How do you become a saint?

Question

Example "
Mother Teresa {how did she become a saint?}

Answer 1

There is a process within the Catholic Church, however, in Scripture, the word "saint" means "set aside one". All the saints that were ever and are ever gonna be chosen have already been chosen by God, before even Adam and Eve came on the scene. Thats straight from the manuscripts, and its an insult to God that a man (even the pope) select and name a saint. Gods Elect are what is translated "saints" in the Bible in places, but
it doesn't matter how much you work for it, or wish for it, you cannot be one of Gods elect (or saints) except that you were chosen by God and already justified (judged). No disrespect to Mother Theresa, of course; a finer human being would be hard to find, thats true, but she is not a saint unless God named her as one.
Those churches who do this have a crude awakening coming.

Answer 2

Pastor Billy says: oh brother I can see all the half-wits were up to posting answers when you wrote this question I'll have explain.

I'm assuming you're asking about Catholic saints as you've mentioned Mother Teresa who by the way isn't a saint yet as i believe she is called Blessed.

In the Catholic religion contrary to some of your answers saints are not made by the Church as only God makes saints, the Church merely recogizes God's handy work.

The process of acknowledgement can be a long one an investigation of the persons entire life is setup sort of like a court of law hence the term "devil's advocate" during which all points of the person's life are examined. It is a process designed to disprove the person was a saint. As another has mentioned even after this cross-examination at least 3 recorded miracles must occur atributed to the intercession of the saint before the Church acknowledges this person is truly a saint. In the early centuries there are many persons who died for the Christian faith these individuals are readily acknowledged as saints without canonization.

Finally there are many who are saints in heaven and are unknown. One does not have to canonized by the Church to be a saint.

Evangelical Protestantism teaches we are already saints without living it out where as Mother Teresa explains we are all called to be saints and must live that out if we truly "believe in Jesus" and claim to be "born again" and feel we are "bible believers" who are already "saved" and going to heaven.

Does that help?

Answer 3

Interestingly, Mother Teresa is NOT a saint. Catholics believe that all souls in heaven are saints, so my mother, for example, is a saint. However, there is a process called canonization wherein the Church grants sainthood to holy people who are an example to us. I'm not sure of all the steps, but I'll try.

You have to be dead and usually dead at least 5 years, though the canonization process has already started for Pope John Paul II with special permission.

You have to perform 3 miracles, I think. Each has to be investigated and documented by, for instance, doctors who need to be able to swear without doubt that a cure, for example, could not have happened in any other way than a miracle and that miracle must be connected to some sort of prayer or devotion to that dead person. Like the nun who had Parkinson's, like Pope JP, prayed to him and the doctors say she was cured miraculously.

The investigation includes a "Devil's Advocate" who argues against the person's holiness and miracles.

I think the first miracle gets a beatification, like Blessed Teresa. Then there's some other name for the second one. Then the third one, once the investigation is over, there is canonization or Sainthood. It can be a very, very lengthy process.

Answer 4

Mother Theresa is assigned the designation "saint" by the Roman Catholic Church, but that is no guarantee. You become a saint by believing in Christ. The minute you trust in Him, and repent of your old life, you become categorically, a saint. You will be with Christ in eternity. There is a question whether or not Theresa is a real saint, in that sense, because she didn't seem to think it important if you believed in Jesus or not. The Bible says this is the only way. So you can become a saint, better that ole Theresa, if you'll only believe and give your life to God through Christ.

Answer 5

Mother Teresa was not a saint of God. That would be an impossibility since one must become part of the Family of God. First by accepting Jesus Christ into their life as Lord and Savior, having been "born of the Holy Spirit" of God and becoming a true and faithful servant of God. The true saints of God have a personal relationship with their Father in heaven (and do not practice Lawlessness or commit abominations against the Spirit of God). They pray in the true Spirit of God through Jesus Christ, who is the ONLY intercessor to prayer, and is the ONLY way to the Father in heaven. These ARE the true saints of God who will, by enduring in their faith to the end, become joint heirs with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God on earth.

Answer 6

I don't know if Mother Terresa is a Saint or not. She was a good person, but that is all I know. Jesus said that we must be "Born Again". The Bible(Acts 2:38) is very clear on how we become saved. It says that we must turn from our sins and get Baptized in the name of Jesus for the payment of our sins, then God will give you the gift of the Holy Ghost, God Himself. Then Jesus warns us to remain faithful unto Him to inherit eternal life. God gives us the power and the desire to follow Him, via the Holy Spirit. Then read your Bible and go to a Church that believes in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The Bible says that all true Believers are considered Saints.

Answer 7

Technically, a saint is anyone who follows Jesus. Mother Theresa was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, where a series of conditions must be met, including miracles, before someone can be designated a saint.

So, if you follow Jesus, I will happily refer to you as saint Jennyann.

Answer 8

Give up worldly possessions.

Preach love, kindness, happiness, and Jesus. (need that last part to be a Saint. Otherwise, you're just a good person)

Head over to a third world country and help out, it won't hurt you any.

Oh. People get canonized after death. So, you'll have to look into that part eventually, too.


- 17 yo Pagan

Answer 9

JennyAnn,
According to the scriptures, once we become a Christian we are "saints". GOD has it written in HIS HOLY BIBLE and that makes it so. The Catholics think that they have to VOTE on a person AFTER he/she has died to become a saint. Have a great LORD's DAY!
Thanks,
Eds, Christian


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Answer 10

Catholics consider all souls in heaven saints, however, cannonized saints have to have done two miracles, before or after death to be named.