Saint

In the Bible, the word saint comes from the same Greek root as the words "sanctify" and " sanctification," and is related in meaning as expressed in the following:

• sanctify (hagiaso) - to set apart for a holy purpose.
• sanctification (hagiasmon) - the state or process of being set apart, or made holy.
• saint (hagion) - one who has been set apart or made holy by faith in Christ.

As the apostle Paul said in the opening of his epistle to the Colossians, "To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father," (Col. 1:2).

In the context of Scripture, the word "saint" is not a description of a special class of Christian or a reference to one who is deemed especially holy (as used by the Roman church), but is a simple reference to Christians -- emphasizing that they have been set apart by God.