Called to Be Saints: Embracing Our Heavenly Calling

When we talk about a “calling,” many people immediately think of roles like pastors, prophets, apostles, evangelists, or teachers. But every believer has a high and holy calling: to be saints. This calling is not about a specific ministry title but about being set apart for God, to live in holiness, empowered by His grace. Let’s explore what it truly means to be called to be saints, and how this calling shapes every believer's life in Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Saint?

The term “saint” comes from the Greek word *hagios*, meaning “holy” or “set apart.” In Scripture, saints are those who have been separated from the world and consecrated to God. Paul writes in Romans 1:7, “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.” This call to sainthood isn’t reserved for a select few but is extended to everyone in the body of Christ. Each of us is called to a life of holiness, reflecting the nature and character of God.

Saints are those sanctified by the blood of Jesus and filled with His Spirit. By faith, we have been cleansed, and now, through God’s indwelling presence, we are empowered to live a life of purity and righteousness.

Made Holy by the Blood of Christ

Holiness is not something we can attain by our own efforts; it is a gift we receive through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 10:10 reminds us, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” When Jesus shed His blood, He paid the price for our sins, making it possible for us to stand blameless before God. Through His death and resurrection, we are washed clean, sanctified, and set apart as holy.

Our sainthood, then, is not based on our merit but on Christ’s finished work. Ephesians 1:4 tells us, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.” God’s desire is for us to walk in holiness, but this holiness is grounded in what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf.

Empowered by the Spirit to Walk in Holiness

We cannot walk in holiness by our own strength. We are empowered to live holy lives through the presence of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. Romans 8:11 states, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” This new life in Christ is made possible by the Spirit of God, who enables us to live righteously.

The Holy Spirit is also our guide in living as saints. Jesus said in John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” As we surrender to His leading, we are transformed to reflect God’s holiness in our thoughts, words, and actions. This journey is not about striving in our own strength but about allowing the Spirit to shape us into the image of Christ.

A Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood

In 1 Peter 2:9, we read, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Being called to be saints means that we are part of a holy community. Together, we form a “holy nation” and “royal priesthood,” a people set apart for God’s glory.

This priesthood means that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. We are called to worship Him in spirit and truth, to proclaim His goodness, and to reflect His love and holiness in our lives. As God’s people, we stand as a light in the world, pointing others to the transformative power of the gospel.

Holiness by Grace, Not by Works

God’s command is clear: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). However, this call to holiness is not a demand for perfection in our own strength but an invitation to rely on God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Holiness is a gift, something we receive through faith, not something we achieve through effort.

As saints, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). By focusing on Him, we allow His grace to continually shape us. When we shift our focus away from Christ and onto ourselves, we begin to struggle. But as we keep our eyes on His grace, we are empowered to walk in the holiness He has already provided.

Living as God’s Saints in the World

Living out our calling as saints involves daily surrender and trust in God’s grace. We are called to live differently, to be examples of God’s love, purity, and righteousness in a world that often opposes these values. Our sainthood is a testimony of God’s transforming power, a reflection of His love to those around us.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our calling as saints is not about drawing attention to ourselves but about glorifying God. As we live out our sainthood, others are drawn to the One who made us holy.

Keeping Our Focus on Christ

To fulfill our calling as saints, we must keep our focus on Jesus. Only by keeping our eyes on Him can we live the consecrated lives He desires for us. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” When we focus on Christ and His finished work, we are strengthened to walk as holy people.

Our sainthood is a heavenly calling, one that calls us to look beyond ourselves. As we rest in the blood of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live as saints, reflecting God’s holiness in everything we do.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Call to Be Saints

Being called to be saints is an incredible privilege and responsibility. It’s a calling that unites us as a holy people, empowered by God’s grace to reflect His holiness and love. This calling reminds us to depend not on our strength but on the finished work of Jesus and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

As we embrace our identity as saints, let us remember that our holiness is not something we earn—it is a gift. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and allowing His Spirit to lead us, we are transformed into His likeness, fulfilling our heavenly calling. We are not only called to be saints; we are empowered to live as saints, testifying to the world of God’s grace and glory.