The Reverend Harold A. Linn, Pastor

An Essay in Honor of All Saints Day: Who are the Saints?

By Dr. Richard P. Bucher

Introduction

The word "saint" means "holy/sacred one." It is a Middle English word that came from the Old French sant, which in turn was based on the Late Latin sanctus.1 But there is more to saints and sainthood than mere definitions! The teaching of the saints and sainthood has a long and varied history in the Christian Church. Specifically, the question, "Who are the saints?" has been answered in ways that are often contradictory and divisive. Put simply, since the time of the 16th Century Reformation, Christians have often vehemently disagreed with one another over who the saints are, how the saints became saints, and the work that they do.

What is the disagreement about? Generally speaking, Roman and Eastern (Orthodox) Catholics have tended to define saints rather narrowly as referring only to a small group of deceased Christians who, while on earth, manifested extraordinary piety. Furthermore, such Christians officially become saints only after being canonized by the Pope (Roman Catholics but not Orthodox). Roman Christians also believe that these saints intercede for us before God and can aid those who pray to them. They therefore urge their followers to venerate and invoke the saints for help and mercy. Reformation Churches (esp. Lutheran), on the other hand, have broadly defined saints to be all believers in Jesus Christ, both living and dead. They became saints, these churches teach, through faith in Jesus Christ and holy Baptism. According to Lutherans, the "work" of the saints in heaven is largely undefined by Scripture. If heavenly saints do pray for Christians on earth, say the Lutherans, nowhere in Scripture are believers encouraged to invoke them or look to them for aid, let alone for forgiveness or salvation. Such praying and venerating the saints can easily lead to an idolatrous robbing Christ of His glory as the only Savior and Mediator. So much for a summary.

This essay will briefly answer the question, "Who are the Saints?" on the basis of Holy Scripture. First, it will look at the meaning and origin of what we now call "All Saints Day." Second, it will examine the identity of the saints (who they are and how they became saints) as defined in (1) the New Testament, (2) the Roman Catholic Church, (3) the Lutheran Confessions and the writings of Luther. Third, it will explore the function of the saints in heaven, what they do according to (1) the New Testament, (2) the Roman Catholic Church, (3) the Lutheran Confessions and Luther.

An Introduction
Part I: The Meaning and Origin of the Feast of All Saints
Part II: The Identity of the Saints - Who are They and How Did They Become Saints

according to

the New Testament
the Roman Catholic Church
the Lutheran Confessions

Part III: The Function of the Saints in Heaven - What They Do

according to

the New Testament
the Roman Catholic Church
the Lutheran Confessions

1 . Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition (Springfield: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1993).