Called Saints

Temple Baptist Church - 7-23-2017

Romans 1:5-7

Introduction: 

A.  This one of the instances when the italicized words supplied by the translators of clarification cause some confusion.  The phrase “called to be saints” is found only 2 times in the bible, in out text and in Colossians 1:2.

1 Corinthians 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to besaints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1.  In both instances, the words “to be” are italicized.  It pays to read verses with and without the italicized words.  The italicized words in your bible were not in the original manuscripts but were supplied by the translators for clarification but often cause some confusion.

2.  Another instance of confusion caused by italicized words is found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, where the word “unknown” is used to describe biblical tongues.  The modern day Tongues Movement has used this italicized word to build a false doctrine of present day tongues as unknown.  Biblical tongues were always languages that could be understood by the hearers.

B.  We are not called “to be” saints, we are saints!  The Catholic Church venerates certain people by raising them to the status of saints.  This has nothing to do with the Scripture!  Only God can make a saint and every one of His children ARE saints!

C.  What a blessing to be in such a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as to be called saints.  I fear that, all to often, we fail realize just who and what we are in Christ.  As God’s children:

1.  We Are Sons – In Relationship

2.  We Are Students – In Education

3.  We Are Soldiers – In Battle

4.  We Are Servants – In Obedience

5.  We Are Saints – In Standing

D.  If you look up the word “saint” in a dictionary, you will get a varied definition which has nothing to do with the biblical definition of the word.

SAINT, n.  [L. sanctus.]  A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue.  (This definition has more to do with piety than standing.)

E.  Sainthood is not related to spirituality - Ephesians 5:3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.  (Therefore, we should live a life becoming to our standing, but the standing is secured through the new birth and not works of righteousness!)

F.  I want to look at the sainthood of the believer tonight.

1.  POSITIONAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Imputation - 2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

a.  In Sainthood, We See Substitution – “sin for us” - 1 John 4:10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

b.  In Sainthood, We See Sinlessness – “knew no sin” - 1 John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

1 John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

John 17:23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Ephesians 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Colossians 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

c.  In Sainthood, We See Sanctification – “in him” - Colossians 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

2.  PRACTICAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Character Integrity - 2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

            a.  In Sainthood, We See Condition – “if”

            b.  In Sainthood, We See Change – “a new creature”

            c.  In Sainthood, We See Character – “old things … become new”

3.  PRESENTED SAINTHOOD – We Are Saints In Infinity - Jude 24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

a.  In Sainthood, We Find Power – “able … keep you from falling” - 1 Peter 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

b.  In Sainthood, We Find Presentation – “present you faultless” - 2 Timothy 4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

c.  In Sainthood, We find Promise – “presence … exceeding joy” - John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

1 John 5:11  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.