The Call To Sainthood Series

An Exegesis of Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Sainthood Defined: ONE SET APART, CONSECRATED, HOLY ONE... (Let’s see what the Commentators say…)

• In the NT the word hagios, when used as a noun, usually refers to members of the...church. All believers are called 'saints,' even when their character is dubiously holy." - Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia

• "Set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His...this appellation is very often in the NT transferred to Christians, as those whom God has selected out of the world" – Thayer

• "It is used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to God. These are called hagoi, saints, i.e., 'sanctified' or 'holy ones.' This sainthood is not an attainment, it is a state into which God in grace calls men" - Vine

I. Initiation Into Sainthood

A. The Gospel as a Divine Summons: It begins with the gospel!

1. The concept of being "called" (Romans 1:7) suggests a divine invitation through the message of the gospel itself (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

a. This calling aims at the glorification with our Lord.

B. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The gospel is our roadmap, detailing what we must believe, obey, and the promises we'll receive. When we embrace this call, regardless of our past, we step into our new identity as saints.

1. The gospel outlines God's redemption plan, consisting of:

• beliefs (1 Corinthians 15:1-3),

• commands (Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10), and

• promises (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 6:23).

a. Responding to the gospel's call, individuals are graced into sainthood, transcending their past sins (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:9-11).

2. Thus, each instance of gospel proclamation is an opportunity for sanctification, inviting adherence, purification, and consecration as saints.

II. Our Saintly Existence

A. Living Worthy: Our lives must reflect the holiness to which we've been called, shunning all that contradicts our sacred identity.

1. Saints are exhorted to embody their divine calling through unity, truth, love, light, and wisdom (Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:1-17),

2. …while eschewing behaviors unbecoming of their status (Ephesians 5:3-4).

B. Knowledge and Strength: Colossians reminds us to be rooted in the knowledge of God's will, living lives that honor Him, filled with spiritual strength and gratitude for our redemption and inheritance.

1. Knowledge of God’s will, coupled with wisdom and understanding, should permeate a saint's life (Colossians 1:9-10; James 1:5).

a. This entails a life reflective of Christ, aimed at pleasing God through good works and spiritual growth (Colossians 1:10-11).

2. Saints are encouraged to remain steadfast, powered by divine strength, expressing gratitude for their spiritual inheritance and deliverance (Colossians 1:12-14).

III. The Saint's Ultimate Hope

A. The Promise of Eternal Life With Christ

1. Paul and Peter articulate a vision of hope characterized by God's grace and a heavenly inheritance for the future to those who are faithful (Ephesians 1:18; 1 Peter 1:4).

B. A New Creation: We await the fulfillment of God's promise—a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This hope motivates us to live blamelessly, eagerly anticipating our eternal dwelling with God

1. The biblical narrative culminates in the promise of new heavens and a new earth, a realm of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13-14; Revelation 21:1-7).

a. This future not only encapsulates a physical transformation but also the establishment of God's eternal dwelling among men, epitomizing the saint's hope.

Conclusion

• As saints, we are called to a life of holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. Let us embrace our calling, live out our faith with diligence, and hold fast to the hope of our eternal inheritance. Amen.