The Who and What of Sainthood

by Jose A Warletta at Freeimages.com

by Jose A Warletta at Freeimages.com

On Sunday, September 4th, Mother Teresa was named a “saint” by the Roman Catholic church in a ceremony attended by around 200,000 people in St. Peter’s Square.  Mother Teresa died on September 5th, 1997.  She was known for her love and care to the homeless and suffering. She ministered in India and is known for establishing a religious order following her practices.¹

Coincidentally, I was addressing questions from the congregation in my sermon Sunday night.  I was asked about who are saints and why does the Catholic church believe in praying to them.  I did not realize the canonization of Mother Teresa was taking place on the same day.

A follower of Jesus should be concerned with what the Bible says on this subject and should desire to practice their faith in a way that is obedient to Bible teaching. Just because a church organization calls people saints and has an elaborate system to recognize and approve such doesn’t mean the Bible teaches such doctrines.

In fact, the term “saint” is used in both the Old and New Testaments.  In the OT it refers to holy people or godly people (Daniel 7:18-28, Psalm 30:4; 2 Chron. 6:41).  In the NT, the word is once again connected with holiness.  Saints are the “holy ones.”  The term is most commonly used to refer to Christians (Acts 9:13, 32, 41).  Paul refers to believers in Jesus in the churches he writes as “saints.” That is right; saints are simply Christians! Not some super class of Christians.  Not departed Christians who’s faith and influence still are memorialized, but simply Christians.  You see Christians are the “holy” people of God who are called to be holy for God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).  The term is used 13 times in Revelation, where the saints are Christians who are holding the faithful and true witness for Jesus in a world of persecution.

The Catholic church has recognized over 10,000 people as Saints through the centuries.  There is no Biblical example, command, or teaching that supports this practice.  Catholic faithful will often pray to a saint as they are connected with geographical areas and particular needs of humanity. This practice of praying to saints is also unbiblical and goes against the teachings of the New Testament.  Jesus died to serve as our Great High Priest and Christians are to pray through Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16).  He is the one and only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).  Not only does Christ serve as an intercessor but also the Holy Spirit makes intercession for the Christian (Romans 8:26).  We have no need for a “saint” to make intercession when we have Christ and the Holy Spirit.  In fact, it is wrong for us to worship anyone, be it an angel, man, or saint.  We must worship God and Him alone (Mat. 4:10; Acts 10:24-26; Rev. 19:10).

So while Mother Teresa may have done many acts of compassion and selflessness, it is important that we understand the Biblical term “saint.”  The Catholic church’s practice is without scriptural support and is based upon their traditions and doctrines.  The glorious part of this study is that we don’t have to wait years after our death and be a famous person to be named a saint. We can be a saint, a holy person of God, today!  In truth, that is what every Christian is!  Maybe by not using this term, except to refer to “super-Christians,” we have lost the concept of why it was used so much in the NT.  We are to be holy!  We are to be different.  We are sanctified by the blood of Christ and thus we are saints, not because of our good deeds, but because of His grace!

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¹  USA Today article

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