Seen As Saints In Christ
One of the most important things we can learn in our walk with God is to see ourselves the way He sees us. We are saints in Christ, and God wants us to live with an awareness of who we are in Him with a willingness to hear His voice.
1. We Are Saints Because We Are In Christ
Paul repeatedly addressed believers as “saints,” even when their lives and circumstances were far from perfect. The Corinthian church, for example, had plenty of problems, yet Paul still recognized them as people who had been called and set apart for God.
That challenges the way we often see ourselves. We can become very conscious of our failures, our sinful nature, and everything that is wrong in the world around us. But if we are going to walk with God, we need to agree with what He says about us.
Romans 8:1 gives us this wonderful assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” The little word in is incredibly important. We are in Christ. We belong to Him, and that becomes our standing before God. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have been made righteous and set apart for Him.
When we truly believe that we are saints, it begins to change the way we live. Our identity shapes our actions.
2. Holiness Means Being Set Apart—and Brought Into Wholeness
We often think of holiness simply as being separated or set apart for God. But holiness also carries the idea of being integrated—of having the different parts of our lives brought together in agreement with God.
We all know what it is like to have conflicting desires and voices within us. But God wants to bring us into a deeper unity with Himself. He wants His Word and His Spirit to shape our thinking, our emotions, our desires, and our choices.
Romans 8 is such a powerful chapter because it reminds us that “the law of the Spirit of life” has set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). We don’t have to live under condemnation. We can learn to live in the freedom Christ has already given us.
3. God’s Word Is More Than a Book—It Reveals the Living Word
John begins his Gospel with these remarkable words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
The Word of God is ultimately not just a book. It is a Person—Jesus Christ, the very expression of God. The written Scriptures point us toward Him, and through them God continues to speak into our lives.
I also reflected on the remarkable journey through which the Scriptures have come to us. Generations of people listened, recorded, translated, copied, preserved, and sacrificed so that we could have the Bible in our own language. The stories of people such as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale remind us not to take that privilege lightly.
The Scriptures contain the testimony of people who encountered God in the midst of real circumstances, real struggles, and real darkness. The experiences of those saints remind us that God still meets us where we are.
4. God Wants Us Not Only to Hear His Voice, but to Listen
Perhaps this is where everything comes together. God wants to be heard.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). There is a difference between hearing a sound and actually listening. We can hear God’s Word without allowing it to shape our lives.
So how do we recognize His voice? God’s voice will lead us toward humility. Jesus described Himself as “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). God’s voice will encourage us to inspire and minister to others rather than continually turning our attention inward. And His voice does not lead us into condemnation or judgment of others.
As we learn to recognize His voice, we begin to walk with greater confidence in who we are in Christ — saints.
Rev Scott Cross:
We have two addresses, in a sense. We have an earthly address—we live and work in particular places and communities—but we also have a heavenly address. We are in Christ. Wherever we go this week, we carry that identity with us, and we represent Jesus to the people around us.
That is why the words of Psalm 119:105 are so meaningful: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Closing Song:
Thy Word
Words and music by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith
© 1984 Meadowgreen Music Company (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)
Used by permission. CCLI License #300400 and CCLI Streaming Plus License #21254836
My prayer is that we would not simply know that God has spoken, but that we would become people who are attentive to His voice—allowing His Word to guide our steps, shape our lives, and lead us faithfully along the road ahead.