“To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).
In speaking of those who are “…called to be saints,” Romans 1:7 employs a familiar term that is often poorly understood. For instance, some view the word “saint” as a designation that the church confers upon an exceptionally devout person. Others use this word to describe a resilient individual who perseveres through a host of adversities without complaint.
However, this word takes on a different meaning when it appears in a Biblical context. In the original language of this passage, the word translated “saint” refers to one who is “separated”, or “set apart.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary expands on this definition with the following insight: “In the plural, as used of believers, it designates all such and is not applied merely to persons of exceptional holiness, or to those who, having died, were characterized by exceptional acts of ‘saintliness.’”(1)
In light of this, we can say there is no scriptural basis to support the act of elevating an individual (or a select group of individuals) to the rank of sainthood. From a Biblical perspective, no human institution holds the ability to appoint someone to that position, for every man and woman in Christ is already acknowledged to be a saint. Thus, everyone who possesses genuine faith in Christ is declared to be set apart, and called to be saints.
This passage also features a greeting that serves as a recurring feature of Paul the Apostle’s New Testament letters: “Grace to you and peace…” We can find variations of that salutation in virtually all of Paul’s Biblical epistles…
“…Grace to you and peace” (1 Thessalonians 1:1).
“…Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:2).
“…Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 1:4).
There are similar examples in 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, Philemon 1:3, and 2 Timothy 1:2 as well. While there are some variations in these greetings, these references to grace and peace are consistent among them, and are always found in that specific order.
This makes good sense, for it is through Jesus’ sacrificial death that God graciously enables human beings to enter a relationship with Him. Thus, grace (the unmerited favor that God extends to us in Christ) leads to peace with our Creator and peace with others.
(1) Saint (-s) hagios (G40) Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, © 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc.