1269. The Glories of Sainthood

The Glories of Sainthood

1Pe_2:1-10

The Word of God speaks of believers as saints. The idea that we become saints after death is not Scriptural. 1Co_1:2 addresses the Corinthians thus: "Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth * * sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints." Some versions have the verb "to be," but the words are supplied. Christians are now saints.

The purpose of this study is to discover four characteristics, and to set forth four objectives of sainthood. The verse upon which the lesson is builded is 1Pe_2:9 : "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." The verse has two striking expressions, "ye are" and "ye may." The one speaks of character and position; the other speaks of walk and of service. We trust that the study will prove truly helpful.

Some one has suggested that the believer's "titles" or "degrees," are given in this passage. We go to college and finally we are honored by such titles as B.S., or A.B., or M.A. Here are the "degrees" God bestows on saints.

1. Christians are given the title "C.G." because they are "a chosen generation."

2. Christians are given the title "R.P." because they are "a royal priesthood."

3. Christians are given the title "H.N." because they are "an holy nation."

4. Christians are given the title "S.P." because they are "a special people."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR