Who Is a Saint?

Many people think of a saint as someone who is morally perfect, who never sins, and always does good works. This is the common, worldly view. However, the Bible presents a deeper and more accurate understanding.

The Problem of Sin

The Bible teaches that all humans have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard. Sin is not just a mistake but a condition that separates us from God (Romans 3:23). Because of sin, no one can claim to be truly righteous by their own efforts or good deeds.

Romans 3:23— “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

This universal sinfulness means no one can stand before God and be considered holy on the basis of their own righteousness (Isaiah 64:6). Even the best human deeds are like “filthy rags” before God.

Jesus Christ — The Only True Saint

The Bible identifies Jesus Christ as the only sinless person who ever lived. He is uniquely holy because He was born without sin (born of a virgin) and lived a perfect life (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus alone fulfills the holiness required to stand before God.

Hebrews 4:15 — “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Because of His sinless life and sacrificial death, Jesus is called “holy” (Acts 3:14). He alone meets God’s standard of holiness and righteousness.

Our Position “In Christ”

The good news (the Gospel) is that through faith in Jesus, God counts us as righteous and holy—not because of our own works, but because of Jesus’ righteousness credited to us (imputed righteousness).

Romans 3:24 — “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

This means when we believe in Jesus, God sees us “in Christ.” Our sins are forgiven, and His righteousness covers us, like a garment. This is called justification by faith.

Isaiah 61:10 — “He has clothed me with garments of salvation; he has covered me with a robe of righteousness.”

This transformation is not about becoming morally perfect instantly, but about being declared holy before God because of Jesus.

Who Are the Saints?

According to the Bible, saints are those who belong to Christ—those who have been set apart by God through faith.

Psalm 16:3 — “As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

The New Testament often refers to all believers as saints (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2), emphasizing their identity in Christ, not their moral perfection.

What About Sin After Salvation?

Being “in Christ” does not mean we are free to keep sinning deliberately. True believers are transformed by the Holy Spirit, who helps them grow in holiness and turn away from sin.

1 John 3:9 — “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.”