Romans 1:6-7

Here is what the dictionary calls a “saint.”


saint

–noun
1.
any of certain persons of exceptional holiness of life, formally recognized as such by the Christian Church, esp. by canonization.
2.
a person of great holiness, virtue, or benevolence.

3.
a founder, sponsor, or patron, as of a movement or organization.

4.
(in certain religious groups) a designation applied by the members to themselves.
–verb (used with object)
5.
to enroll formally among the saints recognized by the Church.
6.
to give the name of saint to; reckon as a saint.



Italics added for emphasis

According to these definitions, a saint is someone who is called so as a result of their OWN good deeds and works.

Here is what the bible says.

Saint – Hagios – Holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated, It has a common root of Hag – with Hagnos, chaste, pure. It's fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to service of Deity, Sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earthly defilement.

These people were called saints before any deeds had been done by them. They were called saints, not based on their own deeds and good works, but on God's choosing. Wrapped up in this word, is the word we translate, HOLY. To be a true saint was to be one called by God, set apart, sharing in God's righteousness and purity, for the purpose of living a life of faithful devotion and service to God. To be called a saint, implies you are so by the choosing of someone else for the purpose of service. You do not get the title saint, according to scripture, by your own performance of good deeds. Rather, you are called a saint in order to do good deeds for the sake of giving God the glory.