In the opening greetings of this epistle to the sophisticated, gifted, worldly wise, yet troubled Corinthians, Paul addressed them as “saints”; they were saints by divine calling (1 Cor. 1:2 jnd). These brief words provide a lovely illustration of the wondrous position of grace in which we stand as believers.

The Corinthians were “saints,” not because they had somehow attained to perfection, or sainthood was pronounced upon them by some great religious organization. They were saints through God’s grace; they had been sinners but now had been called by Christ, the Savior of sinners. “Saints” is a word which is derived from the word “sanctified”; this sanctification occurred at conversion. But though they were saints, they were not always living or acting in a very saintly way. There were disorders among them that needed to be adjusted, and situations that required genuine repentance. How patient and gracious the Lord is toward us!

In such a large, materially prosperous assembly, located in a seaport with a reputation for “fast living,” there may have been a “mixed multitude” among them (cf. Ex. 12:38). Some professed faith but perhaps were not believers. This is hinted at in the warning Paul gives in 1  Corinthians 10:1–11. Paul’s benediction includes a solemn word to those who did not love the Lord Jesus: “Let him be accursed. O Lord, come!”—or, “Anathema Maranatha” (jnd). The Lord Jesus is coming, and it is a serious thing to “play church” or to commit “presumptuous sins” (Ps. 19:13). For the rest of them, Paul would say, “My love be with you.” This is one of the most solemn benedictions in the entire New Testament.