… para sa iglesya ng Diyos na nasa Corinto, sa inyo na mga hinirang ng Diyos na maging kanya sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-isa kay Cristo Jesus, gayundin sa lahat ng tao na  nasa lahat ng dako na tumatawag sa pangalan ni Jesu-Cristo, na Panginoon nating lahat …

1 Mga Taga-Corinto 1:2

Every November 1, many Christians around the world observe All Saints’ Day. It’s a religious tradition honoring all the saints of the church who have passed away and gone to heaven.  

Interestingly, the Bible pertains to saints in a different way. Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers that they are “called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1: 2, ESV). They have this calling because they have been “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” And they share this calling with “all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As followers of Christ, “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). When we accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our salvation, nagsimula na ang ating sanctification. In simple terms, sanctification is being set apart for God. Sanctification is a progressive work that God is doing in us so that we may become like Jesus. The Lord has set apart the godly man and woman for Himself (Psalm 4:3).

Have you been sanctified in Christ? Have you called upon the name of Jesus for your salvation? Do you call upon Jesus for your every need and for every decision that you make? Then you’re already a saint! You don’t need to be dead to be declared a saint.

Paul shows this clearly in his letters. To the Christians in Rome, he wrote, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13, ESV). To the Philippians, he wrote, “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:21-22, ESV).

On this All Saints’ Day, shout out to all the saints, both dead and alive! And for those who are still alive, search God’s Word on how we should now live as present-day saints and followers of His Son, Jesus.