Chapter 3
Fact 2
The Saints and the Elect
Who are they?
From here on out we will list our list facts at the beginning of each chapter in order that we might continually remember the standards that we must use to properly interpret the Word of God. Our first fact is as follows:
Our 1st fact is that we are in the time frame labeled as “The Church Age.”
As we begin to look to the second fact we must ask our selves this question, “The saints and the elect, who are they?” This question must be answered and added to our list of facts. Then and only then can we move on to properly interpret the word of God when it comes to the thoughts and truths of God about the body presence of Jesus and our gathering together unto him. Much has been said and proposed about who the saints are and who the elect must be. We even see in our society religious groups who claim to have the ability to pray and have saints “made” and added to their list. The last time I checked it is God Almighty who determines who is and who is not a saint. The Word of God gives the proof of who is and who is not a saint, so let us begin there.
In the Old Testament the word saint carries the idea of one that is holy. Literally, “holy one” would be the best way to describe it. This word is used to describe Aaron the High Priest of God in Psalm 106:16 which states, “They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint (Holy One) of the Lord.” Aaron was the first high priest of God and was the first in the lineage of the Levitical Priesthood. Aaron was taken by God and set aside and separated unto the priest’s office. He was consecrated and holy unto the Lord. We know that Aaron failed the Lord a few times and it cost him the right to enter into the promise land, but the facts prove that Aaron was a righteous man before the Lord and, if he had not been, he would have surely died as he ministered and fulfilled the role of High Priest. Remember that the High Priest had to wear bells as he entered into the holiest of holies and if he was wrong before the Lord he would drop dead.
So the first clue into Old Testament saints teaches us that a saint is first and foremost a believer. Not only is a saint of the O.T. a believer, but a saint of God will also contain certain traits such as being holy, used of God, faithful and consecrated unto the Lord’s service.
Saints are also instructed to sing praises unto the Lord in the Old Testament. Notice Psalm 30:4 which states, “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”
Saints are instructed to praise God in the Old Testament. Notice Psalm 149:1 which states, “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”
Saints are instructed in the O. T. to bless the Lord, to be gathered unto God, to shout for joy, to fear God and to love God. Old Testament saints are believers who are consecrated unto God for his service and they are instructed to fear and honor God while singing and praising in the congregation of the saints. As a matter of fact, when you start looking at the facts, it appears that O.T. saints are a prime picture of what would be applied to New Testament saints during the church age.
Seeing how we have determined that we are in the church age let us go to the New Testament to examine the word of God and what it has to say about New Testament saints and who they are. The first mention of the word saints is used in Matthew 27:52-53 which states, “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” This verse is given right after Jesus, on the cross, cries out and gives up the ghost. I find it interesting that the first time this word is applied in the New Testament is after Jesus yields up the ghost. The first application of the word saints is applied to those whose bodies are resurrected as they come out of the graves.
1st Corinthians 1:2 sets forth a qualification that must be found in someone’s life in order for them to be called a saint. Notice what the scripture states, “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…..” We see by this scripture that Paul writes this letter to the church of God which is at Corinth. Not only does he direct this letter to a True New Testament Church, but he also gives us a little insight into what it takes to be called a saint. You must be sanctified in Christ Jesus in order to be called a saint.
What does it mean to be sanctified in Christ Jesus? Let us consider this word sanctified. The word sanctified carries the idea of “to make holy, to purify or consecrate or to be set apart as holy.” It is evident by this word and by the verse of scripture in 1st Corinthians that a quality found in New Testament saints is that they have been purified, consecrated and made holy in Christ Jesus. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and born again would be a good way to look at it.
Philippians 4:21 puts this aspect of being sanctified in Christ Jesus in even simpler terms. Notice what this verse states, “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.” This simple statement testifies that in order to be considered a saint in this present church age you must be found in Christ Jesus. To be found in Christ Jesus means that your body, mind and spirit must be found in him and in his righteousness according to his faith. Notice Philippians 3:9
As a matter of fact, take a look at the following statements about saints and understand that these are all church letters that have been written to True New Testament Churches.
Romans 1:7 states, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1st Corinthians 1:2 states, “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.”
2nd Corinthians 1:1 states, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia….”
Ephesians 1:1 states, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus….”
Philippians 1:1 states, “Paul, and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons…”
Colossians 1:2 states, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse…”
Chapter 3 continued next post