Living as Saints
"To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus." - Ephesians 1:1
Let’s talk about being a saint. Sainthood isn’t achieved, it’s received. And it’s only received through the person of Jesus Christ. As I read that this week, I thought to myself… according to the Catholic Church, it is nearly impossible to become a Saint.
But the Bible says something completely different. God calls everyone who repents and follows Jesus a Saint! When Paul used that word, it wasn’t to put a spotlight on what you do; it was intended to put a spotlight on who you are.
If you are saved, Jesus calls you a Saint. That’s who you are. It’s your identity in Christ. When Paul used that word to define the Ephesian believers, he used it to show that they were “set apart” for God’s use. That’s what the word “Saint” means.
We are set apart for God’s use. Being ‘set apart in Christ Jesus’ is said to be the foundation of our identity as believers. We talked about the phrase “in Christ” last week. Paul uses that phrase 27 times throughout this letter, and he does so to emphasize that as these Ephesian believers lived in Ephesus physically, they lived in Christ spiritually. Living in Christ defined their identity.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with: "To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Notice how he begins this letter with grace and peace. These two words encapsulate the essence of our identity and experience in Christ.
Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is by grace that we are saved, and it is by grace that we are called saints. Grace reminds us that our sainthood isn’t based on our deeds but on what Jesus has done for us.
Peace is the result of this grace. It is the deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing we are loved, forgiven, and set apart by God. When we accept our identity in Christ, we experience a peace that transcends circumstances.
As we embrace our identity as saints, let us live out this truth daily. Being a saint means being wholly devoted to God, set apart for His purposes. It means living in the grace and peace He provides, reflecting His love and holiness in a world that desperately needs it.
Your identity in Christ is not something you earn; it’s something you receive. You are a Saint because you are in Christ. Embrace this truth, live it out, and let the grace and peace of God define your every moment.
Let’s talk about being a saint. Sainthood isn’t achieved, it’s received. And it’s only received through the person of Jesus Christ. As I read that this week, I thought to myself… according to the Catholic Church, it is nearly impossible to become a Saint.
But the Bible says something completely different. God calls everyone who repents and follows Jesus a Saint! When Paul used that word, it wasn’t to put a spotlight on what you do; it was intended to put a spotlight on who you are.
If you are saved, Jesus calls you a Saint. That’s who you are. It’s your identity in Christ. When Paul used that word to define the Ephesian believers, he used it to show that they were “set apart” for God’s use. That’s what the word “Saint” means.
We are set apart for God’s use. Being ‘set apart in Christ Jesus’ is said to be the foundation of our identity as believers. We talked about the phrase “in Christ” last week. Paul uses that phrase 27 times throughout this letter, and he does so to emphasize that as these Ephesian believers lived in Ephesus physically, they lived in Christ spiritually. Living in Christ defined their identity.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with: "To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Notice how he begins this letter with grace and peace. These two words encapsulate the essence of our identity and experience in Christ.
Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is by grace that we are saved, and it is by grace that we are called saints. Grace reminds us that our sainthood isn’t based on our deeds but on what Jesus has done for us.
Peace is the result of this grace. It is the deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing we are loved, forgiven, and set apart by God. When we accept our identity in Christ, we experience a peace that transcends circumstances.
As we embrace our identity as saints, let us live out this truth daily. Being a saint means being wholly devoted to God, set apart for His purposes. It means living in the grace and peace He provides, reflecting His love and holiness in a world that desperately needs it.
Your identity in Christ is not something you earn; it’s something you receive. You are a Saint because you are in Christ. Embrace this truth, live it out, and let the grace and peace of God define your every moment.
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