Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian tradition, the term "saints" refers to those individuals who have been sanctified and set apart by God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible provides various titles and names for these individuals, emphasizing their unique relationship with God and their role within the body of Christ. These titles reflect both their spiritual status and their responsibilities as followers of Christ.
1.
Saints: The most common term used in the New Testament to describe believers is "saints," which means "holy ones" or "set apart ones." This designation underscores the sanctification process that believers undergo through the work of the Holy Spirit. In
Ephesians 1:1, Paul addresses his letter "to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus" , highlighting their distinct identity as God's holy people.
2.
Children of God: Believers are often referred to as "children of God," signifying their adoption into God's family through faith in Christ. This title emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people. In
John 1:12, it is written, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" .
3.
Believers: This term is frequently used to describe those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It highlights the fundamental aspect of faith in the life of a Christian.
Acts 5:14 states, "Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women" .
4.
The Elect: The term "elect" refers to those whom God has chosen for salvation. This concept is rooted in the doctrine of divine election, which asserts that God, in His sovereignty, has predestined certain individuals to be saved. In
1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter addresses his letter "to the elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" .
5.
The Faithful: This title is used to describe those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ and His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and loyalty in the Christian life.
Revelation 17:14 speaks of those who are "called, chosen, and faithful" .
6.
Disciples: Originally used to describe the followers of Jesus during His earthly ministry, the term "disciples" has come to represent all who follow Christ and adhere to His teachings. In
Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" , indicating the ongoing mission of the church to cultivate followers of Christ.
7.
Brethren: This term reflects the familial bond among believers, who are united as brothers and sisters in Christ. It underscores the communal aspect of the Christian faith. In
Romans 12:10, Paul exhorts believers to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love" .
8.
Heirs of God: Believers are described as "heirs of God," indicating their inheritance of eternal life and the promises of God. This title points to the future hope and glory that await the saints.
Romans 8:17 states, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" .
9.
The Redeemed: This term highlights the redemptive work of Christ, who purchased believers with His blood, setting them free from sin and death. In
Revelation 5:9, the redeemed sing a new song, proclaiming, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" .
10.
The Justified: This title refers to those who have been declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the legal standing of believers before God, having been acquitted of sin.
Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .
These titles and names collectively portray the multifaceted identity of believers as people saved by the Lord. They reflect the transformative work of God in their lives and their calling to live as His holy and faithful witnesses in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 33:29Happy are you, O Israel: who is like to you, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and who is the sword of your excellency! and your enemies shall be found liars to you; and you shall tread on their high places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... It was enough of old with the saints, "It is the Lord, let him do ... word Jehovah holds
forth more to angels than all the inculcated names and titles of God ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am ... Some of the names are "blotted out."
The others are confessed ... 12 " "Here is the patience of the saints." It is ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm
The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... to prove that fellowship he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles
which they ... is in this sense that Paul calls these Roman saints "beloved of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm
The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm
Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... eyes were shut, so long as the bodies of the saints lay hidden. ... Old men now repeat
that they once heard the names of these martyrs and read their titles. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
Introduction
... of thousands, of the loose-living members whose names are now ... is why sinners
(Rom.3:19) and saints (Jas.2:12 ... Now the Divine titles are not used loosely, nor are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... From several scriptures. HYMN 148 The names and titles of Christ. From several
scriptures. ... HYMN 140 The examples of Christ and the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm
Resources
What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.orgIs God male or female? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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