Sainthood

EIBC Devotional #22 - “Sainthood”

Emerald Isle Baptist Church

Pastor Zach Emory

Scripture - Ephesians 2:19-22

19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 

When we consider the title “saint,” we might remember the word “sanctified.” The saints are those individuals who are called unto God, set apart by Him, and in a holy relationship with Him. While some traditions venerate certain individuals who have attained sainthood, Protestant tradition generally affirms that all believers who have joined the household of God are now saints. This does not mean that we saints are extraordinarily, morally perfect. It does mean, however, that we belong to Him and are destined to share His glory. It might be a strange thought at first to consider yourself a saint. Could we place ourselves at the same level of those individuals with a high, holy calling such as the caregiver St. Mother Teresa, the theologian St. Augustine, the missionary St. Patrick, or the gregarian St. Nicholas? I think the answer is a resounding “yes!” because they achieved great accomplishments in their lifetimes because they relied on Jesus Christ as their cornerstone, imitating Him. At the very least, let us strive for sainthood, potentially even perceiving it as an attainable goal.

Questions for Reflection

Who are some other saints with whom you are familiar?

What would a life of sainthood look like for you?

Prayer - Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me apart and promising me a share in Your eternal glory. May my life reflect You as I imitate the saints who imitated You. In Christ name, Amen.