Saints

B-A-C · Aug 31, 2020

I wonder if it's a sin to get "side-tracked" while studying something in the Bible? If it is, I'm in trouble.

Seriously, this happens to me quite frequently.

I have heard some Christians say something like "I'm just a sinner saved by grace". But actually this is incorrect.
You "were" a sinner saved by grace. But you are a sinner no more. You really should quit thinking of yourself this way.
The Bible says we are "saints". (not sinners). Have you ever noticed how almost all of Paul's letters to the churches start out?

Rom 1:7; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 1:2; To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

2 Cor 1:1; Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:

Eph 1:1; Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Php 1:1; Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Col 1:1; Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
Col 1:2; To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We are also called saints in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. These letters are specifically written to Gentile churches. To the "saints". Not to unbelievers,
not to the Jews. The things written in these books are for "the saints". That's you and me.

Look back at the verses again. All of them are very close to the beginning of chapter 1 in every letter. This means the whole letter (the whole book)
was written to Saints in the church.

We aren't sinners. We are Saints!

Dave M · Sep 1, 2020

this is interesting and got me thinking yesterday. a couple things come to mind, first and fore most it is biblical.

It reminds me of the AA meetings, I never liked it when they always said they are alcholics, I do not consider myself a alcholic any longer, I detest alchoal. so no I dont consider myself a alcholic.

The other thought that comes to mind is what Paul says,,,,,,, and how this can be applied to what you posted???

1 Timothy 1:15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.

Paul himself declares himself to be the worst of sinners. And he says I am,,,not I was.

B-A-C · Sep 1, 2020

Dave M said:
Paul himself declares himself to be the worst of sinners. And he says I am,,,not I was.

Interesting he says that about himself, not those in the church.

Still, he says to "save" sinners. Was Paul not saved?

Or is it possible, he was speaking in past tense?

Brad Huber · Sep 1, 2020

Sinners I do believe to be those who have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That would include all sins they have ever sinned. So that there is no excuse to say.... but I have lived a good life....

Dave M · Sep 1, 2020

it is something you here a lot of preachers say, I remember when I first herd it and recall it was only about 5 or 6 years ago in my first church outside of the catholic church. I was a little shocked, and have always felt it a little weird to here preachers say things like "I am the worst sinner I know" one of my favorite preachers says that often. I always thought of it as a way for themselves to show humility, but I always think I sure hope your not the worst sinner you know.

Sue D. · Sep 2, 2020

@Dave M -- it Is a way that some preachers refer to themselves -- in a humble way -- there Are pastors who know they have been saved out of a really sinful past -- And they feel very humbled that God has chosen to use them in the ministry.

And a person knows how they Really are 'inside'. Where only God can see and know.

A few pastors I've heard preaching -- that they are like all other sinners Except that They have been saved by grace. That would apply to All born again believers. Every one of us has been born sinners -- but receiving Jesus Christ as personal Savior makes us sinners who've been saved by grace.

In A.A. -- the idea is that all alcoholics are Recovering ones. A person stays sober 'one day at a time' -- or one Hour at a time. And knowing what Triggered the drinking is important. And having a sponser is important.

Upon your salvation, God took that longing away from you ?! So you no longer see yourself in that way. But lots of others Do -- it Can take a Long time of non-drinking -- and Then something happens to them and they go for that drink. But that's where the sponser comes into the picture -- at the first sign of trouble -- they are supposed to be called so you have someone right there to encourage you to Not take that drink.

And sometimes the 1st step is the need To acknowledge that they Do have a drinking problem. That its' Not simply a lot of social drinking --it's alcoholism.

A pastor who appreciates God's grace in his life -- is probably Also very glad to help others coming to Christ as their Savior.

Brad Huber · Sep 2, 2020

Dave M said:
it is something you here a lot of preachers say, I remember when I first herd it and recall it was only about 5 or 6 years ago in my first church outside of the catholic church. I was a little shocked, and have always felt it a little weird to here preachers say things like "I am the worst sinner I know" one of my favorite preachers says that often. I always thought of it as a way for themselves to show humility, but I always think I sure hope your not the worst sinner you know.

I think its just a little bit plagiarism, thinking if Paul said it, and I want to be like him, then I will say it too.

Brother Paul · Sep 5, 2020

There are saved sinners and unsaved sinners. But we are also Saints because God has declared us "set apart" for His purpose and use (however insignificant that may seem to you or I). You never know what this work He has foreordained you to do is. It may be that just this one special time in your life you offer encouragement to the downtrodden that will bloom later because of that encounter and bring 100s or 1000s to the Lord.. I knew a lady named Lena and with her life and health all she could do was pray...I never saw so many answered prayers in all my life (and the good Lord has answered many of my wife and I's).

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