December 16

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. — Rom 1:7 BSB

The word "saint" has become, through human perverseness, a term of mockery and contempt. But God still honors it, no matter how much people may dishonor it. God has placed a crown of glory upon it, and though people may despise it, He has bestowed upon His saints the highest privilege and blessing possible. He could have given us titles without end; He could have showered us with riches, fame, power, beauty, health—yet none of these compare to making us saints of God.

But what does it mean to be a saint? It means being sanctified by God the Father, set apart for His purpose, to bring Him praise. It means being washed in the atoning blood of the Son and clothed in His righteousness. It means being regenerated by the Spirit of God. A saint is brought into a new realm, delivered from the power of darkness, and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.

No heart can fully grasp or tongue fully express the blessedness of the position to which God's saints are elevated, even in this life. They are sons and daughters of the Almighty; they are jewels in Jesus' crown, members of His mystical body, united to Him with an unbreakable bond. They are pillars in God's temple that will never leave; sheep redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb; virgin souls betrothed to Christ. They are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, with mansions of glory prepared for them beyond the skies. One day, they will sit as overcomers with Christ on His throne, singing praises to the Triune God for all eternity.