THE MPN HOME PAGEINDEX PAGE for all MPN Topical Bible StudiesHoly SaintsINTRODUCTION: This study provides a look at "saints" in the Old and New Testaments as an extension of considering those Paul addressed in chapter one of his letter to the Colossians (see the MPN study, Colossians 1 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory!). The English word saint or saints appears in 36 verses in the Old Testament and in 62 verses in the New Testament in the KJV, providing an interesting word study. This is especially true when the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek term is translated into a word other than saint in the KJV, yielding more scope for the application of the original term. Other English words used to refer to individuals saved by God, include believers, faithful, and brethren. This study is just a glimpse at "holy saints" to stimulate our thoughts, with no attempt to fully encompass all the related terms, or the full extent of each context. Using the Online Bible, the English word saint was the first search, and then the Strong's numbers were used to determine differentiation of the original words translated into English as saint. Three Hebrew terms and one Aramaic term were translated as saint in the KJV Old Testament, and also as other English words; notably, including holy, for all four of the original terms. The words holy and saints are not found as a couplet in the KJV, and perhaps because that would merely be redundant; but it seems from the study, that our application of the two English words should not be separated in our thoughts or daily conduct. . Even Abraham was directed by God in Genesis 17:1 "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect {without blemish, upright, without spot, complete}." NOTE: The Bible text in the study is taken from the King James Version, unless otherwise designated by initials in parentheses. A - Old testament saintsDeuteronomy 33:1 And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints <06944>: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. 3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints <06918> are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. COMMENTS: Moses used two of the three Hebrew words in this brief passage, with a hint to future saints returning in victory. The Hebrew word indexed as 06944 appears in the KJV as saints only in this passage; the majority of other occurrences of that Hebrew word are translated as holy. Those called to be saints will receive into their hearts the word of God as they rest at his feet, with his word being a distinctive of their call. B - Fear the Lord, ye His saintsPsalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints <06918>: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. COMMENTS: What a comfort to think on the truth that the set-apart saints have the angel of the LORD encamped at hand, ensuring complete protection. If we fear the Lord, we will have nothing, or no one else, that we should ultimately fear, in the realm of God's eternal protection. C - Congregation of the saintsPsalms 89:1 <> I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. 5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints <06918>. 6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints <06918>, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? COMMENTS: This psalm of Ethan provides another message of protection and security for the congregation or assembly of saints of the Lord. The Lord is incomparable in strength and faithfulness. He will fulfill his promise to David to establish his seed forever, and will display his faithfulness to the congregation of the saints. Since the very heavens will praise his wonders, we who are part of the assembly should say with the psalmist, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever! 02623 dyox chaciyd khaw-seed' from 02616; TWOT-698b; adj D - He will keep the feet of His saints1 Samuel 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints <02623>, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. COMMENTS: This faithful woman Hannah spoke her praise to the one who placed her among the saints with a sure footing that would not slip. The saints will inherit the throne of glory, even as a great multitude of them will be lifted out of the dust of physical death to be restored! But the ungodly will be broken to pieces, to remain in darkness with no restoration. By his own strength no man shall prevail, but the Lord shall firmly establish the feet of his saints, and he shall exalt the horn of his Messiah {mashiyach]. E - Solomon's prayer of dedication2 Chronicles 6:40 Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 41 Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints <02623> rejoice in goodness. 42 O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant. COMMENTS: As Solomon concludes his prayer of dedication of the Jerusalem temple of the Lord, he requests of God that the saints be caused to rejoice in goodness, as the Lord remembers his mercy promised to David; and Solomon further requests that the face of Messiah {mashiyach} look upon them without turning away. F - The Lord's saints should sing of His love and holinessPsalms 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints <02623> of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalms 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints <02623>: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints <02623>; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalms 50:5 Gather my saints <02623> together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. Psalms 52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints <02623>. COMMENTS: Our Savior was slain before the foundation of the world, and the saints on both sides of the time line of the cross of Calvary, share the distinctives of saints. We should sing of his love and holiness with joy because he preserves forever his saints, while executing judgment on the ungodly. The saints become God's possession by accepting through faith, the sacrifice of Christ in their behalf, and by waiting for the Lord until all of the saints shall praise him forever. G - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saintsPsalms 79:2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints <02623> unto the beasts of the earth. Psalms 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints <02623>: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalms 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints <02623>; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints <02623>. Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints <02623> shout for joy. Psalms 145:10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints <02623> shall bless thee. Psalms 148:14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints <02623>; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints <02623>. Proverbs 2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints <02623>. COMMENTS: Very difficult times for many saints have taken place, and will continue to take place, until the appointed time of the end. But the saints must continue to hear and embrace the word of the Lord to possess the peace that passes all understanding, and we must avoid returning to folly which characterizes the unsaved. If you love the Lord, then hate evil; for he will preserve your soul and deliver you from all evil, because the physical death of saints is precious in the sight of the Lord. The priests (believers) of the Lord shall be clothed with righteousness, and all saints will shout for joy, because all of your works shall praise you Lord, and the saints will bless you. You will exalt Christ, the horn of our salvation, and all the congregation of saints will sing a new song of praise. You O Lord, do keep the paths of judgment and preserve the way of your saints! Hallelujah, amen! H - Saints of the most high GodDaniel 7:18 But the saints <06922> of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints <06922>, and prevailed against them; Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints <06922> of the most High; and the time came that the saints <06922> possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints <06922> of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints <06922> of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. COMMENTS: This Aramaic word appears only in the book of Daniel as saints, and the context implies strong linkage to the saints and to the events described in the book of Revelation. The final judgment will be rendered in favor of the saints of the Lord, and then all saints will be part of the everlasting, never-ending kingdom of God and of his Christ. I - New testament saintsRomans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy <40> scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 40 agiov hagios hag'-ee-os from hagos (an awful thing) [cf 53, 2282]; TDNT-1:88,14; adj AV-holy 161, saints 61, Holy One 4, misc 3; 229,> 1) most holy thing, a saint. COMMENTS: Paul was called and separated to the gospel, that was promised aforetime by God's prophets in the holy<40> scripture. We who are saints have also been called of Jesus Christ to obedience to the faith, among all nations, for the praise of his name. J - The Holy Spirit, the Prophets, and the ApostlesHebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy <40> Ghost, according to his own will? 1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy <40> Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy <40> men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy <40> Ghost. 2 Peter 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy <40> prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: COMMENTS: holy men spoke the words of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit of God, in Old Testament times, and again as the apostles of Christ Jesus spread the gospel message, by the work of the Spirit within them. May the gospel of our Savior continue to spread throughout the world by the activity of the Holy Spirit in the saints. K - The Continuing Work of the Holy SpiritRomans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy <40> Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy <40>, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy <40> Ghost. Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy <40> Ghost. Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy <40> Ghost. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy <40> Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. COMMENTS: We are not holy except for the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, which he has given to those who are called saints. So then, we have a "reasonable" service, which is to present our bodies as a living sacrifice in service to our Savior, for the kingdom of God is not food and drink for the physical body; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy <40> Spirit. In this way the God of hope can fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy <40> Spirit. We speak of these things, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy <40> Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. L - Sealed by the Holy SpiritEphesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy <40> and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy <40> Spirit of promise, Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy <40> temple in the Lord: Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy <40> Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy <40> and without blemish. Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy <40> and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: COMMENTS: We were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his love. When we heard and believed, we were sealed by his Spirit, and we are being built into his holy temple with all believers. We should not grieve the Holy Spirit which has sealed us unto the day of redemption, when Christ will present himself with a glorious congregation with no spot or wrinkle. M - Be Holy As God Is Holy2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy <40> calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy <40> Ghost which dwelleth in us. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy <40> Ghost; Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy <40> brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy <40>, so be ye holy <40> in all manner of conversation; 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy <40>; for I am holy <40>. Leviticus 11:45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy<06918>, for I am holy<06918>. Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy<06918>: for I the LORD your God am holy<06918>. Leviticus 20:26 And ye shall be holy<06918> unto me: for I the LORD am holy<06918>, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.] 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy <40> priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy <40> nation, a peculiar {purchased} people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: COMMENTS: The saints are called with a holy calling, according to God's purpose and grace, given in Christ Jesus before the world began, when no human works existed. We can keep the good thing that God has given us, by the Holy Spirit that dwells within us to provide soul cleansing and regeneration of spiritual life. We are holy brethren because of our high priest Jesus Christ; therefore as he which has called us is holy <40>, so we must be holy <40> in all manner of conduct. We are living stones as part of his house, a royal priesthood purchased to show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. N - THE RESURRECTION OF SAINTSMatthew 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints <40> which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy <40> city, and appeared unto many. COMMENTS: After Jesus was resurrected from the tomb, many saints who "slept" were raised bodily from their graves, and went into the city where they were seen by many. These would have become saints before they died, with their death and burial apparently preceding the crucifixion death of Christ; and this particular group-resurrection is unique by its characteristics. O - Paul turns from persucution to ministryActs 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints <40> did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. Romans 15:25-26 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints <40>. