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	The Privileges of Saints I can remember growing up a young boy believing or at least thinking that a "Saint" is a person that has reached a certain level of holiness which is almost humanly impossible and imagining him to have a "Halo" over his head as a designation of his status. Consequently, it was generally believed that only such people will and can enjoy the special privileges of God. How wrong was I? What misconceptions we go around with until we know the truth. Who is a Saint? Though the usage of the word 'saint' varies amongst different religious and christians groups, we see that throughout the Bible the people of God in all ages, living or dead are referred to as saints.¹We find this is the case in both the Old and New Testaments regardless of their roles or leadership positions. In the New Testament, it is derived from the use of the Greek word "hagios", (?????) meaning "holy" or "holy ones". Paul, the Apostle in his letter to the followers of Christ (Christians) at Ephesus, reminded them of their relationship with God. In the passage below, Apostle Paul re-affirmed the teachings of the Bible on 'sainthood.' "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." ~ Ephesians 2:19 Only recently, I began to look at this word again and it amazed me the number of privileges (benefits and responsibilities) saints have. Partakers of the Divine Nature We see throughout scripture that those that believe in God, i.e. born-again Christians with the love and fear of God are declared children of God. We also see that when people come to faith in Jesus Christ, God gives them His Holy Spirit and bestows on them the divine nature which they did not previously have. The Holy Spirit then through a process of renewing of the mind by the word of God and through various means develops in them heavenly characteristics. Having given them a new disposition to love God and hate sin, the Holy Spirit supernaturally enables them remain faithful to the word of God so that they can live in righteousness Membership of the household of God As members of the family of God, Christians have God as their father. In Romans 8:15 - 17, we read that "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." Consequentially, God becomes the sole benefactor to those who belong to His household. He becomes a provider, protector, friend and helper. He becomes their guide, healer, source of comfort and encouragement. Also, just as all member of a household are responsible for different tasks, so also members of the household of God. Members of the household of God are responsible for the service in the house of the Lord. It is no wonder that church meetings are called 'service' e.g. 'Sunday service.' Here, every member is privileged to use his or her spiritual or material gift for the edification and building/growth of the whole body/church - particularly the local assembly/church. Calling upon God/Interceding for Others As a result of being children and friends of God, Christians have an inapprehensive access to their heavenly father, so that they can call upon Him in time of need. Be it to ask for favours and blessings or to confess theirs sins and ask for forgiveness. The Christian also has the privilege of interceding in prayers on behalf of others. A point in case is when Abraham in Genesis 18:23-33, pleaded with God not to destroy the sexually immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Also in James 5:14, we read that as Christians, our prayer of faith will bring about the healing of a sick person. What a privilege it is to receive answers to one's prayers. God does not forsake His own. He answers their prayers of the righteous, but the prayers of the wicked He will not hear.² Salt of the Earth & Light of the World. The manifold revelation given to believers by God makes them the custodians of the truth and the mysteries of God. On an intellectual level, the Christian therefore has the honour of communicating biblical truth to a world in ignorance of the things of God. This can only happen because Christ has revealed unto His saints the mind or will of God. In John 15:15, Jesus said: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you" Also, in Matthew 11:27 He said "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." On a practical level, the Christian has the privilege of upholding the purity of the community in which he finds himself, by living an exemplary life and standing against moral decadence. That is just as salt acts as a preservative so the Christian acts as a means by which God transforms and preserves the earth. Benefiting from the chastisement of God Depending on our maturity in the knowledge of God, it easy is for us to blame the devil when ever we go through afflictions in life. However, the bible teaches us that our heavenly father in His infinite wisdom does also afflict us as a way of bringing us in line with His will. Our natural fathers disciplined us as a means of training, how much more will God met out a befitting disciplinary measure to us when the need arises. We are encouraged not to despise the chastening of God, for if He does not chasten us, then we are as illegitimate children.³ But because of His love for us, God would sometimes deal with us as He deems fit. The psalmist says in Psalm 119:66 - 68, "Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes." The Holy Spirit then through a process of renewing of the mind by the word of God and through various circumstances develops in them heavenly characteristics, thus making them partakers of the divine nature. Having looked at the definition and privileges of saint(s), dear reader if none of the above characteristics applies to you, it would not do your soul any good if you do not take the opportunity you have now to become a child of God. God shows no partiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The truth according to all the passages quoted in this article is that if you have not received Jesus Christ into your life, then you are a stranger to the family and kingdom of God. You cannot partake of the privilege described here neither can you appropriate the promises and blessing of God to yourself. The good news however is that these privileges are also available to you if you would invite Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. The Bible says: there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. To receive Him, simply repeat these words; Father in heaven, I thank You for sending your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for me. I confess that I am a sinner and Lord, I ask that you forgive my sin and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so I can live for You for the rest of my life. Scripture References: 1 Deuteronomy 33:3, 1Sa 2:9, Psalms 16:3, Ps 37:28 2 Psalms 34:15 - 17, James 5:16, Proverbs 15:29 3 Hebrews 12:10,

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