Understanding the True Meaning of Saints in Religious Terminology
Introduction to the Concept of 'Saints'
From the Bible, the term 'saint' stems from the roots of sanctity, sanctify, and sanctified, signifying all Christians who have undergone baptism through immersion and have had their sins forgiven, essentially being cleansed and freed from sin. However, there are many misunderstandings surrounding what it truly means to be considered a 'saint' in the Catholic tradition. Let's delve into the true interpretation of this concept as highlighted in the sayings of Jesus.
The Bible and the Nature of Obligation
Matthew 7:21 reveals Jesus' perspective on who can enter the kingdom of heaven: 'Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.' This passage emphasizes that mere acknowledgment is not sufficient; one must faithfully obey God's commands.
Jesus also asserts in Matthew 4:4, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' This underscores the necessity of acting on the divine will as depicted rather than just assuming divine approval based on personal perceptions.
Personal Journey: From Adherence to Skepticism
My journey with understanding 'saints' began at the tender age of 5, as I gradually absorbed the beliefs of my mother, an ardent Bible reader. Over the years, she adjusted her viewpoints based on her continuous reading and research. During those formative years, conversations with various religious groups like Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and others made a lasting impact on my understanding.
At age 12, I resolved to determine who was correct, regardless of the outcome. For the next 65 years, I undertook extensive Bible reading, covered extensively over 100 times, alongside 4.5 years of formal Bible education, memorizing significant passages and reading books by believers, agnostics, and atheists. My experience included participating in public debates, working as an evangelist focused on apologetics, and handling disapprovals from my loved ones, including my wife and close friends.
It was around 20 years ago that the real truth began to come into clear focus. Today, I possess the real, verifiable truth, challenging what both believers and non-believers hold to be true. This truth is unmistakably apparent, but I often wonder how I didn't see it earlier.
Clarifying the Truth: Scientific Evidence and Divine Communication
A critical distinction must be made: regardless of the source, whether it be the Bible, Quran, or any divine figure, hearsay is not proof. So, unless a particular god manifests and speaks with everyone, it is essential to demand authentic proof. This proof must be in the form of miracles, provided only by an all-powerful god, and not mere storytelling or scripture claims.
For instance, consider the simplicity of the phrase 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,' which is practically unambiguous. For any claimant to their divinity, a genuine miracle would serve as the ultimate verification. Any absence of such miracles, with the exception of a handful of straightforward texts, should be disregarded, for they are either delusional or deceptive.
Therefore, if no one can produce such miracles, then none of the purported doctrines or gods are true, and no authentic miracles are being performed. This, in a nutshell, is the application of scientific principles to religious beliefs.
Conclusion
Understanding the true meaning of 'saints' requires a deep dive into the Bible and a critical evaluation of divine claims. By adhering to the teachings of Jesus and seeking verifiable proof, one can navigate the complex and often confusing terrain of religious beliefs. This article hopes to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding saints and provide a clearer picture based on empirical evidence and sound biblical interpretation.