Understanding Saintship: Biblical and Cultural Perspectives

In the contemporary world, the term 'saint' often carries connotations that can vary greatly depending on one's religious background. While popular culture, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, often sees a saint as a deceased individual canonized by the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the Bible presents a broader and more inclusive understanding of sainthood.

What is a Saint in the Bible?

The term 'saint' in the Bible does not refer to a specific group of people who are dead. Instead, it is a term used to describe all believers in a Christian context. In the New Testament, 'saint' (Ancient Greek: ?γιο?, hagios) is a term that is used to describe individuals who are set apart for God's service. The Bible is clear that any true believer, regardless of whether they are alive or dead, is a saint.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, the Apostle Paul points out that 'saints' will judge the world and will have the knowledge to judge even angels. He uses this term to address the church in Corinth, not as a deceased group but as a community of believers who have been 'sanctified' or 'made holy' by God.

The Distinction Between Biblical and Catholic Saints

The distinction between Biblical saints and Catholic saints is significant. Biblical saints (or Christians) are those who have been called and set apart for God's work in their lifetime. The Church of Rome, on the other hand, has developed a process to officially recognize individuals who have lived extraordinary lives as 'saints' through the procedure of canonization.

Catholic saints, however, are individuals who have been declared by the Roman Catholic Church to be in a state of supreme beatitude, meaning they are believed to be in heaven with God. This belief is based on the Church's own traditions and dogma, which often diverges from the scriptural understandings found in the New Testament.

Canonization Process in Catholicism

The process to become a saint in the Catholic Church involves multiple steps and can vary in length, but it generally includes:

Verification of miracles Veneration by the Church Beatification Canonization

During this process, the individual must be proven to have led a life of exceptional sanctity and to have performed miracles posthumously, often through the intercession of God. Unlike the Bible's all-encompassing definition of 'saint,' the Catholic Church typically restricts the term 'saint' to those who have been formally declared so.

The True Path to Sanctification

According to the New Testament, the true path to sanctification is through belief in Jesus Christ, Yehoshua the son of Elohim, and adherence to His teachings. The transformation of a person from death to life is not dependent on posthumous recognition but rather on spiritual rebirth and faith in Christ.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
- John 5:24, New King James Version

By believing in Jesus and living according to His teachings, one can walk well on the path to sanctification in both life and death.

Conclusion

The Bible's teaching on 'saintship' is inclusive and timeless. Any Christian who has trusted in Jesus as their savior is a saint, standing before God in His presence. The complexity of the concept of 'sainthood' as recognized by the Catholic Church, while having historical and cultural significance, should not overshadow the simplicity and directness of the Biblical message.