Every Saint in Christ Jesus: Equality and Recognition

"Salute every saint in Christ Jesus." — Colossians 4:21

A true believer is marked by three distinguishing features. First, he is a hagios (saint)—a separated one, taken out of the world and set apart for God's purposes. God employs him as a chosen instrument for special spiritual uses, distinct from the general designs He accomplishes through all humanity. Second, he exists en Christo (in Christ Jesus), entering a new world with purer, nobler experiences. Christ guides, protects, and supports him; this present communion with Christ promises eternal reward. Third, saintliness belongs only to those united with Christ—not through personal resolution or achievement, but through participating in His Spirit, cleansed by His blood, following His example.

The Church itself embodies democratic equality. Our Lord established a visible society of believers, governed not as a monarchy (as Rome attempted) nor as an oligarchy, but as a true republic under Christ's headship. In this theocracy, God's will operates through the voluntary actions of individuals. All believers possess equal status, privilege, responsibility, and reward before Yahweh.

The salutation demands recognition of every saint without artificial boundaries. Theological differences prove often fictitious; if a man dwells in Christ, he is your brother regardless of creed. Ecclesiastical distinctions similarly dissolve. What matters whether one was baptized by immersion or sprinkling? The unifying reality transcends denominational lines: every saint stands equal in Christ Jesus.