The Saints

Saints, Volume 2 Chapter 4 An Ensign to the Nations

Having just finished reading the book Saints, Volume 2 I thought to wright some of my feeling on the things I read and learned about the legacy of this faith in modern history, from both volumes. Beginning with this word, "Saints". A label or title that has been used in different ways by some of the religions of the world, and perhaps misunderstood by many, but let us not forget the original meaning of the word as described by Paul, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19), "beloved of God, called to be Saints" (Romans 1:7), "them that are sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints" (1 Corinthians 1:2) and by Peter, "as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." (1 Peter 1:15). The disciples (members of the church) of Christ in the time of the ancient church were thus:

1. Fellow-citizens with the saints
2. Of the household of God
3. Beloved of God
4. Called to be saints
5. Sanctified in Jesus Christ
6. Admonished to be holy in all manner or conversation

To be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is to be a Saint, a disciple of Christ is a Saint. From the Latin 'sanctus' meaning 'holy'. And who exemplifies the attribute of holiness better than those who have sacrificed so much for the cause of Zion; surly the pioneers of the restored faith are most worthy of this title. Having given all their earthly possessions, social statuses and many of them, their own lives to establish the literal foundation upon which we stand today. Achieving this sanctification, or sainthood or state of holiness means to be set apart from the world. We set ourselves apart from the world by our actions, first by exercising faith unto repentance and baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and then by pressing "forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men." (2 Nephi 31:20).

Becoming holy requires us to be in a constant state of repentance and change. For the pioneers of our faith this meant enduring what we would consider, extremely difficult trials both physical and spiritual. They were purified through their decisions and actions. Through their actions they not only earned holiness for themselves, but also performed a vicarious sanctification for everyone else who would join with them in the faith in future generations. This means that their actions have also earned each of us a level of holiness, that we partake of when we also press forward with steadfastness, despite not having to endure the same trials that they did.

The first latter-day saints established a foundation of faith, a foundation of modern religion recognized by the world, one that "Even an unbelieving world will recognize ... and realize the power of God upon it." (Henry B. Eyring - Prayers of Faith) Contrast that prophecy with the conditions in the beginning of the latter-day work and you will realize the immense work that was done by the Lord through these humble saints. It was not so organized, clear and straightforward as it is today. Revelation was only given when they were prepared to receive it, as it is to us. Instructions were given when they were asked for and sometimes only after much prayer and fasting. There was a struggle to understand by many, there were mistakes and corrections, searching and testing and even misunderstanding. But even through the mistakes there were great examples of faith, inspiration and revelations that guided many of the saints to find the correct answers. There were many who sought with humility and found it.

It is our turn to carry on this sainthood that has been earned for us, preserve it for the next generations and invite everyone to also become sanctified through Jesus Christ.