To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae: (Col 1:2)
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the brothers and sisters at the church in Colossae by calling them saints. According to the biblical definition of a saint, Paul’s greeting should not come as a surprise. However, the biblical definition of a saint may not be immediately clear to the modern reader, as the word has gained different definitions over the years. Thus, when Paul begins his letter to the Colossians by addressing the church members as saints, it may leave some wondering about the definition of this term according to the Bible. Let’s explore this together.
How the word “saint” is used in the vernacular
In vernacular language, the word "saint" is often used to refer to a person who is exceptionally virtuous, selfless, and devoted to religious or humanitarian causes. It may also describe someone who has demonstrated exceptional kindness or generosity towards others. Additionally, "saint" may be used playfully or ironically to describe someone perceived as overly sanctimonious or self-righteous in their behaviour or beliefs.
An example of using the word "saint" playfully or ironically could be a situation where a person known for frequently criticizing others claims to be living an entirely blameless life. In response, someone might say, "Oh, look at you, you're such a saint!" in a sarcastic tone, implying that the person is hypocritical or insincere in their claims of moral superiority.
What a “saint” is, according to the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has its own definition of a saint; according to the Catholic Church, becoming a saint is no easy matter. Saints are, in fact, few and far between. The definition of a saint according to the Catholic Church is as follows:
“A saint is a person who has lived a life of exemplary holiness, virtue, and devotion to God and others. They are recognized by the church as worthy of veneration and ion and believed to be in heaven, where they can intercede on behalf of the living.”
And according to the Catholic Church, there is a very stringent criterion for being able to be considered a saint.
For instance:
· The person must have lived a life of heroic virtues demonstrated by their selfless love for God and others.
· The person must have performed at least two miracles after their death (that’s right, I meant to say after their death) by the Church through a rigorous process of investigation and examination. Here is an example: “Saint” Padre Pio. - He was a Capuchin friar who died in 1968 and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2002. According to the Catholic Church, Saint Padre Pio was known to have miraculous gifts, including the ability to read souls, bilocate, and heal the sick. After his death, there have been numerous reports of people being healed through his intercession. These reported healings have been carefully investigated by the Catholic Church and have contributed to his recognition as a saint who has performed miracles.
· The person's life and writings must be free from doctrinal error or moral flaw.
· The person must have been dead for at least five years before canonization can begin.
· The person must be approved for beatification, a recognition of their holy life, before being approved for canonization as a saint.
Contrasting the vernacular Catholic and biblical definitions of the word saint
In the vernacular, "saint" is often used to describe a person considered exceptionally good or selfless, regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. In this sense, being a saint is not necessarily tied to any specific religious tradition but to one's actions and character.
On the other hand, the Catholic Church's definition of a saint is more specific and tied to their religious tradition. To become a saint, a person must meet specific criteria, including living a life of heroic virtue, performing miracles, and being approved for beatification and canonization by the Church. This highly regulated process thoroughly investigates the person's life, writings, and actions.
In contrast, the New Testament does not provide a specific definition of a saint. Instead, the term refers to all believers in Christ, regardless of their status or accomplishments. In this sense, being a saint is not achieved through specific actions or qualifications but is inherent in one's relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Saint means holy and holy means "set apart."
The Greek word for holy is "hagios," the word used for a saint. The concept of holiness in the Bible is not primarily a matter of moral perfection but of being set apart for God's purposes. This can be seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for holy is "qadosh," which means "set apart." For example, in Exodus 19:6, God tells the Israelites, "You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Here, "holy" refers to their being set apart for God's purposes.
Similarly, in the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" is used to refer to believers as "saints" (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2). This also emphasizes their designation as being set apart for God's purposes, rather than their moral perfection. Holiness and being a saint in the Bible are primarily about one's relationship with God and purpose in serving Him.
How do you become marked as a saint and set apart for a particular purpose in Christ?
Putting one's faith in Christ and allowing His Spirit to regenerate and convert them is the way to become marked as a saint and set apart for a special purpose of love and good works. According to the biblical definition of a saint, it is not a reference to a specific class of people who have achieved a higher level of righteousness but to all believers in Jesus Christ who have been redeemed and made holy by His sacrifice. Therefore, when people put their faith in Christ and allow His Spirit to work in them, they too can be marked as a saint and set apart for God's purposes.
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