If you say the word saint in New Orleans, many people would think you are talking about a football player, as New Orleans is the home of the NFL team by that name. Their quarterback currently is Drew Brees. So by New Orleans standards, Drew Brees is a saint. And this is not based on his actions. If he throws a touchdown pass, he is a saint. If he throws an interception, he is a saint. The town does not disown him if he fails. If he retires, he will continue to be regarded as a saint.
So when Paul addresses fellow believers, he refers to them as saints. This is based on their status and not their behavior. In addressing the believers in Corinth, there were some issues, but these issues did not keep Paul from referring to them as saints. The idea being set forth is we too, need to think of ourselves as saints. But many who profess Christianity don't. Nor do many think of themselves as sinners.
A recent example of this can be seen on the TV reality show, the Bachelorette. Apparently, there is a woman on the show who professes to be a Christian. Yet this woman admits to having sex with contestants on the show. When confronted by another contestant, also a professing Christian, about this behavior, she sent him packing. According to this article, she stated, “I have had sex and, like, Jesus still loves me.” The article also quotes her as saying, “Guess what? Sex might be a sin out of marriage, pride is a sin, too, and I feel like this is like a pride thing,” Brown said. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten clarity on you and I do not want you to be my husband.”
Is she a saint? That is up to God. Does she see herself as a saint? Does she herself as a sinner? It appears that the answer to both of those questions is no.
How do you see yourself? How do I see myself?
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