OH WHEN THE SAINTS BELIEVE
WHO IS A SAINT?
and
WHO QUALIFIED THEM?
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 1:2-3
“Saint is an identity received, not an achievement earned.”
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:9-14
“You don’t become a saint by finally getting it all right. You become one because Christ claimed you as His own.”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE?
and
WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:1,6
“The saints don’t just believe something. They give themselves to Someone.”
Ephesians 2:10
PURPOSE
Created in Christ for good works
Galatians 5:13–26
FRUIT
Walk by the Spirit and bear His fruit
Matthew 5:1–16
WITNESS
Be salt and light so others see our good works
1 Corinthians 13
LOVE
Everything we do must be motivated by love
“Good works aren’t the price of sainthood. They’re the fruit of sainthood.”
THEODORET OF CYRRHUS
c. 393–c. 458, describing the Council of Nicaea (325)
“The Council looked like an assembled army of martyrs.”
God from God.
Light from Light.
True God from true God.
Begotten, not made.
