How does someone become a saint?

Question

I was wondering because I was actually told by a priest according to the scriptures all Christians are saints.

But some are canonized a Saint like St. Joan of Arc or St. Paul so what has to happen for one to become a saint..

Answer 1

The members of God's Church are referred to in Scripture as "the saints on earth". Once a person dies and enters heaven, that person is one of "the heavenly saints". In the Apostles' Creed we refer to "the communion of saints". This phrase refers to the interaction between the saints on earth and the saints in heaven. In addition, the Church sometimes canonizes, that is officially recognizes, a particular deceased person as a heavenly saint. But canonization does not "make" a person a saint. It only acknowledges that the person already is in fact a heavenly saint.

Answer 2

Some Protestants refer to all true believers as saints. In Catholicism, saints are particular people chosen by God for special purposes. Canonization is the process through which a saint is recognised. Joan was always a saint, it just took until 1920 for the Church to recognise that fact with her canonization.

Answer 3

The word saint comes from the Greek word "hagios" which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious." It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.” "…Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem" (Acts 9:13). "Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda" (Acts 9:32).

In Roman Catholic theology, the saints are in Heaven. In the Bible, the saints are on earth. In Roman Catholic teaching, a person does not become a saint unless he/she is “beatified” or “canonized” by the Pope or prominent bishop. In the Bible, everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a saint.

Answer 4

The Pope canonize some people that lived a life of strong faith and good deeds, however I believe one can become a Saint by living several lives and achieving the highest level of spirituality.

Peace!

Answer 5

Not ever church or denomination recongizes sainthood in the manner that the Catholic Church has come to. And the Catholic Church recognizes that it does not, in fact, make anyone a saint. Rather, it recognizes a saint. In the Roman Catholic church, the title of Saint - with a capital 'S' - refers to a person who has been formally canonized (officially recognized) by the Church. This particular form of recognition formally allows the person so canonized to be listed in the official Litany of the Saints during Mass. Formal canonization is a lengthy process often taking many years, even centuries. The process includes a thorough investigation of the candidate for Sainthood. This investigation examines and confirms (or disproves) any number of visions or miracles attributed to candidate, or of the general holiness or specific good deeds that he or she may have done while alive. The Church, however, places special weight on those miracles or instances of intercession that happened after the individual died and which are seen to demonstrate the Saint's continued special relationship with God after death. Also, by this definition there are many people believed to be in heaven who have not been formally declared as Saints (most typically due to their obscurity and the involved process of formal canonization) but who may nevertheless generically be referred to as saints (lowercase 's'). Anyone in heaven is, in the untechnical sense, a saint. Unofficial devotions to thus far non-canonized saints do exist in certain regions. The veneration of saints, in Latin, cultus, or the cult of the saints, describes a particular popular devotion to the saints. Although the term "worship" is often used, it is meant in the old sense meaning to honor or give respect (dulia). Divine Worship properly reserved only for God (latria) is never given to the Saints. In Roman Catholic theology, since God is the God of the Living, then it follows that the saints are alive in Heaven. As "special friends of God," they can be asked to intercede or pray for those still on earth. A Saint may be designated as a Patron saint of particular causes or professions, or invoked against specific illnesses or disasters. They are not thought to have power of their own, but only that granted by God. Relics of Saints are respected in a similar manner to holy images and icons of Saints. Once a person has been declared a Saint, the body of the Saint is considered holy. In past centuries, the remains of Saints were distributed as holy artifacts. In modern times, however, there is a growing trend to respect the body of a Saint, leaving it alone and buried. Some of the saints have a symbol that represents their life.

Answer 6

Well a saint can be defined as a person striving to become like God by following his teachings, repenting, etc. and is not just defined as the canonized saints.

Answer 7

Your Priest friend is correct.

The Bible says that all true and genuine Christians are Saints.

If you'd like to become a saint, you need to be born again, converted. See the links below to find out how.

Or from the USA call 1-888-NEED-HIM.

Saint Arthur

Answer 8

WEll of course you must be baptized into the Catholic church to get to heaven at all. But if you truly love God then you will do everything for the glory of Him and you will become a saint. Of course the church sends you through tryel piriods. Like first you are venerable, (worthy of being prayed to and venerated) blessed, and then saint. I think that there are more in there but that is the general idea.

Answer 9

Yes that is true all christians are saints. People like Mother Theresa are as important as the Apostles.

Answer 10

Anyone who is a follower of Christ is a saint, set apart for good works.