Called To Be Saints
Love the LORD, All You His Saints
“Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.” Psalm 31:23
The term “saint” rarely comes up in discussions about God’s people these days, even though it carries deep meaning for our identity as followers of Christ. Some years back, I brought this up with a friend, sharing my curiosity about whether believers might live differently if they were referred to as saints instead of Christians. My reflection was both simple and challenging—names carry weight, and perhaps embracing the title “saint” once more could encourage us to pursue a greater sense of purpose and holiness in our daily lives.
Further confirmation of this perspective arrived when I received a promotional email from Addison Bevere, son of John and Lisa Bevere of Messenger International, regarding his new book “Saints: Becoming More Than Christians.” In his book, Bevere highlights the significance of fully embracing our identity as saints and encourages cultivating a relationship with Jesus that transcends traditional religious labels. Although I have not yet read the book, his message deeply resonated with me and reaffirmed what the Holy Spirit had already placed on my heart: as Christians, we are meant to live as saints.
Our Identity Hidden in Christ
The Bible teaches that as saints, our old life has been crucified with Christ, and our new identity is hidden in Him. Colossians 3:3 beautifully captures this truth: “Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!” (TPT).
To be a “saint” is to live as one sanctified and set apart by the righteousness of Christ. It is not about achieving moral perfection on our own but allowing His glory to transform and define us. Britannica describes a saint as “a holy person, believed to have a special relationship to the sacred as well as moral perfection or exceptional teaching abilities.” But more importantly, Scripture refers to all believers as saints, emphasizing that holiness comes through Christ alone.
Christian or Saint?
The New Testament mentions the term “Christian” only three times (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16), while “saint” is repeatedly used to describe God’s people. The word “saint” comes from the Greek verb “hagiazo,” which means “to set apart,” “to sanctify,” or “to make holy.” A genuine saint is not simply someone who tries to be good, but a person transformed by Christ’s righteousness and empowered to fulfill God’s will. Being identified as saints serves as a reminder of our sacred calling—to reflect Christ’s life on earth and further His Kingdom. This calling invites us to turn away from worldly ways, pursue holiness, and reveal God’s love and truth through every part of our lives.
The Restoration of the Church
God’s design for His Church is to return it to its original purpose and intent. According to Acts 3:21, Jesus will remain in heaven until the complete restoration of all things, fulfilling what God foretold through His prophets. This restoration goes beyond simply reviving old traditions—it involves recapturing the core truths and practices that characterized the first-century Church.
Over the centuries, many of these truths were hidden, but during the Protestant Reformation, the Holy Spirit began to bring them into the light once again. Today, we continue to see God actively reviving His Church, preparing it for the coming reformation and revival that must take place before Christ returns.
As believers, we are vital participants in this restoration. God has given His faithful people important work to do, and our calling reaches far beyond the walls of the church building. We are called to serve and minister in every area of society—whether in workplaces, schools, government, or elsewhere—shining the light of Christ wherever we go.
Equipping the Saints
Preparing believers for service is vital to accomplishing God’s plan for the Church. The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 4:11-12: “He has given each one of us a special grace gift according to the size of the gift of Christ… These grace gifts include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, and their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.” When believers are not properly equipped, the Church cannot fully reflect the glory it is meant to display. Rather than being mere onlookers, Christians are called to be actively involved in God’s Kingdom. The fivefold ministry exists to empower every believer, helping them discover and fulfill their individual role in advancing God’s purpose on earth.
Faithful Servants of God
Saints are distinguished by their steadfast faith and deep love for God’s people. As Hebrews 6:10 assures us: “For God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he forget the work you have done for him? He remembers the love you demonstrate as you continually serve his beloved ones for the glory of his name.” This passage captures the essence of what it means to be a saint—devoting oneself to serving others for the honor of God. Rather than being mere recipients of grace, saints actively share God’s love and truth with those around them. Through both simple acts of kindness and significant efforts, they reflect the character of Christ in their daily lives.
Anticipating Reformation and Revival
As we fully embrace our identity as saints, we position ourselves to experience the excitement of God’s unfolding purpose for His Church. The coming reformation and revival aren’t far-off hopes—they are assured promises grounded in Scripture and revealed by His Spirit. Let’s invite the Lord to awaken our hearts with eager expectation for this new season. May we step forward with confidence into our calling, prepared to minister and serve, and ready to witness the restoration of all things come to pass.
To Him Be the Glory
Believers are called to live for the glory, joy, and peace that come through Jesus Christ. As we strive to walk in holiness and remain faithful, let us consistently honor His name, recognizing that sharing in His mission is both a privilege and a blessing.
May we, as saints, live out our divine calling with grace and courage, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need.
“To Him be glory, now and forever.” Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 