The term "saints" in the Bible refers to those who are set apart for God, often synonymous with believers or the faithful. The concept of saints extends beyond the immediate context of the biblical narrative, reaching into the lives and testimonies of those who have lived long after the events of Scripture. This entry explores the enduring legacy and influence of saints throughout history, as understood through the lens of the Bible.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently refers to the faithful as "saints." In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qadosh" is used to describe those who are holy or set apart. In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" carries a similar meaning. The Apostle Paul often addressed his letters to the "saints" in various cities, such as in Ephesians 1:1, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus" .

Saints in the Early Church

The early church recognized the importance of saints as exemplars of faith and virtue. The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles provide numerous accounts of individuals who were considered saints due to their unwavering commitment to Christ. For instance, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is remembered for his bold witness and steadfast faith (Acts 7:54-60).

Historical Saints

Throughout church history, many individuals have been venerated as saints due to their extraordinary lives of faith, service, and sacrifice. These saints often served as catalysts for spiritual renewal and reform. Figures such as Augustine of Hippo, whose theological insights have profoundly shaped Christian doctrine, and Francis of Assisi, known for his radical commitment to poverty and care for creation, are celebrated for their enduring impact on the church and the world.

The Role of Saints in Christian Life

Saints serve as models of holiness and devotion, inspiring believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages Christians to look to the "great cloud of witnesses" as they run the race of faith: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" .

Commemoration and Veneration

The commemoration of saints has been a longstanding tradition within various Christian denominations. This practice serves to honor their contributions to the faith and to seek their intercession. While some traditions emphasize the veneration of saints more than others, the underlying principle is the recognition of their exemplary lives and the encouragement they provide to the faithful.

Saints as Intercessors

In certain Christian traditions, saints are believed to intercede on behalf of believers. This belief is rooted in the understanding of the communion of saints, a spiritual solidarity between the faithful on earth and those who have gone before. Revelation 5:8 depicts the saints in heaven offering prayers before God: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" .

Legacy of the Saints

The legacy of the saints is one of enduring faith and transformative influence. Their lives continue to inspire and challenge believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction. As the church looks to the examples of those who have gone before, it is reminded of the call to holiness and the promise of eternal life with God.Psalm 119:82
My eyes fail for your word, saying, When will you comfort me?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Perseverance of Saints.
... be practiced in the nation until long after his death ... unequivocally teach that some
true saints have been ... will sufficiently vindicate the scriptures against the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... by that admirable book, written long ago, but ... by the lack of personal acquaintance
with the Scriptures. ... "We gather that the disciples are saints, [Greek: hagioi ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... true religion which is delivered in the Scriptures, and which ... not by false prophets,
but by saints: as if we ... How long after the advent of Christ did it lie hid ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm

Written from Rome
... can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is ... be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light ... God is my record, how greatly I long after you all ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... age, "who were disobedient, when the long suffering of ... a contrast to the light enjoyed
by glorified saints. ... will harmonize with the other scriptures which have ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... He revealed Himself to be the long expected Messiah to a ... The prayers recorded in
the Holy Scriptures are an ... he maketh intercession for the saints according to ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 13 the immortal prayers.htm

The Ignatian Epistles and their Claims. The Internal Evidence.
... this cup pass from me." [423:2] The Scriptures represent the most exalted saints
as shrinking ... of the mouth of the lion." [423:4] Long after the apostolic ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the ignatian epistles.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... The list of these Old Testament saints given to prayer grows as we proceed, and
is too long to notice ... Let careful readers of the Old Scriptures keep the prayer ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/ii praying saints of the.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... grace of God, and after they are numbered among the saints?". ... that such was David's
state, for so long a term ... see not but the idea which the scriptures give of ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ...
... to the gleaming of the Holy Scriptures must needs ... Philippians; wherefore he says,
"All the saints salute you ... after Ezekiel and Daniel, and long after Jonah and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

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