What Is a Saint in Christianity?
Discovering the true meaning of “saint” and why it still matters for your life today.
In a world filled with confusion about faith, identity, and purpose, the word “saint” often feels distant or misunderstood. Some associate it with religious elitism or ancient church rituals. Others think of it as a status only the holiest, most devout people could ever hope to attain. But what if being a saint wasn’t about perfection at all? What if it’s something meant for you—right now?
Whether you’re religious or skeptical, curious or confused, this article explores what it truly means to be a saint in Christianity. We’ll go beyond stained glass windows and church titles to uncover a deeper, more personal truth—one that could change the way you see yourself and God forever.
What Is a Saint in Christianity?
Etymology of “Saint” and Meaning of “St”
The word “saint” comes from the Latin sanctus, which means “holy” or “consecrated.” This root highlights a powerful spiritual truth: a saint is someone who is set apart for God. It’s not primarily about behavior or accomplishments, but about identity and belonging. In the Greek New Testament, the word used is hagios, meaning the same—holy, sacred, separate from the ordinary.
In Christian tradition, “St.” is the abbreviated prefix for “saint,” typically used before the names of those recognized for their exceptional witness to Christ. Think of names like St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Francis, and St. Therese. Yet this abbreviation can unintentionally create a barrier in people’s minds—as though sainthood is a spiritual rank few can reach.
However, the biblical vision of sainthood tells a different story. To be a saint is to be called by God, transformed by grace, and invited into a life of holiness—not by earning, but by receiving. This isn’t about spiritual celebrity status. It’s about being a living example of God’s work in a person’s life.
Saints in Scripture: The Biblical Foundation
The Bible, especially the New Testament, uses the term “saints” frequently—and surprisingly, it never limits the word to just a few special people. In fact, all genuine followers of Jesus are called “saints.”
Paul, in his letters to early Christian communities, opens with greetings like:
“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people [saints].” (Romans 1:7)
“To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:1)
The term “saint” here refers to ordinary Christians—those who believe in Jesus, have been forgiven by His grace, and are growing in faith. They may struggle with sin, face persecution, and wrestle with doubt, but they are still called saints.
This radically shifts the way we should understand the word. In the biblical sense, sainthood isn’t a reward—it’s a reality for all who belong to Christ. It reflects not what a person has done, but what God has done in them.
So, biblically speaking, if you are in Christ, you are already a saint. You are holy because He is holy. You are set apart not because of your effort, but because of His love.
How the Early Church Understood Saints
Saints as Holy People, Living and Dead
In the earliest days of Christianity, the word “saint” remained true to its biblical roots. All believers were considered saints. The emphasis was on their spiritual identity, not on their personal achievements.
The Church saw saints not as unreachable figures, but as members of a holy community, set apart by God for His mission in the world. These were men and women committed to following Christ in daily life—praying, serving, loving, and enduring hardship for their faith.
However, as time passed and Christianity began to spread rapidly—especially during times of persecution—the definition of “saint” began to evolve. While all Christians were still technically considered saints, some individuals began to stand out for their extraordinary courage, purity, or faithfulness under suffering.
Martyrs and Confessors: First Saints of the Church
The first Christians who were honored with special recognition as “saints” were martyrs—those who gave their lives for Christ. Their witness (from the Greek word martus, meaning “witness”) was seen as the ultimate act of faith. They were willing to die rather than deny their Lord.
Stories of early martyrs—such as St. Stephen (Acts 7), the first Christian martyr, or Polycarp, a bishop who was burned at the stake—became central to Christian memory and inspiration.
Others who suffered but did not die were called confessors. These were believers who openly “confessed” Christ in the face of persecution, risking everything to stay faithful. The early Church viewed these individuals as heroic examples of what it meant to live as true saints.
Over time, these men and women began to be remembered through liturgies, commemorations, and local traditions. Their graves became sites of pilgrimage. Their stories were told and retold—not to idolize them, but to point others to Jesus.
The Catholic and Orthodox Understanding of Saints
Canonization: How Someone Becomes a Saint
As the Church grew, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox branches, the recognition of saints became more formalized. A process called canonization was developed to discern whether a person’s life truly reflected the holiness of Christ in an extraordinary way.
In the Roman Catholic Church, the canonization process involves:
- A thorough investigation of the person’s life and writings.
- Evidence of heroic virtue and widespread reputation for holiness.
- One or more verified miracles, often involving healing, attributed to the person’s intercession after death.
Only after these criteria are met can someone be officially declared a saint and included in the Church’s liturgical calendar. The Orthodox Church has a similar process, though often more localized and based on the consensus of the faithful and church leaders.
Canonized saints serve as models of Christian virtue. They are not perfect, but they show what a life surrendered to Christ can look like across different times, cultures, and vocations.
