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This passage illustrates the inclusion of believers into a holy community, united by faith and built upon the foundation of Christ.

Moreover, the identity as saints calls believers to a life of holiness and moral integrity. In Ephesians 4:1 , Paul exhorts, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This calling as saints involves a commitment to live in accordance with the holy status conferred upon them.

Communal Aspect

The identity of believers as saints is not merely individual but also communal. The New Testament portrays the church as a collective body of saints, emphasizing unity and mutual edification. In Colossians 1:12 , Paul encourages believers to give thanks to the Father, "who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light." This inheritance is shared among the community of believers, highlighting the corporate nature of their identity.

Furthermore, the communal aspect of sainthood is evident in the practice of intercessory prayer and support among believers. In Ephesians 6:18 , Paul instructs, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints." This call to prayer underscores the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility within the body of Christ.

Eschatological Perspective

The identity of believers as saints also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of their sanctification. In Revelation 14:12 , the perseverance of the saints is highlighted: "Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." This perseverance is linked to the hope of eternal life and the consummation of God's kingdom.

The eschatological hope of the saints is further affirmed in Revelation 19:8 , where the church, depicted as the bride of Christ, is granted "to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and pure." This imagery symbolizes the ultimate sanctification and glorification of the saints in the presence of God.

In summary, the identity of believers as saints is a multifaceted concept that encompasses their positional holiness in Christ, their call to live holy lives, their communal identity within the church, and their eschatological hope. This identity is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the grace of God at work in the lives of His people.