Saints of God

Thought I'd give you a quack out of this pic... Cool, huh?

"Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself." Galatians 4:14 (niv)

Don't you know those who "died to self and rose in Christ" are called saints? You don't have to die, a physical death, to become a saint. You're already a saint in Christ when you heard the Word of truth, believed in it, repented of your sins, confessed that Jesus is Lord, baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and eternally walking the Jesus Way!

"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you." Philippians 4:21 (rsv)

Holy people, a title for all God's people but applied in some contexts to a small group seen as the most dedicated ones.

In the Old Testament, two words are used for saints: qaddish and chasid. Qaddish comes from the qadosh and means holy. To be holy is to separate oneself from evil and dedicate oneself to God. This separation and union is seen both with things and people.

All the items of worship are separated for the Lord's use: altar (Exodus 29:37), oil (Exodus 30:25), garments (Exodus 31:10), and even the people are to be holy (Exodus 22:31). This separation reflects God's very character, for He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness is clearly portrayed as an encounter with the living God, which results in a holiness of life-style (Isaiah 6:1). So holiness is more than a one-time separating and uniting activity.

It is a way of life. “Ye shall be holy: for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Saints are people who try to live holy lives (Daniel 7:18-28).

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:27 (niv)

One interesting Scripture for you to ponder:

"Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!" 1 Corinthians 6:3 (niv)