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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
There is a truth in the Bible that is so amazing, so exciting, and so staggering, and profound that when we think about it, it is almost unbelievable.
This truth is hidden in many, if not most, english translations of the Bible. This truth however, is in the margins of some translations, in very small print, in italics. By doing this the translators were admitting that it is possible that it could be translated as indicated in the margin.
However, most translators cannot bring themselves to entertain the idea that the margin should be the main text. Perhaps it seems presumptuous to translate this word (in the text) as the literal is (two words) in the margin.
In most translations, this one word is translated ("saints" - plural). Perhaps as a result of this, there are many opinions concerning the words saint or "saints". Down through the centuries, many different concepts have been taught, implied, and believed about who is a "saint", or when some are saints. Just who is a saint, and why? Is someone always a saint, and what are the requirements (or qualifications) for someone to be labeled as a saint?
Many Bibles have the word saint and/or saints in their margins as two words, rather than the one word, saint. The two words in the original Greek, in the margin, are "holy ones".
Not all Bible versions and translations make this distinction. Perhaps to do so seemed too self righteous and presumptuous to refer to Christians as "holy ones". But throughout the New Testament, where the word saint is used in most Bibles, it probably should be translated as "holy ones". But isn't this phrase to be applied to God only?
Most Christians understand and believe that God is three entities - Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit, all Holy, but one God and He is "Holy". Some recall the old hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!". Would most true Christians hesitate, at least a little, being referred to as a "holy one"? Would you? Would I?
The plain truth is however, if we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, if we are living "in Christ", and He is living in us we ARE "holy ones". Not because of or on account of you or I being perfect or "holy" of ourselves, but simply because the Spirit is holy, and Jesus is holy, and we are living in them and they are living in us, we are considered as holy because of them, and what Jesus did for us on the cross!
Although we are not yet holy as they are holy because we are not yet perfect, each one of us is considered as being a "holy one" because of Christ's dwelling in each of us. Throughout the Bible, God is referred to as being Holy. Jesus is Holy. The angels that surround God's throne are called "holy angles" - and also as the holy ones!:
"A God greatly feared and revered in the council of the holy (angelic) ones, and to be feared and worshipfully revered above all those who are round about Him?" - Psalm 89:7 (AMP)
The angels of God are called holy ones. Notice that we also, even now, have been made holy:
"Peter, an apostle (a special messenger) of Jesus Christ, [writing] to the elect exiles of the dispersion scattered (sowed) abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood..." - 1 Peter 1:1-2 (AMP)
Peter said he had been made holy by the Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian, you have been 'made holy" because the Holy Spirit now dwells in you. Understanding a well intentioned but unfortunate translation of a word should enable us to rejoice as never before. If you are in Christ, and He in you, you are considered a "holy one"! Does that make you want to rejoice and praise Him more than ever?
It should... when we pray, when we lift up our hands to God, even our hands are considered holy.
"For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension." - 1 Timothy 2:7-8 (NASB)
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