Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: People Near to God

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In the Christian tradition, saints are often referred to by various titles and names that reflect their close relationship with God and their exemplary lives of faith. These titles not only honor their spiritual achievements but also serve as models for believers striving to live a life pleasing to God. The Bible provides numerous references to the characteristics and roles of saints, emphasizing their unique position as people near to God.

1. Saints (Hagioi): The term "saints" is derived from the Greek word "hagioi," meaning "holy ones" or "set apart." In the New Testament, this term is frequently used to describe all believers who are sanctified through their faith in Jesus Christ. For instance, Paul addresses the believers in Ephesus as "the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:1). This designation underscores the calling of Christians to live lives of holiness and dedication to God.

2. Chosen Ones (Eklektoi): The saints are often referred to as the "chosen ones," highlighting God's sovereign selection and calling of individuals to be His own. In Colossians 3:12, Paul writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" . This title emphasizes the divine initiative in the salvation and sanctification of believers.

3. Beloved of God: Saints are described as the beloved of God, indicating the deep and abiding love that God has for His people. In Romans 1:7, Paul greets the Roman believers as "loved by God and called to be saints" . This title reflects the intimate relationship between God and His people, rooted in His love and grace.

4. Children of God: Another significant title for saints is "children of God," which signifies their adoption into God's family through faith in Christ. John writes, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1). This title conveys the privilege and responsibility of living as members of God's household.

5. Priests and Kings: The saints are also described as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" in 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light" . This dual role of priest and king highlights the authority and responsibility bestowed upon believers to serve and worship God while representing His kingdom on earth.

6. Friends of God: The concept of saints as friends of God is illustrated in the relationship between God and figures like Abraham, who is called "God’s friend" in James 2:23 . This title emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of faith, where believers are invited into a close and trusting relationship with their Creator.

7. Witnesses: Saints are often referred to as witnesses, bearing testimony to the truth of the Gospel through their lives and words. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of the "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds believers, encouraging them to "run with endurance the race set out for us" . This title underscores the role of saints in exemplifying faith and inspiring others to follow Christ.

These titles and names collectively portray the saints as individuals who are set apart, loved, and empowered by God to live lives that reflect His holiness and glory. Through their faith and obedience, they draw near to God and serve as beacons of His light in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 148:14
He also exalts the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise you the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... are the pictures or statues to which they append the names of saints, but exhibitions ...
of statues to himself, but also the consecration of titles and stones ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... The wicked have them by providence; the saints
by promise ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names, estate, posterity ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am ... Some of the names are "blotted out."
The others are confessed ... 12 " "Here is the patience of the saints." It is ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy
and triumph of saints. ... There are several names and titles in Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... power, introduced the worship of the saints, and of ... "The 131st, on the ecclesiastical
titles and privileges ... The ancients often used numbers to indicate names. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... All the saints and martyrs did not possess the power of performing miracles ... their
incantations, the heathens made use of some of the names and titles of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... charge in the queen and governor's names, to trouble ... sacraments; that we should pray
to saints; and for ... Upon which Lauder (repeating the several titles of the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery ...
... somewhat arbitrary in his use of such titles; and princeps ... he went to Britain to
visit "certain saints" (ibid. ... AU preserve the names of twenty abbots or coarbs ...
/.../chapter ii malachys pity for.htm