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In this episode titled “Sainthood,” the Essence of Christian Identity, Victor Vigorito discusses the significance of the term “saints” and why the Apostle Paul did not refer to the Galatian believers as such in his letter.
Victor greets listeners and introduces the central question of the podcast: why Paul refers to believers in his later letters as “saints” but omits the term when addressing the Galatians. Victor expresses the belief that Paul’s omission was not intentional but rather part of his general manner of addressing churches at that time, noting that both Galatians and First and Second Thessalonians do not use “saints” in their openings.
He then raises the question of why Paul exclusively uses “saints” in his other letters. Victor suggests that referring to believers as “saints” emphasizes a personal identity based on the righteousness of Christ rather than mere membership in a visible church. He argues that many people fundamentally misunderstand their identity in Christ, often framing it around their denominational affiliations rather than their sainthood.
He discusses Paul’s awareness of false brethren and suggests that referring to believers as “saints” helps discern true believers from those who might only be going along with a group without genuine faith. This distinction allows for a clearer understanding of one’s spiritual identity and purpose as set apart for God’s work.
Victor concludes his discussion by emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s identity as a saint, which comes from Christ’s righteousness and necessitates living for God’s purposes. He urges listeners on the significance of embracing their role as ambassadors for Christ.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
In this episode titled “Sainthood,” the Essence of Christian Identity, Victor Vigorito discusses the significance of the term “saints” and why the Apostle Paul did not refer to the Galatian believers as such in his letter.
Victor greets listeners and introduces the central question of the podcast: why Paul refers to believers in his later letters as “saints” but omits the term when addressing the Galatians. Victor expresses the belief that Paul’s omission was not intentional but rather part of his general manner of addressing churches at that time, noting that both Galatians and First and Second Thessalonians do not use “saints” in their openings.
He then raises the question of why Paul exclusively uses “saints” in his other letters. Victor suggests that referring to believers as “saints” emphasizes a personal identity based on the righteousness of Christ rather than mere membership in a visible church. He argues that many people fundamentally misunderstand their identity in Christ, often framing it around their denominational affiliations rather than their sainthood.
He discusses Paul’s awareness of false brethren and suggests that referring to believers as “saints” helps discern true believers from those who might only be going along with a group without genuine faith. This distinction allows for a clearer understanding of one’s spiritual identity and purpose as set apart for God’s work.
Victor concludes his discussion by emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s identity as a saint, which comes from Christ’s righteousness and necessitates living for God’s purposes. He urges listeners on the significance of embracing their role as ambassadors for Christ.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