Veneration vs Worship: Honoring Not Idolizing
A common misunderstanding is that Catholics or Orthodox Christians “worship” saints. But this is not accurate. Worship is reserved for God alone. Saints are venerated, meaning they are honored and remembered for their example and intercession.
Veneration includes:
- Praying for the saint’s intercession (asking them to pray on your behalf)
- Celebrating their feast days
- Learning from their writings and lives
In this understanding, the saints are not competitors with Christ, but witnesses to His power. They are like elder siblings in the family of God—cheering us on and praying for us as we run the race of faith.
Feast Days, Relics, and Patron Saints
Every canonized saint is given a feast day, a special day in the Church calendar to remember and celebrate their life. These days often involve specific prayers, readings, and sometimes pilgrimages to sites associated with the saint.
Relics—physical remains or belongings of a saint—are sometimes preserved and venerated. Again, this is not about magic or superstition, but about honoring the memory of someone who lived for God.
Patron saints are those who are seen as special intercessors for particular causes, professions, or groups. For example:
- St. Joseph – Patron of workers and fathers
- St. Cecilia – Patron of musicians
- St. Jude – Patron of hopeless cases
These associations help believers connect with saints whose life experiences reflect their own.
The Protestant Reformation and the Redefinition of Saints
“Sola Scriptura” and the Return to the Biblical Meaning
In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation challenged many Church traditions, including the practice of venerating saints. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin believed that the Church had drifted from the teaching of Scripture.
They emphasized Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone as the final authority in matters of faith and practice. According to Scripture, all believers are saints—not just a few exceptional individuals.
The Reformers saw the cult of saints as a potential distraction from the centrality of Christ alone. They called believers back to the New Testament understanding of sainthood: a gift of grace, not a status of merit.
Saints as the Living Church: The Priesthood of All Believers
The Reformers taught that there is no spiritual hierarchy in the Body of Christ. Every believer has access to God through Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve, pray, and grow.
This doctrine of the priesthood of all believers affirms that all Christians are both saints and ministers, regardless of title or office. This view democratized sainthood—reminding the Church that sainthood is about faithfulness, not fame.
Protestants honor the memory of past Christians (like Martin Luther, John Wesley, or Corrie ten Boom), but they do not canonize or venerate them in the traditional sense.
Saints in Modern Christianity Today
Catholic and Orthodox: Continued Tradition of Canonized Saints
Today, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches continue to recognize and canonize saints. Recent figures like St. Teresa of Calcutta, known for her ministry to the dying in India, or Pope St. John Paul II, revered for his moral clarity and courage, show that sainthood is not a thing of the past.
These saints offer powerful examples of how to live out the Gospel in today’s world. Their stories reach across cultures and remind believers that God still calls men and women to radical holiness.
Protestant Perspective: All Believers as Saints
In Protestant churches, the emphasis remains on the believer’s identity in Christ. Pastors and teachers encourage believers to see themselves as saints—not in pride, but in humility, because of what Jesus has done.
This has practical effects. Christians are taught to pursue holiness, love one another, and serve faithfully—not to become saints, but because they already are.
Evangelical and Charismatic Views
Many Evangelical and Charismatic Christians may not use the word “saint” often, but they deeply value the idea behind it. Sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—is central to their theology.
The Holy Spirit is seen as the agent who shapes the believer’s life, helping them overcome sin and grow in grace. In this view, every believer is a work in progress, but also a vessel of God’s glory.
Why Saints Matter: Spiritual Lessons and Modern Relevance
Saints as Witnesses of Faith
The saints, both ancient and modern, are living proof that faith changes lives. They’ve walked through persecution, temptation, sickness, loss, and even death—yet they remained faithful.
Their stories remind us that the Christian life is not easy, but it is worth it. They are the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) urging us forward.
Saints as Models of Christlikeness
Saints are mirrors that reflect the beauty of Christ. Each one shines in a different way—through mercy, teaching, courage, or silence. They help us see what the Gospel looks like in flesh and blood.
They also remind us that holiness is possible. It’s not for the few, but for all who surrender to God.
The Call to Sainthood for All Believers
The message of Scripture is clear: you are called to be a saint. That doesn’t mean you’ll be famous or flawless, but it does mean your life has eternal purpose.
God’s will is not just to save you, but to make you holy—to conform you to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is a lifelong journey of transformation.
Conclusion — What It Means to Be a Saint Today
Saints Are Not Perfect People, but Redeemed Ones
Sainthood is not about having a spotless record. It’s about being redeemed, forgiven, and transformed. The saints of Scripture and history had flaws, failures, and weaknesses. But they trusted God.
You don’t need a halo to be holy. You need Jesus.
Becoming the “St” God Meant You to Be
You may never be canonized. But in God’s eyes, if you belong to Christ, you are already “St. [Your Name].” You are part of His family. You are part of His plan.
So live like it. Not to earn His love, but because you have already received it.
You are a saint in progress. Keep walking. Keep growing. Keep shining.