Who are the saints in the Bible?
In the New Testament, saints (holy ones) is a name for all believers in Jesus, living ones, not a special group recognised after death.
Paul addressed his letters to the saints in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus and Philippi: ordinary living Christians. Every believer is set apart for God by faith in Christ.
The Catholic Church uses the word for people it has formally recognised (canonised) as being in heaven, and encourages asking them to pray for us. Scripture honours faithful believers who have died as examples to follow, but it never teaches praying to them.
7to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 (WEB) · context
2to the assembly of God which is at Corinth—those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
1 Corinthians 1:2 (WEB) · context
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 (WEB) · context
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
Philippians 1:1 (WEB) · context
39These all, having been commended for their faith, didn’t receive the promise, 40God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39-40 (WEB) · context
The good news
Saved by grace, through faith, in Christ
Salvation is God's free gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ alone.