Many people are curious about the beliefs of born-again Christians, especially when it comes to the concept of saints. The term "saint" can evoke images of revered figures in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, but how do born-again Christians view saints? Do they believe in honoring or venerating saints, or do they interpret the term differently? In this blog post, we will explore what born-again Christians believe about saints, how their beliefs differ from other Christian traditions, and what the Bible says about this topic.
Understanding the Born Again Perspective
Born-again Christians emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, based on the belief that salvation is a gift from God received through faith. This perspective often influences how they view concepts like saints, the veneration of holy figures, and the role of these figures in the Christian life.
Unlike Catholic and Orthodox traditions that recognize saints as individuals who have led exemplary lives and are venerated for their holiness, born-again Christians focus on Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity. They believe that all believers are saints in the biblical sense, called to live holy lives and to serve as examples of faith.
Do Born Again Christians Believe In Saints?
Generally, born-again Christians do not believe in venerating saints in the same way that Catholic or Orthodox Christians do. Their beliefs are rooted in the Bible, which emphasizes direct access to God through Jesus Christ without the need for intercessors or saintly mediators.
However, they do recognize and honor biblical saints—men and women of faith mentioned in Scripture—by learning from their lives and examples. The key difference lies in the distinction between honoring biblical figures as models of faith and venerating them as divine or semi-divine beings.
Veneration of Saints in Other Traditions
- Catholicism: Recognizes saints officially through canonization and encourages veneration and prayer to saints as intercessors.
- Eastern Orthodoxy: Similar to Catholicism, venerates saints and celebrates their feast days, believing saints intercede before God on behalf of believers.
- Protestantism (including Born Again Christians): Generally rejects the veneration of saints, emphasizing direct prayer and relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
For born-again Christians, the Bible is the ultimate authority, and they interpret it as advocating for direct access to God without the need for saints as intermediaries.
What the Bible Says About Saints and Holy Figures
Born-again Christians often cite several Bible verses that emphasize the priesthood of all believers and the direct relationship believers have with God through Jesus Christ. Here are some key passages:
- 1 Corinthians 1:2: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse indicates that all believers are considered saints.
- Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” This suggests a recognition of faithful believers as witnesses rather than veneration of saints.
- Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Emphasizes unity and direct access to God.
From these passages, born-again Christians interpret the Bible as teaching that all believers are saints in God's eyes, and there is no biblical mandate for venerating or praying to saints.
Exploring the Bible
- Revelation 5:8: “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” This verse shows saints as those who pray to God, but born-again Christians believe that all believers have this access directly through Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This encourages believers to pray directly to God, not through saints.
- Romans 8:34: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Reinforces that Christ intercedes on behalf of believers, not saints.
These verses help clarify that the biblical model emphasizes a personal and direct relationship with God through Jesus, rather than veneration of saints or praying to them for intercession.
Conclusion
In summary, born-again Christians generally do not believe in venerating saints in the traditional sense practiced by Catholic and Orthodox churches. They see all believers as saints in the biblical sense—those set apart by faith in Jesus Christ—and emphasize direct communication with God through Christ alone. While they respect the faith and examples of biblical saints, they do not pray to or seek intercession from saints, believing that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.
This understanding underscores the core principles of born-again Christianity: a personal, direct relationship with God, grounded in Scripture and faith in Jesus Christ. By focusing on Christ as the ultimate intercessor, born-again believers maintain a simple yet profound connection with God, rooted in biblical teachings.
Heaven Awaits Brothers & Sisters - Stay Steadfast, Shalom
1 Corinthians 2:9 - No eyes have seen and no ears have heard the things that God has prepared for those who love him💙
Epistle Bliss
Epistle Bliss is a faith-filled space exploring Christianity, God’s Word, the Divine, and the hope of Heaven. Created by a passionate team of believers, we share reflections, teachings, and uplifting insights designed to inspire deeper faith, encourage spiritual growth, and draw hearts closer to God.
