All Saints
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2
The term "saint" is used in several different ways by different religious groups. Some use the term to refer to people who lived particularly holy lives. Sometimes it is used to refer to those whom the Lord has called out of this world of sin. There is some truth to these uses, but neither encompasses the full meaning of the Biblical word.
The word "saint" in both the Old and New Testaments literally means "a holy one." But a study of how this word is used throughout Scripture reveals some important things.
First, being a saint is not based on the action or work of the saint, but only on the action of God. Paul refers to the believers in Corinth as "sanctified in Christ Jesus." Literally, that means they were "dedicated or separated for holy purposes in Christ." He also says they were "called to be saints." Being a saint is not about the works of the individual, but about the work and calling of God. They are called "holy ones" because their sins have been removed through the life and death of Jesus. Now, by the work of the Holy Spirit, they have been set apart for holy purposes, both in time and in eternity.
In addition, Paul refers to those who believe in the true God as saints. Paul equates the term "saints" with the phrase "church of God." The term saints, or those who believe, includes those who are alive as well as those who are asleep in Jesus. All those who have been brought to faith in the promises and work of God are saints.
Lord, thank You for Your work of calling sinners as Your saints through the Gospel. Amen.
Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever, ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.
The Lutheran Hymnal 360:7