The Rant: Do I see the desire that Christ has for me to be a saint? Do I believe I can be a saint?

Mission Statement

Monday, July 14, 2025

Do I see the desire that Christ has for me to be a saint? Do I believe I can be a saint?

Key Points

It seems likely that Christ desires all Christians to strive for sainthood, as Christian teachings emphasize a universal call to holiness.
Research suggests that every Christian can believe they can be a saint, as it is part of their identity and calling through faith and God's grace.
The concept of sainthood may vary across Christian traditions, but the evidence leans toward it being achievable for all believers.

https://www.vermontcatholic.org/saints/god-desires-for-us-to-become-saints/

Understanding Christ's Desire for SainthoodChristian teachings, particularly in Catholicism and many other traditions, suggest that Christ desires all believers to live holy lives, which is what being a saint means. For example, the Bible, in 1 Corinthians 1:2, addresses believers as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints," indicating a universal call. This aligns with 1 Peter 1:15-16, which urges, "Be holy, because I am holy," reinforcing that Christ's desire is for everyone to strive for holiness. Believing in Your Potential to Be a SaintIf you are a Christian, it seems likely that you can believe you can be a saint, as the Bible teaches that God's grace equips believers to live godly lives (2 Peter 1:3-4). Sainthood is not about perfection but about responding to this grace through faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9. The lives of canonized saints, who were often ordinary people, also suggest that this calling is achievable with devotion. Considering Different PerspectivesNote that the concept of sainthood can vary; for instance, Catholic tradition includes formal canonization, while other Christian groups may focus on the biblical view of all believers as saints. This complexity means your belief may depend on your tradition, but the evidence leans toward it being a shared calling.

Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Christ's Desire and Belief in SainthoodThis section provides a comprehensive analysis of the user's query, "Do I see the desire that Christ has for me to be a saint? Do I believe I can be a saint?" drawing from Christian teachings, biblical references, and theological perspectives. The discussion aims to address both parts of the query in depth, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers seeking clarity on this spiritual topic.

https://www.littleflower.org/st-therese/who-is-st-therese/

Background on Sainthood in Christian TheologySainthood, in Christian contexts, particularly within Catholicism, refers to individuals recognized for their exemplary holiness and closeness to God, often through formal canonization. However, biblically, the term "saint" (from the Greek hagios, meaning "holy" or "set apart") is used to describe all believers who have received Jesus Christ by faith. This broader understanding is evident in New Testament writings, where Paul frequently addresses Christian communities as "saints," such as in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:2. This suggests that sainthood is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all Christians.The Catechism of the Catholic Church and various Christian scholars, such as those cited in resources like Franciscan Media and GotQuestions.org, reinforce that all baptized Christians are considered saints in the sense of being called to holiness. This aligns with the biblical command in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "Be holy, because I am holy," which is directed at all believers, indicating a universal aspiration rather than an exclusive status.Christ's Desire for You to Be a SaintTo address the first part of the query, "Do I see the desire that Christ has for me to be a saint?", we turn to Christian teachings that emphasize Christ's universal call to holiness. The Bible, as a primary source, provides clear evidence. For instance:

In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul writes, "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours." This passage, supported by resources like Franciscan Media's article "We Are All Called to Be Saints," suggests that Christ's desire is for all believers to be holy, which is synonymous with being saints.
Similarly, 1 Peter 1:15-16, quoting Leviticus 11:44, commands, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This directive is not limited to a select group but applies to all who follow Christ, indicating His desire for universal sainthood.

Theological resources, such as those from Grace Theological Seminary, further clarify that Christ's desire is rooted in His redemptive work, making believers "holy" through sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). This process of being set apart for God is seen as Christ's intention for every Christian, supported by the idea that He provides the means for holiness through His grace and the Holy Spirit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Hippo

Given this, it seems likely that Christ desires for you to be a saint, meaning to live a life dedicated to holiness and reflecting His love. This desire is not contingent on your perfection but on your response to His call, as seen in the lives of biblical figures and early Christians who were addressed as saints despite their struggles.Believing You Can Be a SaintThe second part, "Do I believe I can be a saint?", is more personal but can be addressed through theological and biblical lenses. Christian teachings affirm that every believer can achieve sainthood, understood as living a holy life, through faith and God's grace. Key points include:

Biblical Foundation: The Bible teaches that all Christians are already considered saints by virtue of their faith. GotQuestions.org notes, "In the Bible, everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a saint," citing passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This suggests that sainthood is not earned but received through faith, making it accessible to all.
God's Equipping Grace: 2 Peter 1:3-4 states, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This passage, supported by resources like Life, Hope & Truth's article "How to Become a Saint," indicates that God provides the means for believers to live holy lives, reinforcing the belief that you can be a saint.
Examples of Saints: The lives of canonized saints, such as St. Barbara or the many unnamed "saints with a lowercase s" mentioned in Franciscan Media, show that they were ordinary people who, through faith and devotion, achieved holiness. This historical evidence suggests that sainthood is not an unattainable ideal but a realistic goal for any Christian willing to grow in their faith.
Process of Sanctification: Becoming a saint is an ongoing process of transformation, as outlined in Acts 2:38, where Peter says, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This process, detailed in resources like Grace Theological Seminary's discussion on sanctification, involves continual growth in holiness, making it a journey rather than a destination.

