Saved by God’s Grace in Christ
April 3, 2008 (Thursday)
The Apostle Paul addressed his letters to the “saints.” Whether they lived in Ephesus, Corinth or Colosse, the title was the same: “saints.” The word, “saints,” in the original language of the New Testament (Greek) means “holy ones.” The Temple was “holy.” The altars, tables, and candlesticks in the place of worship were “holy.” The most sacred area of the Temple was designated “Holy of Holies,” and, adjacent to it, “The Holy Place.” You see, “holy” refers to God and everything (and everyone) that belongs to Him. So when the Bible calls us “saints,” is is saying we belong to God and, since we belong to Him, are to be used by Him in any way He wants.
The great apostle also said we are “sinners.” In fact, he called himself “the chief of sinners.” Once sin entered the world, it became a part of our very nature, and it’s easy for us to sin. No one has to teach us to do bad things; we do them naturally. The New Testament calls this bias toward sin our sinful, or carnal, nature. When we invite Christ into our hearts, he gives us a new nature, a spiritual nature. The spiritual nature wants what is good and right, and is to be nurtured in every way possible. We should feed the spiritual nature and starve the carnal nature. The old nature is always with us, so we are reminded daily that we are still sinners. Now, however, we are sinners saved by the grace of God, and set apart as “saints,” belonging to God.
God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Death could not hold him and he rose from the dead and lives to save us. If you confess He is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.
We are called “sinners” in the New Testament because we are helpless to save ourselves. We are called “saints” because God has saved us from the penalty of sin, is saving us from the power of sin, and shall someday save us from the very presence of sin, when we join all saints in heaven. Praise God from who all blessings flow.
(Photo of Charles)