Quite a strange title for a Gospel Message – but a real question as to exactly where each of us stand before God. The Bible is very clear about the difference between Believers and non-believers – the SAINTS and the AIN’Ts.
The Apostle Paul in his opening greetings to the Corinthian Church says, “To the Church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be SAINTS, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2).
In this verse and many others, true Believers are referred to as SAINTS – then and there – now and forever. For example, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in Love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you – to the end He (Jesus) may establish your hearts unblameable before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His SAINTS” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
Another important reference is, “When He shall come to be Glorified in His SAINTS, and to be admired in all them that Believe in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:10) – “in  that day” refers to whenever Jesus returns to earth the second time.
These Scripture verses refer to those who follow Jesus Christ as “Believers” -- then and now – there is no time division.
There will be those who question referring to people today as SAINTS – BUT -- it follows Biblical terminology as concerning Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior.
It seems like all who fall under the name “Christian” have their own thoughts and definition of what constitutes a real SAINT – however, we will follow the Inspired Word of God in this article.
In the little Epistle of Jude near the end of the New Testament, just before Revelation – the writer encourages his readers – and we today – “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered to the SAINTS” (Jude 3). Again, this reference is to Christians living at that day, and Christians living whenever they are reading it – then, through the ages, and now.
The Apostle Paul also in his letter to the Ephesian Church says, “To me, who am less than the least of all SAINTS, is this Grace given, that I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).
We have covered exactly who this word SAINTS is referring to. NOW, how about the AIN’Ts. Very simply, according to the Bible, these are those who have refused God’s Great Gift of Grace, accepting the finished work of Christ on the Cross – either by being ignorant of God’s Word – or by refusing God’s Word.
Let’s look at these two items more closely --
IGNORANT OF GOD’S WORD – It is possible today that there still may be some, in remote villages around the world that have never heard the Good News of Salvation – but that possibility is growing smaller and smaller by every passing day. There are Missionaries today who are translating the Bible into languages that have never before been in writing – but -- the Bible is still very clear, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His Eternal Power and Godhead – so that THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE” (Romans 1:20).
Even when we first arrived in South Africa years ago, we were told that the Zulus, before they ever heard from a Missionary, knew God as the “Big-Big” because they knew all this creation could not just have happened without a Super Power in control.
REFUSING GOD’S WORD – Most people in the civilized world today have heard of God and Jesus Christ, but many have brushed the message off as something old fashioned for women and children – not so -- the message of the Gospel is still, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be Saved” (Romans 10:13) – men and women, young and old, rich and poor – the “whosoever” means you and me.
Today we live such full and rushed times many find it very inconvenient to listen to the witness of the Bible, and the Power available to each of us to overcome the sin and evil desires in our lives. The Ten Commandments are taken from our schools, prayer before sporting events is removed, no mention of God or Jesus Christ is allowed in public meetings – “In God We Trust” is in jeopardy -- and what are we doing about it?
Our title, “SAINTS or AIN’Ts” is a real question for each one of us. Are we standing up for what is right? Are we obedient to God? Are we ready to meet Him? Is He Lord of our lives? – Or – are we just going along with the flow and keeping silent?
ARE YOU A “SAINT” – or – AN “AIN’T?”
For more information or counseling contact Pastor Bruce R. Burke, Open Bible Ministries, 263 Edgefield Road,  Lake Ariel, PA 18436; Phone (570)698-7890; cell (570)470-3760 or e-mail openbiblemin@verizon.net.