Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:21 NRSV)
The Bible has a lot of saintly things to say about us who are made perfect through Jesus Christ. In
the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, we are described as the salt of the earth and the
light of the world. In John we are the fruit connected to Christ, who is the Vine. In Romans we
are joint heirs with Christ, sharing his inheritance. In Corinthians we are a temple a dwelling place
of God. In Galatians we are sons and daughters of God one in Christ. In Ephesians we are saints,
fellow citizens with the rest of God's family. In Philippians we are citizens of heaven, seated in
heaven right now. In Colossians we are hidden with Christ in God. In Thessalonians we are
chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. In Peter we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation. And in Revelation we are those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
II Corinthians 5:21 says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we
might become the righteousness of God." We are saints because we have been made perfect
through Jesus Christ.
George Gallup, famous for his Gallup Polls, wrote a book called THE SAINTS AMONG US, in
which he interviewed people from across the nation who apparently have lifestyles that have their
friends calling them "saints." These "saints" are not racially prejudiced, and are more giving and
forgiving than most people.
It would be great if the people who know us would consider us to be saints. But what is really
important is how God sees us and how we see ourselves. We are saints because of Jesus Christ
who makes us perfect in the presence of God.
Prayer: Dear God, it is really hard to me to think of myself as a saint. I am thankful,
however, that I am a saint in your eyes, because of your offering of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Written by: Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
Thursday, January 1, 1998