There is no doubt to whom this letter is written - the "ecclesia" in Corinth, and everyone in "every place" who are "invoking the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ."
So, let's take a look at what these "saints" were doing. Were they a bunch of perfect people gathering together to sing "Kum ba yah"? - heck no, not this bunch. Here is the background of some members of this church - fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, thieves, coveteous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners.
"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11)
"Now you are the body of Christ..." (1 Corinthians 12:27)
These sinners were "saints" and members of "the body of Christ" because, in the grace of God, they had been justified "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God", not by their own righteousness. Being a "saint" does not mean you are doing more godly works than others. The word "saint" means "holy" - set apart by God. Not set apart because of what we do, but set apart because of "Jesus Christ's faith".
"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through JESUS CHRIST'S FAITH, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)
The result - "shame" or "applause". Yet after that judgment, all will be justified, saved, and transformed into the image of Christ.
"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through JESUS CHRIST'S FAITH, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)
It is the faith and blood of Christ Jesus that "justifies" sinners (makes them righteous).
"...having perceived that a man is not being justified by works of law, except alone through the faith of Christ Jesus, we also believe in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by the faith of Christ." (Galatians 2:16-17)
Again, human beings become "saints" and members of the "body of Christ" by the grace of God. When human beings hear, believe and accept the following about Jesus they become aware of their justification, salvation, and membership in the body of Christ...
"Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved....what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
Each "saint" will still give an account for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. The Lord will be examining all of us, including the Pope and the Apostle Paul.
"Now He Who is examining me is the Lord. So be not judging anything before the season, till the Lord should be coming, Who will illuminate the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then applause will be coming to each one from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)
Paul tells these carnal Corinthian "saints" that they should shape up, correct their bad behavior and do what is right so they won't be ashamed when Jesus returns to examine them. John told Jewish believers the same thing.
"And now, little children, remain in Him, that, if He should be manifested, we should be having boldness and not be put to shame by Him at His presence." (1 John 2:28-29)
Christianity implies that if one is "saved" then they won't have to "account" to God after they die. They say saved people go directly to heaven and everyone else goes immediately to hell after they die. I think they are in for a surprise! NO ONE be tortured in the mythological hell of Greek mythology, but God will illuminate everyone's "hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts".
"...having perceived that a man is not being justified by works of law, except alone through the faith of Christ Jesus, we also believe in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by the faith of Christ." (Galatians 2:16-17)
Again, human beings become "saints" and members of the "body of Christ" by the grace of God. When human beings hear, believe and accept the following about Jesus they become aware of their justification, salvation, and membership in the body of Christ...
"Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved....what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
Each "saint" will still give an account for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. The Lord will be examining all of us, including the Pope and the Apostle Paul.
"Now He Who is examining me is the Lord. So be not judging anything before the season, till the Lord should be coming, Who will illuminate the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then applause will be coming to each one from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)
Paul tells these carnal Corinthian "saints" that they should shape up, correct their bad behavior and do what is right so they won't be ashamed when Jesus returns to examine them. John told Jewish believers the same thing.
"And now, little children, remain in Him, that, if He should be manifested, we should be having boldness and not be put to shame by Him at His presence." (1 John 2:28-29)
Christianity implies that if one is "saved" then they won't have to "account" to God after they die. They say saved people go directly to heaven and everyone else goes immediately to hell after they die. I think they are in for a surprise! NO ONE be tortured in the mythological hell of Greek mythology, but God will illuminate everyone's "hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts".
The result - "shame" or "applause". Yet after that judgment, all will be justified, saved, and transformed into the image of Christ.
"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humilation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-
"...whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:28-29)