“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”” (1 Peter 1:14–16, ESV)
There is a name for one who is holy. It is saint. It is the identity we are given in Christ. Holiness is Christ in me!
But you may say, “I’m no saint. A saint who is someone without sin. I am far from perfect.”
We think of saints as this certain set of people who have achieved a certain level of holiness and who are recognized for their accomplishments. A quick Google search will quickly reveal the five steps you need to take to be recognized as a saint. But it is not in Google we trust. There is a higher authority, and it is called the Bible.
Holiness is accomplished for us by Christ. He took all the steps necessary. A saint is one who is in Christ. It is not about how much I attend church, how many good deeds I do, or how many sins I avoid. Our sainthood comes from being covered with the righteousness of Christ.
The only problem is that as long as I am still in this world, I am a sinner. It seems like a contradiction. How can I be a sinner and a saint at the same time?
In this world, we are progressing. It is called sanctification. As followers of Jesus, we grow each day in holiness as the Holy Spirit empowers. We will not fully get there in this lifetime. We will always be a work in progress in the here and now. But we are awaiting the time when Christ will perfect us. God created us for holiness. That is my identity. And every day I am one day closer to the fullness of casting off the title of sinner so that only my sainthood will remain.
Reflection
- Are you a saint? What makes you a saint?
- How do you progress in holiness as you await your perfection in holiness?
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for your blood and righteousness that make me holy. I recognize that I do not always walk in the holiness to which you have called me. But I thank you that I am a work in progress and look forward to the day you will perfect me in glory. Amen.
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