What Are Saints In The Bible?
In its most comprehensive sense, saints in the Bible are any people who are obedient to God and redeemed through the power of Jesus Christ. A saint can be anything from martyrs to missionaries, from kings to laypeople—anyone who leads a godly life and has faith in the Lord. This is the definition that is most commonly accepted among Protestant believers.
The Roman Catholic Church defines saints in a slightly different way. The Church declares them to be those who have died and gone to heaven, and who have been canonised through the power of the Pope. In this tradition, saints become the intercessors between ourselves and the Divine.
The concept of saints being venerated is an ancient one. In the Old Testament, we can find numerous examples of how God’s people were instructed to honour and remember their forefathers as saints. This is seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 33:4 and Nehemiah 9:5, where Moses and Nehemiah respectively offer a prayer of thanks for their ancestors.
The Bible also contains many examples of men and women of faith referred to as saints. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes to seven different church communities, using the term ‘saints’ to refer to their collective memberships. He also uses the term multiple times in his epistles to the Thessalonians, Romans and Colossians. In addition, many passages in the book of Revelation speak of ‘the holy ones’ or ‘the chosen saints’.
It’s important to note that while the Bible explains who ‘saints’ are and speaks highly of them, it does not advocate the veneration of them in any way. The Bible teaches that our ultimate custodian is God alone, and that it is only through Him that our prayers and supplications will be heard by Him. On the other hand, saints in the Bible can be helpful for those who are not able to make a direct connection with the Lord, as they can provide a more accessible point of reference in our search for spiritual truth.
Different Types of Saints
In the Bible, the term ‘saints’ can refer to different types of people. In the Old Testament, it was used to describe prophets and other inspired people, such as Elijah and Daniel. The New Testament applies the term to anyone in a very particular sense: anyone who has faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
In addition to the terms found in the Bible, Christianity has also developed other types of saints. These include martyrs, confessors and holy men and women, who have been officially recognised by the Church. Additionally, some Christians have come to worship a class of saints which includes the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and other well-known biblical figures.
Of course, it is important to note that worshiping or venerating any religious figure is forbidden according to the Bible. And while the existence of saints within Christianity cannot be denied, they should not be given more attention or adoration than God Himself.
Beliefs Regarding Saints
Some Christian denominations believe that saints can intercede for them in front of God, and can also provide them with miraculous healings. These beliefs, however, are not shared by all Protestant denominations. These denominations hold to the doctrine of sola scriptura (scripture alone), believing that the Bible should be the sole source of revelation from God and that it is the only source of spiritual truth.
That being said, Protestant believers do acknowledge the importance of saints in the Bible. As such, they commonly devote time in their place of worship to honour and remember well known figures such as the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and other famous figures of faith. The belief is that we should uphold the example set by these figures as holy and blameless.
Conclusion
In the Bible, the term ‘saints’ is most commonly used to refer to those who have faith in Jesus as the Messiah. This includes both figures in the Old Testament and the Apostles and early leaders of the Church in the New Testament. While some denominations believe that saints can intercede for them and provide miraculous healing, Protestant denominations hold to the doctrine of sola scriptura, believing that the Bible should be the sole source of spiritual truth.
Characteristics of Saints in The Bible
Though there is no universal agreement on how to define ‘saints’ in the Bible quite different interpretations exist depending on the religious background. However, in general, there are several characteristics that are commonly associated with the title of ‘saints’. Excellent examples of these include the Virgin Mary, Abraham, Moses and the Apostles. In addition to being approved by God and having faith in Jesus as the Messiah, these figures had also shown outstanding perseverance and a commitment to their faith.
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of saints, who have demonstrated obedience and unflinching devotion to God and His laws. These include memories like Abraham, Joseph, and Joshua, who showed unwavering dedication even in the face of great adversity. The Bible also remains full of stories of Psalmists, such as David and King Solomon, who are remembered for their wisdom, courage and piousness.
It is also important to note that many of the people referred to as ‘saints’ in the Bible were not perfect or sinless. Despite the fact that all of them led holy and righteous lives, they faced a number of struggles including doubt, sorrow and temptations. The Bible teaches us that even though we may make mistakes, we can still strive to become saints by dedicating ourselves to a life of following God’s laws.
Examples of Saints in The Bible
The New Testament provides beautiful examples of saints, who often faced a number of challenges yet still exemplified faith and compassion. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is referred to as a saint in the Bible. Although this term is used mostly to refer to those who demonstrate faith in Jesus, Mary is venerated as a saint due to her loyalty and devotion to God and her son. Figures like Peter and Paul are most commonly known for their incredible missionary work.
The Bible also contains numerous examples of women saints. These include female figures like Ruth and Esther, who demonstrate great courage and faith in their respective stories. These women were able to overcome adversity despite their circumstances and showed grace and loyalty to God. Women saints in the Bible have been a great source of inspiration to both men and women of faith.
In addition to Jesus himself, other well-known figures who have earned the epithet ‘saint’ well after their deaths include Francis of Assisi, John the Baptist, and Mother Teresa. These figures had unique qualities which set them apart from the rest, and their legacies live on through their exemplary lives.
The Significance of Saints in The Bible
Christian denominations place great significance on the example of the saints in the Bible. By studying and putting into practice their examples, believers can find comfort and hope in times of distress. Additionally, the lives of saints in the Bible can be seen as a source of inspiration for those who are unsure of their faith, as these examples provide evidence of God’s power and love.
Saints in the Bible are also invaluable for believers because their examples help us to understand the nature of our own struggles and how we can overcome them. By following in the footsteps of these faithful people, we can draw closer to God and find hope in our daily lives. The lives of saints in the Bible are a reminder that no matter how difficult our situation may appear, God still uses those who have faith to do amazing things.
The Bible itself is the ultimate source of spiritual guidance, but the examples of saints can provide a valuable example of how to live a life devoted to God. Not only can these examples provide comfort, they can also be a source of motivation and resiliency in our own spiritual journeys.
