Saints vs. Sinners
In the New Testament, "saints" (Greek hagioi, 'holy ones') is simply the ordinary word for believers - set apart in Christ, not a title reserved for the exceptionally holy; "sinners" describes anyone, believer or not, who falls short of God's standard - which Scripture says is everyone.
Point by Point
Saints
Sinners
Who it describes
Every believer in Christ, addressed as 'saints' throughout Paul's letters, not an elite few.
All humanity - 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23).
Basis of the status
Set apart by God's calling and Christ's work, not by personal moral achievement.
A universal condition rooted in the fall of Adam.
Overlap
Paul addresses ordinary, imperfect church members as 'saints' (e.g. 'the saints which are at Ephesus').
Even saints continue to struggle with sin this side of glory (1 John 1:8).
Scripture References
Paul Addresses the Saints at Ephesus
Ephesians 1:11 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
'Saints' is used as the ordinary address for an entire local church, not an elite subset.
All Have Sinned
Romans 3:2323 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
States plainly that every person, without exception, falls short of God's glory.
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