| Questions on Ephesians, Part 4: Who are "The Saints"? |
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| Written by David Lawrence |
| Monday, November 06 2006 00:00 |
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We come now to the final in a series of questions submitted by one of our devotional subscribers: “Also, to what does the ‘saints’ in Col. 1:26 refer... the apostles or believers in general? We have just noticed that in different passages where we have originally assigned the ‘us’ to be believers, it might well be ‘the apostles’. We're not by any means trying to raise dispute, but these things have been puzzling to us as we study through Paul's writings; and we value your opinions.” In the comments last week I suggested to our reader that Ephesians 1:1-12 refers to Paul and all Christians, both Jew and Greek. I do not see any reason for Paul to invoke apostolic privilege at this point; rather, he is trying to impress on all these Christians what they have in Christ. Colossians 1:26 reads: “ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.” In Ephesians 1:9, “he made known to us the mystery of his will.” I understand that the word saint, which derives from the Greek hagios, the word for holy, refers to those who have been made holy by the decrees of God: by their election, regeneration, justification, and adoption. They are positionally holy and are being made holy through the ongoing process of sanctification (See Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14). The Roman Church defines saints as people who live lives without venial sin; that is, they have reached a point of personal holiness and righteousness that sets them apart from sin. They are canonized, or recognized as saints, when they have performed miracles and been named by the pope and approved by the Curia. In that context apostles are often referred to as St. Paul, St. John, St. Matthew, etc. There is nothing wrong with that designation, but I can hear them saying “But you too, you also, all of you are saints!” On the other hand, the Bible uses the word to indicate Christians, those who have been made holy by the blood of Christ through faith. Their hearts have been purified by faith (Acts 15:9). They are called to be saints – holy ones ( Rom. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:2). Paul addresses his letter to the saints in Ephesus (Eph. 1:1), and in 2 Cor. 1:1: “To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia.” Philippians is addressed “to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.” In every usage of the word in the New Testament we have the suggestion that it describes Christians – any and all Christians. Finally, I thank our reader for submitting these questions which, I know, are questions that many of our readers wonder about. We welcome questions from our readers at any time. All are answered: some in devotionals and some privately, but we pledge to give all of you a response. Inquiry into the meaning of Scripture is always a wholesome enterprise! |
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