There are many references to saints in the Scriptures. The faithful in Israel were called saints (Psalm 148:14), and the believers in the New Testament are frequently referred to as saints. Distinguishing features of saints as mentioned in Scripture:
- Excellent ones in whom God delights (Psalm 16:3)
- Those sanctified in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- Those faithful in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:1)
- Members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-21)
- Those who imitate God and follow the example of love Jesus showed. Those who shun immorality, covetousness, impurity, foolish talk & crude jokes. (Ephesians 5:1-5)
- Those delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, in whom is redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1: 11-14)
Those who belong to the communion of the saints, are those who believe the gospel and faithfully live their life serving God.
how can our sins be forgiven
Confessing sins is an important part of it, see 1 John 1:9.