The saints of God, not made or sanctioned by a religious system, or by works, are the believers of Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue.
Paul addresses all of them in His letters. He writes to the saints in a particular region.
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Philippians 4:22
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he also came down to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Acts 9:32
…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.
Romans 1:7
Today is Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrating his love and commitment to the Lord. The saints of God are our brothers and sisters born of the Spirit. Paul writes to all who are beloved, called saints. Those who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are His saints. They are not made by man nor man’s criteria.
To be canonized, “CANONIZE, v.t. [from canon.] To declare a man a saint and rank him in the catalogue, called a canon.
Once again religion and man’s tradition minimize the work of the Holy Ghost in the people of God. Men like Patrick are saints without canonization, which creates a hierarchy and a spiritual class. There have been multitudes of great faith demonstrated by the saints of God.
Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:35-40
They all have gained approval by God because of their faith, and we too who walk by faith are being transformed into the image of God’s Son Jesus Christ. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10
These are the saints of God. Hallelujah!
-KC