WHO IS A SAINT? Part Two

WHO IS A SAINT? Part Two

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

To my fellow saints,

  Let us never forget that Jesus and the Father are one; it has and always is so. (Gen.1:21; Col.1:15-17)

  May the grace of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be with us this day. Let us give Him thanks and pray for one another with accord to honor and glorify God. We know our hope is not a maybe-so, but a matter of blessed assurance guaranteed by Jesus’ efficacious work by His walk among us, death, burial, and resurrection . . . and continuing intercession on our behalf.

  Let us walk worthy, pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, all the while seeking and finding increasing knowledge of the wisdom He provides. Consequently may we grow on the love that Paul describes in his letter to the Corinthians, especially in patience and letting ego go.

  Knowing we are only strengthened by Jesus in truth and action, may we, though suffering, let His joy be rampant; For we know we have redemption through Christ’ blood, even unto the forgiveness of sinfulness. Ours is the inheritance of light! 

  Now, rereading yesterday’s MKJV verses containing “saint” and “saintly” we discover several facts about being a saint.

·         Saints are referred to in both OT and NT.

·         There are 35 matches in 34 verses in the OT.

·         There are 60 matches in 60 verses in the NT.

·         The bulk of verses address saints as those living this side of physical death.

·         Whether OT or NT, saints are those then and now trusting God.

·         OT saints trusted Jehovah God, “I AM THAT I AM”. (Ex.3:14)

·         NT saints trusted and now trust God Incarnate; Lord Jesus Christ. (Jn.1:1-14; 3:15-18)

·         God’s dependence is not in saints. It is we that trust in Him. (Job 13:15; 15:14-16

·         God currently and eternally spiritually protects His saints.

·         Saints are persecuted, some lightly, some heavily.

·         There are wicked that glory in the blood of saints.

·         Without reservation, precious in His sight is the death of a saint.

·         Saints will possess the kingdom with God.

·         Saints are to judge one another.

·         Saints will judge the world.

·         Saints are joint-heirs with Christ.

·         Saints are not gods, but are to live godly.

·         Saints are to minister to one another.

·         Saints are to teach the truth.

·         Saints are not perfect; they should however be seeking perfection by imitating God their Father. (Mt.5:48; Lk.6:36)

   Have I left anything out? Oh yes, answering yesterday’s question “May I go by Saint Edwin?” No, though a saint, I may not and will not plaque commemorative inscription. “saint” is indentifying address, but never trophy self-championed.  EBB4