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Bible Will I Find: How To Become A Saint? By: Gary Colley
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Bible Will I Find: How To Become A Saint? By: Gary Colley
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Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, saying that he had been “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ” just as the brethren in Christ were “called to be saints” (I Cor.1:1-2). These Christians had been called by the Gospel (II Thess.2:14), which is God’s power to save all men who will obey (Rom.1:16-17). The Corinthians were saved and had entered into the church of Christ by the same means practiced on Pentecost (Acts 2:39-41,47). While on a missionary journey to Corinth, Paul had established the church, which is explained, “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). Some in our day argue that faith alone saves, and attempt to use Crispus in this verse to “prove” their false doctrine. They say Crispus was not baptized here. But like all others who entered into Jesus Christ he was baptized (Mk.16:15-16). It seems as if only in a passing way in the letter to the Corinthians that Paul says, “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name” (I Cor.1:14-15). Saints in the New Testament were members of the church and not someone who has been dead for many years, but who is decided upon by some group of men to be made a saint. All who will may become saints today, by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, arising to live as a saint or Christian. Saint simply means one is holy, and has been separated to the service of God (Rom.6:16-18). One is not made a saint in the New Testament sense by joining a human denomination. Misguided zeal abounds in our world. It is not limited to the idolatrous pagan religions, or to the Jewish religion, but comes through a lack of knowledge of God’s Word. Paul clearly informs us that some religious persons have a zeal for God, “but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Rom.10:1-3). We are commanded to study to show ourselves approved unto God, to be the right kind of workmen in His church, and to rightly divide His Word (II Tim.2:15). We are assured by God that His Word will furnish us completely with every step from here to Heaven if we will follow (II Tim.3:16-17). God does not leave it to man to decide what worship He wants and approves, or what kind will be accepted (Heb.11:6; Acts 2:42). We may have a zeal, but without knowledge and the desire to follow God’s Will, our worship is vain (Matt.15:9). --Gary Colley