Who Are the Saints?
In Scripture, "saints" refers to all believers in Jesus Christ who have been sanctified—set apart—through His blood and the indwelling Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul regularly addressed his letters to "the saints" in various churches (Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:2), making clear that sainthood is not a special status earned through exceptional deeds, but rather the birthright of every Christian. When we place our faith in Christ, we are immediately declared saints in God's sight, positioned in His righteousness. This is our positional holiness—our standing before God through Christ's finished work.
However, Scripture also emphasizes that sainthood involves a progressive journey of sanctification. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes that "it is God's will that you should be sanctified," indicating that becoming holy is an ongoing process. We are called to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). This transformation happens as we yield to the Holy Spirit and apply God's Word to our hearts and conduct.
The Marks of Saintly Character
Throughout the New Testament, we discover the distinctive qualities that should mark our lives as saints. Love forms the foundation—Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This love naturally overflows into other virtues: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are not achievements we manufacture through willpower alone, but fruit produced by the Holy Spirit working within us.
Saintly character is further defined by integrity, humility, and wisdom. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted: "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This holiness manifests in honest dealings, pure speech, sexual purity, and freedom from envy and pride. Saints are called to live as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), offering our bodies and minds as instruments of righteousness. We are to pursue excellence in our work, honor in our relationships, and obedience in all areas of life.
Cultivating Saintly Character Today
How do we grow in this character? The path is clear: immerse yourself in God's Word, pray without ceasing, surround yourself with a faithful church community, and crucify the flesh through the power of the cross. When temptation strikes—and it will—remember that you have been given the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. Confess failures immediately, receive God's forgiveness in Christ, and press forward.
As a Canadian Christian, you live in a culture that increasingly contradicts biblical values. Yet this is precisely where your saintly character shines brightest. Let your speech be seasoned with grace, your conduct above reproach, and your faith unwavering. The world is watching, and your transformed life may be the gospel testimony that draws someone to Christ.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." — Colossians 3:12