Decoder Terminal
SAINTS COL
DESIGNATED ASSETS — SET APART FOR MISSION
PERSONNELSpecs
greek
hagioi (ἅγιοι)
root meaning
set apart, consecrated, holy ones
ot background
Temple vessels and priests were 'holy' by designation for sacred use
theological distinction
Positional holiness (status) vs. progressive sanctification (process)
Intelligence Brief
The Greek 'hagioi' means 'holy ones' — those separated from common use and dedicated to God. In OT usage, objects in the temple were 'holy' not because of inherent purity but because God claimed them for sacred service. Paul applies this to believers: they are saints by divine designation, not personal achievement. This is positional holiness — a status conferred at conversion that then works itself out in progressive sanctification. The Colossian heresy offered additional steps to holiness through asceticism and angel worship. Paul's counter: you are already saints in Christ. The fullness dwells in Him, and you are complete in Him. No supplementary spiritual technology required.
Scripture References