In Scripture, “saints” refers to God’s covenant people — those who belong to Him by faithTrust in God’s character, promises, and guidance — choosing confidence in Him even when circumstances are uncertain. More, set apart for His purposes, and made righteous by His provision. The term does not describe perfection; it describes status. Saints are those whom God has claimed, cleansed, and incorporated into His family.
Your active page uses the term specifically for the righteous dead held in Abraham’s BosomThe righteous compartment of Sheol/Hades where Old Testament saints were held before the resurrection of Christ. Jesus Himself defines its geography in Luke 16, describing it as a place of comfort, separated from the compartment of torment by a “great gulf fixed” . Your page identifies Abraham’s Bosom as the holding place for Abraham, David, Lazarus, and all who were... More before Christ’s resurrection — figures like AbrahamThe first patriarch of Israel and the foundational figure of God’s covenant. Abraham is called by God to leave his homeland, promised a great nation, and declared righteous through faith. He is the father of Isaac and Ishmael, and the ancestor of both Israel and many surrounding peoples. His life represents faith, obedience, and the beginning of God’s covenant plan... More, DavidIsrael’s second king and one of the most central figures in Scripture. Known as a shepherd, warrior, poet, and “a man after God’s own heart,” David united the tribes of Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital, and received the Davidic Covenant, promising that his throne would be established forever — ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David. David’s life... More, and LazarusA name appearing in two distinct New Testament accounts, each carrying major theological weight: • Lazarus of Bethany — the brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead after four days (John 11). His resurrection is a public sign of Jesus’ authority over death, decay, and the grave, foreshadowing Christ’s own resurrection. • Lazarus in the Parable... More — who were saved by faithTrust in God’s character, promises, and guidance — choosing confidence in Him even when circumstances are uncertain. More but could not enter Heaven yet because the blood of Christ had not been applied to their record . They were considered “captives” of death, awaiting the moment when the MessiahA title meaning “Anointed One”, referring to the person chosen and empowered by God to fulfill His redemptive purpose. In the Old Testament, it points to a promised deliverer — a king, priest, or savior who would restore God’s people. In the New Testament, the term identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise, the one sent to save, redeem,... More would descend and extract them into the presence of God .
After JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement, salvation, and restored relationship with God. He is... More shed His blood and descended into the lower parts of the earth, He “led captivity captive” — meaning He emptied Abraham’s BosomThe righteous compartment of Sheol/Hades where Old Testament saints were held before the resurrection of Christ. Jesus Himself defines its geography in Luke 16, describing it as a place of comfort, separated from the compartment of torment by a “great gulf fixed” . Your page identifies Abraham’s Bosom as the holding place for Abraham, David, Lazarus, and all who were... More and transferred the saints into the Third HeavenThe highest dimension of God’s presence, the realm where the Creator dwells and where redeemed humans now go immediately upon death. Scripture uses “Third Heaven” to describe the ultimate heavenly realm above all created layers, referenced explicitly by Paul when he speaks of being “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12). Your active page identifies the Third Heaven... More () . This relocation is why, today, believers who die are immediately present with the Lord, not held in Sheol’s compartments .
In summary, saints are:
- Old TestamentThe first major division of the Christian Bible, consisting of 39 books in the standard Protestant canon (and more in expanded canons such as the Ethiopian tradition). The Old Testament records God’s creation, covenants, laws, prophets, and the entire pre‑Messianic history of Israel. In the context of your page, the Old Testament provides the physics and architecture of the afterlife... More believers held in Abraham’s BosomThe righteous compartment of Sheol/Hades where Old Testament saints were held before the resurrection of Christ. Jesus Himself defines its geography in Luke 16, describing it as a place of comfort, separated from the compartment of torment by a “great gulf fixed” . Your page identifies Abraham’s Bosom as the holding place for Abraham, David, Lazarus, and all who were... More before the cross
- New TestamentThe collection of 27 inspired books that record the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ and the birth of the Church. The New Testament includes the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, forming the doctrinal foundation of Christian faith. In the context of your page, the New Testament provides the precise Greek vocabulary and legal framework needed to understand... More believers who now enter Heaven immediately
- God’s set‑apart people, made righteous by His covenant and Christ’s blood