The word “saints” simply means “holy (or separated) ones.” We are made holy by calling; hence we read; “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called saints.” All the people of God in every dispensation are saints. We read of saints in Old Testament Scriptures, and we read also of the “camp of the beloved saints” at the close of the millennium, which refers to the Jews who will then occupy the place of earthly blessing. The “faithful in Christ Jesus” are true believers. In those days, to believe was to be faithful, and so it really is now, though not so manifest.
In the eighth verse it is most blessed to observe that God, who has abounded towards us so richly in Christ in grace and power, has also in wisdom and prudence. His wisdom, in so ministering to our necessities as to make us eternally happy, and to bring eternal glory to Himself. The work of a prudent person is to anticipate the difficulties of the future, and make provision accordingly. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil.” This God has perfectly done as to ourselves. Hence the infinitely efficacious character of the one sacrifice which was offered, and the all-prevalent priesthood of Christ. In many other ways God has anticipated and fully met our need in and through Christ Jesus.
By “hath made both one,” chapter 2:14, we understand the oneness of the church in Christ, made up of believing Jews and Gentiles, each united to Christ by the Holy Ghost, and therefore united to one another in one body. “By one Spirit are we all baptized (both believing Jews and Gentiles) into one body.” (1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13).)