God’s word provides clarity on the important question: are we sinners, saints or both? While there is a wide confusion over it, the scripture gives distinct descriptions of each.
Sinners are characterized by their bondage to sin. They lack authority over sin’s controlling power. Hence, John 15:5- 6 pronounces that they do not bear Christ’s fruit or “abide in Him”. Rather, this dominion of sin over their lives estranges them from the divine grace.
In vivid juxtaposition, Col 1:13 establishes that saints have been delivered from darkness and are sent to the kingdom of God, inheriting the light of holiness. The Lord cleanses them and endows them with a new heart and Spirit. It empowers them to follow God’s statutes.
Thereby, the writings of Paul in Eph 1:1, Phil 1:1, and Col 1:1-2 only refer to believers as saints and never as sinners. It signifies that true believers transcend their former sinful nature to embrace a sanctified life. John 3:9 outlines that one must be washed, sanctified and born again to leave behind sin’s enslavement.
So are we sinners, saints or both? To address this question, the sermon reiterates a clear division between the sinful and those made holy. Sinners deviate from good, while saints walk in righteousness by the will of God. And true disciples can never be a mix of both.
Genuine repentance and faith in Christ (mentioned in Acts 3:19, 16:31) are crucial, but merely confessing to Christ is not enough – the fruit of the Spirit must demonstrate a living change.
With eternal implications, believers must not be confused about their identity. God’s word alone settles the matter, separating fact from the deception peddled by some. It urges believers to firmly understand and inhabit their rightful spiritual identity as saints.
