Live as Saints Should Live

Paul gives wonderful counsel for us on how we can live Christ’s gospel and receive salvation.  In Romans 13:11, he stated that our salvation is nearer than we believed.  Ezekiel 3:20 and Doctrine & Covenants 14:7 both bring up that to receive salvation, we must continue in righteousness, follow God’s commandments, and endure to the end.

In Romans 12-13, Paul lists multiple things that we can do that leads us to salvation.  Here are a few of them:

Romans 12:1 – Sacrifice ourselves to the service of God.

Romans 12:2 – Not follow the ways of the world, but follow the ways of God.  Be transformed and renewed.

Romans 12:9 – Love without dissimulation.  Cleave to what is good and abhor that which is evil.

Romans 12:13 – Serve others, give to those in need, be hospitable.

Romans 12:16 – Don’t think you are better or wiser than others.  See others as your equals.

Romans 12:21 – Overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:1 – Rely on the power of God.

Romans 13:3 – Do what is good.

Romans 13:8 – Love one another.

Romans 13:9 – Keep the commandments.

He further cautions us about judging others in Romans 14:1-13 and 15:1-3.  We don’t need to judge others – everyone will eventually be judged at the judgment seat of Christ.  People may have different opinions and practices than ourselves, but it’s important to remember that everyone is a child of God.  It’s the intent of their hearts, their faith in God, and the spirit in which they act that is more important than their different opinions or beliefs.

Doctrine & Covenants 38:25-27 gives further insight by saying we must esteem each other as ourselves.  We must be united.

Paul frequently used the term “saints” to refer to the members of the church in his day.  By following his counsel and striving to live Christ’s gospel, we truly can live a saint-like life.