‹ Back

Romans 15:25 "At present, however, I'm going to Jerusalem, with aid for the saints."

 

When Paul talks of "the saints" he is referring to Christians, those who have devoted themselves to Christ and His teachings. He wants everyone to be a saint, he opens his letter to the Romans by reminding them they are "called to be saints" (Romans 1:7). Unlike Paul, modern usage of the word "saint" is mostly referring to someone who is in heaven with God, someone who has finished their sojourn here and has been welcomed in to their heavenly home.

 

Our calling is to both meanings. We are called and blessed to be followers of Christ while here on earth. We are to help others find Him and answer this call as well, just as Paul did so successfully. We are also called, as our final destination, to be with God eternally in heaven. That is the whole purpose of life, to attain eternal salvation. By being the kind of saint to whom Paul refers, we open the door to the eternal sainthood to which are all called.