Saints? Really? Really!

by Pastor Corey Bjertness

Two wealthy brothers had terrorized the small town where they lived for decades. They were unfaithful to their wives, abusive to their children, and dishonest in business. They were loud, boisterous, and just plain rude to nearly everyone. Then, one day, out of the clear blue, the younger brother died. The older brother went to the local church pastor and said, preacher, I’d like you to conduct my brother’s funeral. And it’s important to me that during the service, you say my brother was a saint.”

The preacher immediately popped up and said, “But we both know he was far from that.”

The older brother pulled out his checkbook and said, preacher, I’m prepared to give $100,000 to your church. All I’m asking is that you publicly state that my brother was a saint.”

On the day of the funeral, the preacher began his funeral sermon this way. “Everyone here knows that the deceased was a wicked man, a womanizer, and a drunk. He terrorized his employees and cheated on his taxes.” The preacher paused for a second and then continued, “But as evil and sinful as this man was, compared to his older brother, he was a saint!”

Ha. I have always enjoyed this joke. But, it brings up an age-old question. Who is a saint? Paul addresses the letter to the Ephesians with the words “to the saints.” Did he mean these people lily-white, wonderful Jesus-loving puritans? Did he believe these people had ALL conquered their demons, slain their inner self, and were fully transformed into the likeness of Jesus? 

Hardly, instead, he reveals the true nature of sainthood. Eight times in chapter one, Paul uses the words “in Christ or in him (referring to Christ).” Could it be this simple? To be a SAINT is not a possession or title we ascribe to. It is a gift we receive. If we are IN CHRIST, we are, in fact, a saint. The title rests not in the worthiness of the recipient but the authority of the giver. Good thing, huh!

Have a great week.

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