The Bible on Holiness
Old Testament Foundations
(Hebrew: qedoshim — “holy ones”)
Psalm 30:4 — “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints…”
Saints are God’s covenant people, set apart to worship Him.
Psalm 116:15 — “Precious… is the death of his saints.”
God treasures His faithful ones; “saints” refers to the righteous within Israel.
Daniel 7:18 — “The saints… shall receive the kingdom.”
A prophetic picture of God’s holy people ultimately inheriting His kingdom.
New Testament Meaning
(Greek: hagioi — “holy ones”)Every believer in Christ is called a saint. This is the dominant NT usage.
Identity of Saints
Romans 1:7 — “Called to be saints.”
Paul addresses all believers as saints, not a spiritual elite.
1 Corinthians 1:2 — “Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.”
Saints are those made holy by Christ, not by personal merit.
Ephesians 1:1 — “To the saints… faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Saints = believers who belong to Christ.
Philippians 1:1 — “To all the saints in Christ Jesus…”
Again, the entire church is addressed as saints.
Life of Saints
1 Peter 1:15–16 — “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Saints are called to live out the holiness God has given them.
Watch the cause and effect chain!
Watch the cause and effect chain!
Ephesians 4:1 — “Live a life worthy of your calling.”
A saint’s life reflects God’s calling.
Perseverance of Saints
Revelation 14:12 — “The endurance of the saints…”
Saints are marked by faithfulness to Christ under pressure.
Revelation 5:8 — The prayers of the saints rise before God.
Saints are worshipers whose prayers matter in heaven.
Communion of Saints
Hebrews 12:1 — “A great cloud of witnesses.”
Saints include the faithful who have gone before us.
🧭 Summary
Old Testament: “Saints” = God’s covenant people, set apart and faithful.New Testament: “Saints” = all believers in Christ, made holy by His work, called to live holy lives, persevere in faith, and share in God’s future kingdom.