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints <40> which are at Jerusalem. Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints <40>; 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints <40>, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: COMMENTS: Paul recognizes after his own salvation, that he had been persecuting the saints of God. He then turned his life from persecution to ministry to the saints, and found it necessary to pray that he be kept from those who acted as he once acted, and that the saints would accept his service to them. Paul writes to the Corinthians referring to them as the church of God, the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints; and they are like all those everywhere, who call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. P - Fellow citizens with the saintsEphesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints <40>, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints <40>, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints <40>; Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints <40> in light: COMMENTS: We who place full trust in Christ Jesus are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. We are fellow citizens with all saints, and yet the apostle Paul referred to himself as least among the saints! As saints, we should not give occasion for fornication, covetousness, or any other form of uncleanness to be attributed to us; but rather, we should through action continually give thanks to our Lord for causing us to be partakers of the inheritance of all the saints in light. Q - The Marriage of the Lamb1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints <40>. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints <40>, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints <40>, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints <40>, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him {the beast} to make war with the saints <40>, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints <40>: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints <40>. Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints <40>. COMMENTS: We will be established in unblameable holiness before the Father, when Christ returns, glorified in his saints, and executes judgment on the ungodly. But the nations will rebel at his return, and the beast will make war on the saints. But the saints must resist by keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus Christ., not receiving the mark of the beast. Will it be, that the resisting saints actually sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints <40>. The conclusion of the matter will be the marriage supper of the lamb, and the saints will be arrayed in the white linen of the Lord's righteousness, to the glory of God our Savior! --- Reflections in prayer ---Lord I believe that you are incomparable in strength and faithfulness, therefore my hope is secure that you will establish your Christ forever, and allow me as one of your saints, to sing of your mercies forever. I know I will join all saints in the inheritance of the throne of glory, even if you lift me from the dust of physical death to accomplish it. I will sing of your love and holiness with joy because you preserve forever your saints, while executing judgment on the ungodly. I have become your possession, O Lord, by accepting through faith, Christ's atoning sacrifice on my behalf, as he is the lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Strengthen me day by day as one of your saints to continue to hear and embrace the word of the Lord to possess the peace that passes all understanding, and to avoid returning to folly which characterizes the unsaved. I love you Lord, may I hate evil; preserve my soul and deliver me from all evil, because even the physical death of your saints is precious in your sight. Clothe me with your righteousness Lord, so I may shout for joy and sing a new song of praise, realizing that all of your works must surely praise you. You O Lord, do keep the paths of judgment and preserve the way of your saints! Hallelujah, amen! You called Abraham to walk blameless before you, you called and separated the apostle Paul to the gospel, and you have called me to be a saint of Jesus Christ to obedience to the faith for the praise of his name. I am not holy except for the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, which he has given to those who are called saints. Enable me to present my body as a living sacrifice in service to my Savior, for the kingdom of God is not food and drink for the physical body; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Fill me Lord with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. All saints are called with a holy calling, according to God's purpose and grace, given in Christ Jesus before the world began, when no human works existed. As I struggle in my thoughts, knowing my natural tendency to be unholy, remind me Lord that I can keep the good thing that you have given me, by the Holy Spirit that dwells within me to provide soul cleansing and regeneration of spiritual life. We are holy brethren because of our high priest Jesus Christ; therefore as he who has called us is holy, we must be holy in all manner of conduct. We are living stones as part of his house, a royal priesthood purchased to show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Paul wrote to the Corinthians referring to them as the church of God, the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints; and they were like all those everywhere, who call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Those who place full trust in Christ Jesus are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. As a saint, I must not give occasion for fornication, covetousness, or any other form of uncleanness to be attributed to me; but rather, I should through action continually give thanks to our Lord for causing me to be a partaker of the inheritance of all the saints in light. I will be established with all other saints, in unblameable holiness before the Father, when Christ returns, glorified in his saints, and executes judgment on the ungodly. Keep foremost in my thoughts Lord, the marriage of the lamb, when the saints will be arrayed in the white linen of the Lord's righteousness, to the glory of God our Savior! Hallelujah, amen Published 20 July 2004, revised 8 April 2011 |