Christians Are Called Saints, Not Sinners

One of the most important truths of the New Testament is the transformation of identity that comes through Christ. Believers are not merely forgiven sinners still bound to their old life; they are called saints—set apart, made holy, and liberated from the dominion of sin. Scripture makes it clear that Christians are not defined as sinners like the world, but as redeemed children of God, called to live in the likeness of Christ.

No Longer Slaves to Sin

Jesus Himself emphasized the seriousness of sin’s power in John 8:34–36:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

This passage shows that before Christ, all people are enslaved to sin. But once set free by the Son, believers are no longer captives. To call a Christian a “sinner” as their identity would be to deny the liberating work of Christ. While Christians may stumble, their position has changed—they are no longer under sin’s mastery. They are saints, living under grace and called to walk in freedom.

Saints, Not Like the World

In Luke 6:32–36, Jesus draws a sharp contrast between worldly love and the radical love of His disciples:
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…”

Here, Jesus distinguishes “sinners” from His followers. The world operates by self-interest, but believers are called to embody the mercy and character of God Himself. Christians are not to be identified as sinners like the world, but as sons and daughters who reflect their Father’s nature. To continue labeling the redeemed as “sinners” undermines the very transformation Christ brings.

Paul’s Consistent Address to Believers

When we read Paul’s letters, he never greets the churches with “To the sinners in Corinth” or “To the sinners in Ephesus.” Instead, he writes:
- “To the saints in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1)
- “To the saints in Philippi” (Philippians 1:1)
- “To the saints in Colossae” (Colossians 1:2)

This repeated emphasis shows that the apostles saw believers as saints—holy ones set apart by God’s Spirit. Their identity was not shaped by their past sin, but by their present union with Christ.

Living Out the New Identity

To be called a saint is not about boasting in moral perfection, but about recognizing the new position in Christ. It is a call to live differently:
- No longer conforming to the patterns of the world.
- No longer defined by sin or guilt.
- Actively reflecting God’s mercy, compassion, and holiness.

Christians must guard against adopting a “sinner mindset” that excuses continual compromise. Instead, they are to walk as saints who are free, forgiven, and empowered by the Spirit to bear the image of Christ.

Insights and Application

- Identity shapes behavior: If a believer constantly calls themselves a “sinner,” they risk normalizing sin. But if they embrace being a saint, they are encouraged to live in holiness.
- Freedom is real: John 8 shows that Jesus does not give partial freedom—He sets His people free “indeed.”
- Christlike love is the evidence: Luke 6 highlights that true sainthood is seen in how believers love even enemies, showing they belong to a different kingdom.
- Holiness is both a gift and a calling: Christians are made holy in Christ (positional sanctification), and they are also called to pursue holiness in daily living (progressive sanctification).

Conclusion

Christians are not sinners trying to be saints; they are saints learning to live holy in Christ. Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus has changed their status forever. As sons and daughters of the Most High, believers are called to reflect God’s mercy, love, and holiness in a world that still identifies itself with sin.

To accept the label “sinner” as our primary identity is to deny the fullness of Christ’s work. But to live as saints is to honor the freedom He has given and to walk in the light of our true calling.