March 17th is traditionally celebrated by many as Saint Patrick’s Day. You may have also heard people refer to the apostle Peter as "Saint Peter." Or perhaps you have heard of some man called "Saint Thomas Aquinas." Our church building is located along "Saint Andrews Road." What is a saint? Since the word is found in the Bible, we ought to understand its meaning and how it should be used.
The term "saints" appears 95 times in the New King James Bible. It is also translated as "holy," or "godly." But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him (Psalm 4:3, NKJV). In Ephesians, we see this same sense describing people who were dedicated to holiness: But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints (Ephesians 5:3). "Saints" made up the congregation in Philippi: Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1). A few times, it refers to angels: Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints (Jude 14; cf. Matthew 25:31).
However, one religious group has taken to a practice of calling certain people "saints" after they have died. This practice is referred to as "canonization." Essentially, the deceased is given this official title by a group of people who have made a judgment upon his record of life. But this practice is foreign to Scripture, and therefore should not be followed by those seeking to do the will of God.
In the Bible, the term "saints" refers to God's people. It is not an official title, but a synonym for "holy people." That makes sense because the apostle Peter writes that Christians are to be holy like God (1 Peter 1:15,16). Being holy means separated from sin and dedicated to service for God. It does not mean that one can be perfect, or sinless; but, we should make it our aim... to be well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9). So, are you a saint? If you have received the grace of God through your obedience to the gospel, and are living a holy life in accordance to his word, you are. It is not a title by which you are called, but a lifestyle to which you are called (Romans 1:7).
Therefore, when you hear of Saint Patrick’s Day, know that this is just someone to whom a religious group gave a title. We do not celebrate it as a holy day as some do. But we can always rejoice in the knowledge that God has called us to be saints, and may we continue to humbly walk in his way. Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1). Brotherly, Jamie
It is shocking how far reaching the effects of just one bad, sinful decision can go. It's like throwing a rock into a creek and watching the ripple effect. Sin can put oneself and others in harmful situations now and even in the future. Knowing the hurtful nature of sin should provide ample motivation to stay away from it and warn others of it. Moreover, knowing the good nature of God should motivate us to trust His ways. It is too late to change our bad decisions, but it is not too late to do what God has said. While we may have to live with the consequences of our deeds, we can also live knowing we are forgiven of them. Thank God through Jesus Christ our Savior for that! But if we do not repent of our sins, the misery they have produced in this life will infinitely multiply in an eternal hell, where unrepentant sinners are sentenced. Jesus said, Unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3). Actions have consequences.
Brotherly, Jamie