Given these points, research suggests that you can believe you can be a saint, as it is part of your identity and calling in Christ. This belief is supported by the biblical view that all believers are saints and by the practical examples of how God's grace enables holy living.

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/8-prayers-to-saint-joseph

Variations Across Christian TraditionsIt is important to note that the concept of sainthood can vary across Christian denominations, which may influence your perspective. For instance:

In Catholicism, sainthood often involves formal canonization, requiring beatification and canonization processes, as discussed in Wikipedia's entry on saints and GotQuestions.org's comparison of Catholic and biblical views. This formal recognition is not biblically required but is a tradition within the Church.
In Protestant traditions, while the term "saint" may be used less formally, the call to holiness remains central, as seen in resources like Desiring God's discussion on Christians as saints or sinners, emphasizing that all believers are called to live holy lives.

This variation means that your belief in being a saint may depend on your tradition, but the evidence leans toward it being a shared calling across Christianity, with the biblical view emphasizing accessibility for all.
Practical Reflection for the UserTo further explore these questions, you might consider reflecting on your own faith journey. How do you see Christ's call to holiness in your life? Are there areas where you can grow in virtue or devotion? Looking at the examples of saints, such as those mentioned in Saint of the Day by Leonard Foley, can inspire you to see sainthood as a realistic goal. Additionally, seeking guidance from your faith community or studying relevant scriptures, such as 1 Peter 1:15-16 or Ephesians 2:8-9, can deepen your understanding.

https://www.catholicworldmission.org/post/top-20-inspirational-catholic-quotes-from-saints-and-the-bible

Conclusion

In conclusion, it seems likely that Christ desires for you to be a saint, as Christian teachings emphasize a universal call to holiness for all believers, supported by scriptures like 1 Corinthians 1:2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. Additionally, research suggests that you can believe you can be a saint, as God's grace, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9 and 2 Peter 1:3-4, equips you to live a holy life, with historical examples reinforcing this possibility. While variations exist across Christian traditions, the evidence leans toward sainthood being an achievable calling for all, inviting you to reflect on your faith journey and grow in devotion.https://x.com/i/grok/share/Cn4ExIt345Ltkz2yG2la6Fy9h

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The kingdom of God is among you

Luke 17:20-25 Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’ He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.’

Live Adoration from Tyburn Convent

Adoration, also known as Eucharistic Adoration, is a Catholic prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a sign of devotion and worship to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be present in the consecrated host. During adoration, Catholics pray to Jesus Christ before the Eucharist at their local parish. The Eucharist is typically kept in a tabernacle at the parish church, and may be presented in front of a closed tabernacle or in front of the exposed host in a monstrance. A monstrance is a vessel used in Roman Catholic, Anglican, High Church Lutheran, and Old Catholic churches. It is a stand made of precious metal that holds the Blessed Sacrament during adoration. The word "monstrance" comes from Latin and means "to show".

It is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me. ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward. ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’ When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.

The beheading of John the Baptist

Matthew 14:1-12 Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah - Question: What does Higgaion and Selah mean? Answer: Both Higgaion and Selah are used numerous times in the Old Testament. They occur together in Psalm 9:16. The meanings of these words are uncertain. We observe Higgaion in such passages as Psalm 9:16; 19:14; 42:3; Lamentations 3:63. In Arabic, the root gives a deep vibrating sound, like the murmering sound of a harp (Psa. 92:3). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states that it may be derived from the Greek versions of Psalm 9:16 and takes it to mean an instrumental interlude. It may also mean a soliloquy or meditation such as concerning the judgment of God (Psa. 9:16), the words and work of God (Psa. 19:14), and the loving kindness and faithfulness of God (Psa. 92:2-3). In the Septuagint, Selah is translated as daplasma (meaning a division). It occurs in Habakkuk 3:3, 9, 13 and 71 times in the Psalms. It is used in 39 of our 150 psalms. Of those 39 psalms, 31 they are ones handed over to "the chief Musician." So, pause and meditation may be the predominate idea. In addition, it may mean to lift up (Hebrew, salal) or, in some definitions, a repetition, end of a strophe, or a recurring symphony. In his sermon named "HIGGAION!" about Psalm 9:16, Archibald G. Brown, on August 17, 1873, at the East London Tabernacle said this: "When the psalmist wrote this verse, and reached the words 'The wicked shall be snared in the work of his own hands', he seemed to be overpowered at the terror of the thought, and so put a full stop and wrote in the word 'Higgaion!' As much as to say, 'O my soul, meditate on the tremendous truth my hand has penned, and let all who read the same meditate.' And then after 'Higgaion' he puts 'Selah'. He would have there to be a solemn pause. Oh, I would that there could be just one moment's solemn pause in our meeting tonight. Would that there could be a Selah, a Higgaion! Friends, shall there be? I put it to you. 'The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes; and the wicked shall be snared in the work of his own hands!" Now let us just for a moment meditate on that. Let there be a solemn Higgaion, and let every heart ask itself the question, 'How do I stand in reference to this tremendous truth?' *Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr. (https://thirdmill.org/answers/answer.asp/file/47892)*

The Rant

Mission Statement

Monday, July 14, 2025

Do I see the desire that Christ has for me to be a saint? Do I believe I can be a saint?

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