86. Sainthood and the church

Many churches recognize sainthood differently, and it’s important to understand the biblical and historical foundations behind this.
1. All Believers Are Saints
From the earliest days of the Church, the term “saints” has been used in Scripture to describe all who have faith in Jesus Christ:
  • Romans 1:7 — “To all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints...”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 — “To those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling...”
The apostle Paul addresses entire congregations, including flawed ones, as saints. This teaches us that anyone who has truly trusted Christ and is set apart by Him is a saint — a holy one called to live a life reflecting God’s holiness.
2. The Role of the Church in Recognizing Saints
The early Church honored many faithful believers, especially martyrs, as examples of Christlike living. Over centuries, the Catholic Church developed a formal process—canonization—to recognize individuals whose lives demonstrated heroic holiness and who serve as models for the faithful.
  • This recognition is not a guarantee of salvation, but a declaration that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, affirms this person is in God’s presence and worthy of honor.
  • Catholics and Orthodox believe in the Communion of Saints, where those in heaven intercede for us, while many Protestant traditions focus on Christ as the sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Both perspectives emphasize Christ’s central role.
3. The Danger of Misplaced Focus
Unfortunately, in some contexts, the veneration of saints can be misunderstood or misused—sometimes even commercialized—leading people to depend more on the saint or associated miracles than on Christ Himself. This can distract from the core Gospel message:
  • Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received by faith alone in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  • Our focus must remain on Christ, who alone redeems and sustains us.
4. God Alone Judges the Heart
Only God truly knows a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7). While we may admire the public lives of historical Christian figures, God judges both public and private faithfulness. Thus:
  • Formal recognition of sainthood by any church does not put God under obligation to grant salvation.
  • Many faithful believers who lived holy lives and died for Christ may not be officially canonized but are still saints in God’s eyes.
  • We can learn from the lives of these faithful examples, imitate their faith and perseverance, and above all, imitate Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 11:1).
5. Direct Access to God
Jesus promised that believers have direct access to God’s presence through the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 4:16; Romans 8:15). Prayer is ultimately to God the Father, through Jesus Christ. While many Christians find comfort in the prayers of fellow believers, living or departed, our salvation and relationship with God rest on Christ alone.
In Summary:
  • Every born-again Christian is a saint, set apart by God for His purposes.
  • The Church’s recognition of saints honors exemplary faith but does not replace Christ’s unique role as Savior and mediator.
  • Beware of elevating saints or miracles above Christ—our faith must be rooted in Him alone.
  • God alone judges the heart; we are called to trust in His grace and grow in holiness, following the examples of Christ and His faithful followers.