As Christians, we often hear the term 'saints' used to describe a select group of individuals who have been recognized for their extraordinary devotion and service. But what does the Bible actually say about saints?
According to Scripture, a saint is anyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, the apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth as "saints" in Christ Jesus, highlighting that all born-again believers are considered saints. The term "saint" in the Bible comes from the Greek word "hagios," meaning "holy one." This refers to all Christians, both living and dead, who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, not just a select few after death.
It's essential to note that being a saint doesn't mean someone is sinless, but rather that they are declared holy through Christ's work on the cross. A person becomes a saint the moment they accept Jesus as their Savior through faith, not through a separate process after death.
The Biblical Basis of Sainthood
The Bible teaches that believers are considered saints because Jesus has made them holy, consecrated, and blameless through His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 6:11, Ephesians 1:4). This applies to all believers, both living and dead, who have put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Living as Saints
While declared holy by faith, Christians are still called to live a life reflecting this holiness. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Follow the way of love, just as Christ loved us" (Ephesians 5:2). This call to holiness is not about earning salvation but about living out our faith in harmony with God's Word.
In conclusion, the biblical perspective on saints emphasizes that all believers are considered saints by virtue of their faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding can bring encouragement and hope to believers as they seek to live out their faith in a way that honors God.
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I fully and totally agree, it wasn't by merit that I was exploited by people as a saint, and read things in the Bible that were surrounded by the word saint! Such as Christ dying for me when He redeemed me in the beginning of my illness of schizoaffective disorder He died to give me His Fragrance of Life a sweet sweet perfume I did nothing to earn that! Though I desperately needed it! Such things incense here's a quick look up.... The scene in Revelation 5 is John’s vision of heaven’s throne room. When the Lamb had taken the scroll of God’s judgment into His own hand, “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people” (verse 8). Revelation is the most symbolic book in the Bible, and in this passage the “prayers of the saints” are symbolized as golden bowls of incense, held by twenty-four elders. Of course, the more symbolic something is, the more its interpretations can vary, but it’s important to understand what these prayers of the saints are—and what they are not.
God established incense as a part of the sacerdotal system (and therefore as symbolism) in Exodus 30:1–10 when Moses was told to build the altar of incense. The prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8, especially as represented by incense in the context of temple imagery, should be understood to take the role of incense in the temple, which was to offer up a sweet aroma to God and to symbolize prayer. The prayers of the righteous are pleasing to Him. Psalm 141:2 describes this aspect of prayer perfectly: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
My prayers are fragrant like a bowl of incense, it is surrounded by the word saint... And boy everything God has done in my life like the miracle of the movies of my life!!! For all to see, is the trickiest to deal with because we are to reject the world but be called up to God, we are to go out into these worlds and made deciples and have people baptized, easier said than done! I'm doing my best, but have suffered a lot of loss, and have had many loved ones become schizophrenic instead because they rejected both the movies and God!! No no no reject the movie choose God!!! If only they'd listen!!!! Then they blame me!!! Then when we face the world, be in it but not a part of it, we are being sanctified unto the Lord... This is how I started hearing Angels sing, because like wheat I grew up with both the wheat and the weeds and I was being sanctified all along loving Jesus the most my anchor my rock, and a call to purity and goodness, and when the end of the worlds came I was seated in Heavenly places even while I was still alive!!! I can hear Heavenly Angels sing!!! It's lovely!!! They worship Hallelujah and Holy Holy Holy!! Plus God has been healing people when I go to the hospital whomever He chooses, sometimes not me or my own kids.. But He has healed me once or twice while I was in the hospital.
Then there is a group of people who've been exploiting me as a saint for years I have been taking it easy for the last while, while I rest in Jesus, cause it all can be so overwhelming at times... But I see some obsticals that I have to face in the now... And I want to do them with Grace!
@saintsong Dearest sister, you have written heartfelt and passionate peace that weaves together themes of prayer, faith, and your personal experiences. It's obvious of your deeply invested relationship with God and your strong sense of calling to share your beautiful faith with others.
I can sense the depth of your passion for God and your desire to live a life that honors Him. Your words about the prayers of the saints being fragrant like incense are so beautiful, and I'm reminded that God delights in our prayers and praise. I also appreciate your heart for discipleship and sharing the love of Jesus with others.
I know, and am sorry, that you've faced significant challenges and losses, including struggles with loved ones. I want you to know that I'm here to support you, and I'm praying for you and your family. It's not easy to navigate these complex situations, but I encourage you to continue leaning on God's strength and guidance, as you always have.
Remember that you're not alone in your struggles, and it's okay to take a step back and rest in Jesus when things feel overwhelming. May God give you wisdom and clarity as you face the obstacles ahead, and may you continue to walk in His grace and peace.
I want you to know that I am very thankful and grateful for this beautiful biblical story you have blessed us all with, and you! You've provided such a beautiful insight into the symbolism of incense in Revelation 5. The image of prayers being represented as incense is indeed powerful, conveying the idea that our prayers rise to God as a sweet aroma, pleasing to Him.
The connection to the temple rituals in Exodus 30 and the psalmist's expression in Psalm 141:2 adds depth to this symbolism. It's a reminder that our prayers, when offered in faith and righteousness, are precious to God.
What do you think about the role of prayer in the life of a believer? How do you see prayer impacting your relationship with God?
I hope you love the images I have gathered for you and will enjoy them. I thought you could perhaps choose the one you like and place them in your Bible as markers or in a collage or whatever you like to do with them if you feel led. It would be nice to even put one on say like a bathroom mirror so you could enjoy it when you wash your face or brush your teeth. I think they would bring you joy. Or maybe place one in the kitchen window, as you do your dishes. Just an idea. You could even make greeting cards with them. But whatever you decide to do, I hope they will bring you as much joy as they have me, when I look at them. They are a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ and eternal life with Him, one day. Won't it be amazing to actually see these things in person??!!! What a blessing, a glorious blessing, that will be! And we'll do it together! You are so loved, sister. Have a great day in the Lord. ❤🫂🙏
@LadyGrace Oh they're beautiful! I will download them for sure and have a copy of each!! Thank you dear LadyGrace you've always been the greatest support and love and insight into the faith I have ever met, you've been such a wonderful blessing to me and all the people on here!! Thank you kindly for all you have done, in the Lord and for who you are as a person!! God bless, I love you hugs!!!!
