The word "Christian" has different meanings and associations to different people. Many "Christians" have consecrated themselves to a certain church, sect or belief, to which they give their allegiance, rather than to God. They may attempt to adhere to moral principles, which is to their credit, but they spend little time in learning what the Bible has to say on the subject.
“Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God…” Romans 12:1-3 (NET) In order to be a true Christian, a person must have laid down his life in sacrifice, totally giving up his own will to God, as did Jesus Christ.
Paul addressed his first letter to the church at Corinth, “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are consecrated in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who, wherever they may be, invoke the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord no less than ours.” 1Corinthians 1:2 (Moffatt)
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.….When He shall come to be glorified in His saints…..we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling.” 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 5, 10, 11 (KJV)
So, yes, true followers of Christ or true Christians are considered to be prospective saints. If they prove faithful unto death, they will be resurrected as saints. Revelation 2:10, “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.”
