Understanding Your Identity as a Saint in Christ

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: – (Eph. 1:1b)

When we hear the term “saint,” we often think of those who have lived extraordinary lives of holiness, far removed from daily struggles and failures. The word carries a weight that feels almost impossible, and rightly so, who would dare take on such a title willingly? Yet, this is precisely how Paul addresses all believers in his letters: “to the saints who are in Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ” (Eph. 1:1). Paul wasn’t speaking to a select group of super-Christians but to all who have placed their faith in Christ. The term “saint” isn’t just an honorary label; it’s our identity.

The biblical definition of a saint is simply one who has been set apart, sanctified by the grace of God. The Greek word for “saint” (ἅγιος, hagios) means “holy” or “set apart.” Paul’s greeting in Ephesians makes it clear: every Christian is a saint, not because we have attained some special super human level of holiness, but because we have been called and chosen , set-apart from the world by God Himself. We have been made holy by the blood of Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that reflects our new identity.

Being a saint is not about aspiring to become something we are not. It’s about living out what we already are in Christ. It’s not a future achievement but a present reality. We don’t strive to be saints; we are saints, and our responsibility is to live in light of that truth. Like a member of a royal family, our conduct should reflect the honor of our new family name. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ, and our lives should reflect His holiness, love, and grace. Philippians 1:27 exhorts us to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This is our responsibility as saints—to live in such a way that our lives align with the reality of who we are in Christ.

This doesn’t mean we won’t stumble or struggle. We are saints who still live in a fallen world, wrestling with our sinful nature. But even in our failures, we have the grace of God to pick us up and empower us to continue walking faithfully. The Christian life is not one of instant perfection, but of continual transformation, as we are conformed more and more to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

We have extra help too. It is not by our own strength. It is by the dynamic power of God at work within us. The word “power” used in Ephesians 3:20, referring to God’s ability to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,” is from the Greek word dynamis, the root of our word “dynamite.” This isn’t a passive force but an explosive, transformative power. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20) and now works in us to live as saints enabling us to put to death sin in our lives and to live as overcomers; demonstrating a life that is radically different from the world because it is empowered by God Himself.

Much like soldiers living in a foreign kingdom, our lives are no longer our own. When we came to Christ, we surrendered our claim to ourselves, laying down our lives for Him just as He laid down His life for us. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Contrary to popular belief, our lives are not ours to live as we please. We have been set apart for a greater purpose, God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

The world tells us to pursue self-fulfillment, live for our own desires, and define our own identity. But as those who are called to a higher purpose, our lives now belong to Christ. Our focus is His kingdom, His will, and His purposes. Whether we are at work, at home, or in our relationships, we carry the responsibility of representing Christ in everything we do. While this might seem like a heavy burden, we are not left to carry it alone. The same grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us, and the same power that made us saints empowers us to live as saints.

To be called a saint is to embrace both the incredible privilege and the immense responsibility of being God’s holy people. We are saints not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done in us. And as saints, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and faithfulness of the One who has set us apart.

This calling is not just for the extraordinary moments of life, but for the everyday, ordinary moments where we have the opportunity to reflect Christ to the world around us. As we walk in this world, we do so as those who are set apart, not by our own merit, but by the grace and power of God working in us. It is a high calling indeed, and there is no other calling for the Christian, no denying it if we would be set-apart for Christ we must live a life that is set-apart. This is who we are. Our duty is to live worthy of this calling, not out of fear or obligation, but out of deep gratitude for the incredible grace that has been lavished upon us.