This is the first part of a thought-provoking series where we will examine and debunk some of the outright lies and common misconceptions that are told concerning biblical matters. Let us separate fact from fiction as we test modern beliefs against the standards, wisdom, and instructions that are found in the Biblical Scriptures.
What is a saint?
Alright, let’s get into it:
If you ask people to define what a saint is, you’ll often hear responses rooted in tradition and misconceptions, some common notions like the ones we will read in the screenshots below. So first, let’s take a quick look at these prevailing views before we test them against the truth revealed in Scripture:
Etymology of the word saint
Now, let us look at a couple of Hebrew words and a single Greek word because they are among the most frequently used words that are translated into the English word “Saint” in English translations of The Bible:
BLUF (bottom line up front): Saints are Biblically referred to as holy/set-apart ones who are dedicated to and follow The Most High YAH & His instruction (Torah).
Biblical understanding of a saint
Now, here is a short list of Biblical passages that describe and define what a saint is (and I know there are many more verses, so if you have some that you would like to share, feel free to add them to the comment section).
Let’s begin with the so-called “Old Testament”:
1. Deuteronomy 33:2-3
“He (Moses) said, “The Lord (Yahuah/YAH) came from Sinai, And dawned on them (the Israelites) from Seir; He (YAH) shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came from among ten thousand holy ones (angels); At His right hand was a flaming fire, a law, for them. “Indeed, He loves His people; All Your holy ones (saints) are in Your hand. They followed in Your steps; They accept and receive direction from You. (Torah)”
• Saints are described as YAH’s holy (set-apart) ones who are loved and protected by Him as they follow Him by receiving & obeying His instructions & directions (Torah, aka Law).
2. Exodus 19:5-6
“Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy (set-apart, saintly) nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
• Saints are described when YAH set apart Israel as a holy/set apart nation, making those who obey Him and keep His covenant set-apart/holy ones — His saints.
3. Leviticus 20:26
“You are to be holy (set-apart) to Me because I, YAH, am holy (set-apart), and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.”
• Again we see that YAH reaffirms His choice of Israel as His holy/set-apart ones — His saints — distinct from all other people; YAH chooses, not the Catholic Church or any other organization.
4. Psalm 34:9
“Fear YAH, you His saints (set-apart ones), for those who fear Him lack nothing.”
• Saints are those who fear YAH and rely on His provision.
5. Psalm 50:5
“Gather to Me My saints (set-apart ones), those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
• Saints are those in covenant with YAH, living their lives in sacrifice.
6. Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love YAH hate evil, for He guards the lives of His saints (set-apart ones) and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
• Saints are those who love YAH (see 1 John 5:3) and hate evil — they are those protected by Him.
7. Daniel 7:18
“But the saints (set-apart ones) of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.”
• Saints are those who will inherit YAH’s eternal kingdom.
— Now, the so-called “New Testament”
8. Romans 1:7
“To all in Rome who are loved by God (YAH) and called to be His saints (set-apart ones)…”
• Saints are those called by YAH to be holy/set-apart — Again, loved and called by YAH, not men.
9. 1 Corinthians 1:2
“To the church (assembly) of YAH in Corinth, to those sanctified (set-apart) in The Messiah and called to be His saints (set-apart ones).”
• Saints are sanctified/set-apart through The Messiah, unto YAH.
10. Ephesians 1:1
“… To the saints (set-apart ones) in Ephesus, the faithful in The Messiah.”
• Saints are faithful set-apart followers of The Messiah.
11. Ephesians 4:12
“To equip the saints (set-apart ones) for works of service, so that the body of The Messiah may be built up.”
• Saints are set-apart and equipped for service in the body of The Messiah.
12. Colossians 1:12
“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His saints (set-apart) people in the kingdom of light.”
• Saints are the set-apart and qualified heirs of YAH’s Kingdom.
13. Revelation 14:12
“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints (set-apart people) of YAH who keep His commands and remain faithful to The Messiah.”
(Notice it says “and” not “or”)
• Saints are those who remain set-apart by keeping YAH’s commandments — AND — faithfulness in The Messiah.
— Key Themes ~ Saints are:
• Holy/Set-apart by, for YAH (Deuteronomy 33:2-3; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
• In right covenant standing with YAH (Psalm 50:5).
• Obedient to YAH’s Torah (instructions) and live loving & fearing Him (Psalm 34:9, Psalm 97:10).
• Are sanctified/set-apart through The Messiah (Romans 1:7, Ephesians 1:1).
• Will inherit YAH’s Kingdom forever (Daniel 7:18, Colossians 1:12).
Conclusion
A person doesn’t become a saint after death—there is no Biblical practice, example, or instruction for posthumously canonizing someone as a saint based on apparitions as we saw from the false catholic definitions. No! Sainthood is defined by obedience to the Torah instructions found in the Word of the Most High YAH; a saint obeys and walks after The Messiah, and we know the Messiah led by following and teaching the Torah (Mathew 5:17-20, John 15:10). That is the true path to being a saint and the only key to entering the Kingdom of YAH!
“He who keeps and obeys the commandment (Torah) keeps (guards) his own life, But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die.”
Proverbs 19:16“And someone came to Him (The Messiah) and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in The Kingdom]?” [Lev 18:5; Mark 10:17-30; Luke 18:18-30] The Messiah answered, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments.”
Matthew 19:16-17
If you live in disobedience to the righteous instructions and the holy/set-apart commandments of YAH (Torah), you are a sinner—not a saint (1 John 2:3-6; 3:4). Again, to love YAH, as The Messiah did, is to obey and keep His commandments (1 John 5:3). This is the key to being set apart—a true saint.
Until next time, shalom ✌🏾
~Yahrahn
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